Choosing a card printing system

Card personalisation systems come in all shapes and sizes and can be tailored to suit requirements. While the choice can seem daunting, in fact, there are only four key elements to select. Simply follow the steps below to discover just how easy choosing a system can be.

Step 1 - choose the input device

An input device is needed to capture the image of the person. This can range from low-cost web cams through to high-resolution digital cameras for live, mobile capture. A passport photo / flatbed scanner or even a combination of these types can also be used.

Step 2 - choose the software

Once the photo is captured, it needs to be stored, along with the person's details. ID software like Dataimage combines a database for data storage, plus badge design software, to allow you to design the layout of the card. Software can also enable automatic encoding of the magnetic stripe, RF and smart card.

Step 3 - choose the printer

Once the card data has been assembled, it needs to be printed. Card printers print directly to plastic cards, while other printers, like inkjet or laser, will print to paper or special plastics, for visitor or temporary passes or for old-style lamination and die cutting into cards.

Step 4 - choose the cards

A great variety of materials exist to create cards. Plastics range from economical PVC to superior-grade, long-life polyester. A4 sized Teslin sheets are available for inkjet and laser printing cards eight-up, while pre-printed paper inserts can be used for visitor passes or event ticketing.