Desktop Badge Printiers are Affordable

Just a few years ago, people used cut and paste systems to make ID cards. The person would take a picture with an instant camera, die cut the picture to the correct size, stick the picture on a piece of paper that was preprinted with a company logo and name, laminate the card and attach a badge clip. These cards frequently peeled around the edge, faded and could easily be tampered with or counterfeited.

With all of the hassle, cost and time in making the old fashioned cut and paste ID card, many groups still use this method as they mistakenly believe that the newer ID card making process using plastic cards is too expensive.

By looking at initial purchase price and the cost of consumables, you will find that you will recoup your money in a short time. Desktop ID badge printers are affordable and provide additional durability and security that a laminated badge never could.

Current popular plastic printing systems are available for around $1200 to 1500. This will provide you with software, printer and supplies to complete your first 200 cards. This print method commonly used today is a direct to card print. The printer heats the color image into the plastic card. The image is protected by an overlay layer which protects the card from some fading and scratching.

Consumables for the ID card printer system are print ribbons and cardstock. Pricing for these items vary widely based on type of card used and whether the ribbon is dual sided, single sided and if it is full color or single monochrome color.

The best part about desktop ID card printers for the operator is that the card is quick and easy to produce. Once the card design is finished, an operator imports a picture, enters the custom information and prints the card. Replacement cards can be made even faster by pulling up the custom information in a query and reprinting the card.

The life of the plastic card is longer than the typical cut and paste card. The plastic card does not peel or come apart like the laminated card.

Other benefits include the ability to print on contactless and contact chip cars or magnetic strip cards. This allows one card to provide multifunctional capabilities within the organization.

Another benefit is the security options with ID card printers. Many printers have lock options on them to prevent others from using the printer without authorization. Password control of the PC housing the ID card software also is easy to set up and control.

The quality of the image on a plastic card printer is usually much greater than that of a laminated card. People who generally like their picture will proudly display their badge. This provides a sense of belonging and security for individuals who are connected to the company as an employee, contractor, visitor or other member. People who are proud of their company are bound to promote their organization leading to happier personnel and additional leads for potential future customers.