The Best of ID Card Printers in 2022: Reviewed by an Expert
If you own a business on a larger scale, you would do well to provide each employee with an ID card. At the very least, an ID card is visual verification of an employee’s employment status with your business. (This White Lab Coat Effect of sorts goes double for employees providing customer service.) At most, an ID card can also serve as an upgrade to the more antiquated lock-and-key methodology of workplace security. (Whilst anyone can pick a lock, the only way to bypass a card’s encrypted data is with some serious hacking skills.)
If your business needs ID cards, stat—be this for the sake of new hires (or customers), a high turnover rate, or the preference to manage processes internally—you may wish to purchase an ID card printer. Though an expensive investment, this piece of technology will obliterate all negotiations and waiting periods with third-party vendors. With an ID card printer in your possession, your business has full control over when to print the cards, and which format the cards will take.
If we have successfully sold you on ID card printers, you’re going to need some recommendations. Which are the best ID card printers going around? In the next portion of this blog post, we’ll outline the makings of a great ID card printer. Then, we’ll move on to some top ID card printer reviews and recommendations from an expert’s perspective. Read on to learn how you can best choose an ID printer to service your business in 2022.
What’s in an ID card printer?
An ID card printer is a long-term investment. Because of this, you’ll want to ensure it features all features to fit your business needs. Think of it like a car: if you replace it too soon, you won’t be getting your money’s worth from your expensive venture. So, do take the time to choose the right one for you.
Size and storability
When buying a new appliance or piece of technology, sizing is among the most important considerations. Set your mind back, for example, to the first time you bought a new fridge. When reviewing your options, what was one of the first things you did? Measure your kitchen to ensure you would not sink your money into an investment too oversized for the space available. Though an ID card printer will be smaller than most refrigerators, the same principle applies. You will have a dedicated space where you will store your ID card printer. Ensure your final choice will not only fit your space but will also be fully accessible and user-friendly from this location.
Quantity and quality
Traditionally, quality will trump quantity, but in the case of ID card printers, these contrasting qualities are on an even playing field. When buying an ID card printer, do count your chickens before they hatch. By that, we mean that you should calculate how many cards you will need to print per year. These won’t necessarily be just for your employees, either. Does your business dispense loyalty cards or membership cards to patrons? If so, you should factor your annual dispensation into the final card count. The number doesn’t need to be exact, but it does need to provide a rough idea.
Why do you need to know what you will be working with in a given year? Some ID card printers will have smaller capacities than others. You’ll want to buy one that can spit out as many as you need at the rate at which you will need them.
Appropriate speed and colour scheme
Speaking of which, what is the rate at which you will need ID cards printed? The answer to this question will determine what sort of ID card printer you will purchase. Whilst some models take no more than 10 seconds to spit out a card, others can take up to 35 seconds. Though this may not sound like a significant difference, think of it this way: in the time some machines take to print one card, another model will be halfway through their fourth. Now multiply those seconds by the average quantity of cards you’ll be printing at a time.
In business, time is money. If you can afford to spare just over one minute to print two cards, then perhaps the 35-second print time won’t be an issue. Alternatively, you could print at least six cards per minute if the print time is 10 seconds or under. How much efficiency will you require? Efficiency will also depend on whether you’re opting for coloured or monochromatic prints. Though most will opt for the former, these will take longer than the latter.
Capacity for double-sided prints or encryption
Some ID cards need only display basic information, whilst others will require all available space to display all necessary information. If you’re mostly printing cards in the fashion of the former, you may be content with an ID card printer that prints single-sided only. If your cards need to display information on both sides—presumably that which goes beyond names, addresses, or membership numbers—then you will want to invest in an ID card printer that can print double-sided.
Some ID cards double as security passes. This is especially the case if you work in government, or any other sector that stores high volumes of sensitive information. If you wish to encrypt data onto your ID cards, you’ll need to cough up for an ID card printer that can print this sophisticated feature. Fair warning: this won’t be a cheap investment.
Fargo DTC1250e
The Fargo DTC1250e is the best plastic card printer going around. If you’re looking for something no-fuss with optimal performance, this entry-level model may just be for you. For something so basic, its power and flexibility may surprise you. On average, other printers of its class will produce card batches at half the speed that the Fargo DTC1250e will. It prints fast (up to 50 per cent faster than similar models), it costs very little, and it’s ideal for printing photo ID cards for small businesses, schools, registered clubs, and local governments. This printer operates under the direct-to-card approach.
The benefits don’t stop there. This printer will take up very little space and its interface couldn’t be more user-friendly. This pint-sized power pocket has your basics covered at a great price and commendable speed. Get a quote on this model from HID Fargo and enjoy a three-year warranty once purchased. For further details about its WiFi and software compatibility, options, and specs, check out its product page on identitypeople.com.au.
