Nikki Stephens's Weblog

Are you thinking about printing your own identification cards or loyalty cards on PVC cardstock? There are various reasons why you may want to print PVC plastic cards. They may be used for basci identification or for loyalty discounts. Maybe the cards will be used to track entry into buildings or access secure areas.

Many organizations are obtaining their own in house photo id card system to be able to print the cards exactly as they are needed in a quick time frame. It is expensive to have this function outsourced and the process can be frustrating when even the most minute of mistakes are made. Having to wait additional days to receive a corrected card may be detrimental to your security processes. By having a complete system in house, it is easy to reprint cards as needed and adjust changes needed on badges on the fly. When printing your own cards, the control is in your hands as far as what the card looks like, who may receive them, and when they are issued.

Printing with your own photo id system is not difficult. The printer connects to your computer like any normal office printer. The printer takes directions from the software being used and prints images on plastic cards. If you do print these cards in house, there are a number of supplies for the system you will need to obtain to complete the card printing.

PVC cards

There are a number of different styles and qualities of cards that you can choose. The most popular is the image grade CR-80 30 ml PVC card. This is a standard white card the size of your credit card that can be printed on with full color. This card allows maximum flexibility in card design and provides professional results.

Printer Ribbons

Like any printer, the id card printer needs to have a ribbon cartridge to provide the ink that prints on the card. The ribbons are made full color or single color and provide correct color combinations to provide realistic images on a plastic card.

Laminates

Many cards are able to last longer with the use of a laminate. There are a number of different ways to provide this protection. Some printers have modules that automatically place a protective layer on the card after printing. Some choose to purchase individual laminates (also called holograms) to place one by one on the printed cards. Other groups purchase plastic pouches and require their card holders to wear the card in the pouch to increase the durability of the card.

Cleaning Kits

Cleaning kits are important to keep your machine in top quality condition. The printer manufacturers provide specific kits for various printer models. The kit provides the swabs, pens and cleaning rollers needed to keep the internal parts of the printer working efficiently for years to come.

Additional items may be needed based on specific needs of your organization. Badge attachments and badge holders are varied and many be needed.

Printing your own id badges and plastic cards does have additional benefits. Printing cards in house provides a faster, less expensive and easier way to provide id cards for your group members. Here are some additional reasons to consider having your own id card system:

1. You can print any number of cards at one time—from one to thousands.
2. You can change the badge design any time you need.
3. There is no time wait to receive the needed badges.
4. Mistakes can be quickly corrected.
5. The cost per badge is significantly reduced when a medium to large size number of badges are needed.

Consider a photo id card system a worthwhile investment if increasing security is on your organizational agenda. The plastic card printer system is easy to install and use. The flexibility provides a medium of expression in design and a cost effective way to provide identification.

New Shopping Cart for Safe-Card ID

nikkistephens — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:08:09 +0000

ID card printer systems and supplies are always needed in various forms for organizations such as schools, hospitals, government, and business. The cards are used for identification in some groups. Other groups use cards for access to the physical facility and networking systems as well as identification.

Safe-Card ID has been instrumental in thousands of needed IDs. Providing two options for its customers, the company provides both a service bureau to provide completed custom badges and also a system side that provides photo id systems and system components to organizations that wish to complete their own badges on site.

Improving customer experience, Safe-Card ID is updating it’s shopping cart with a new look and additional products. Products available in the new experience include:

ID Card Printer Systems
ID Card Printers
ID Software
ID Cards
Printer Ribbons
Slot Punches
and much more.

Safe-Card ID looks forward to your visit. We welcome any feedback that you have through the contact form.

Print PVC Cards In House

nikkistephens — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:32:32 +0000

Are you thinking about printing your own PVC cards or identification cards? There are various reasons why you may want to print small plastic cards. They may be used for simple identification or for loyalty reasons. Maybe the cards will be used to access secure areas or to track various company activities.

PVC Cards

Printer Ribbons

Laminates

Cleaning Kits

Additional items may be needed based on specific needs of your organization. Badge attachments and badge holders are varied and many be needed.

1. You can print any number of cards at one time-from one to thousands.
2. You can change the badge design any time you need.
3. There is no time wait to receive the needed badges.
4. Mistakes can be quickly corrected.
5. The cost per badge is significantly reduced when a medium to large size number of badges are needed.

Consider a photo id card system a worthwhile investment if increasing security is on your organizational agenda. The system is easy to install and use. The flexibility provides a medium of expression in design and a cost effective way to provide identification.

Monitoring Visitation with ID Cards

nikkistephens — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:54:21 +0000

Visitor management has become a vital part of the security process for many companies and organizations. This process allows each location the capability to monitor who is on their property and where they go while they are there. This is a valuable tool for anyone concerned with security.

How important is it to know who may be on your property and where they are trying to get too? It is pretty important if that place is a school or a hospital. In a hospital there are certain rooms that should not be entered by everyone, perhaps patients that should only receive certain visitors. By placing a card reader at a particular entrance you can monitor and designate who may enter that area. Each card can be programmed to allow entrance into particular areas. If a visitor swipes their card and try to enter a security area they will be denied entrance. If they are privy to that area their card will grant them entrance. These readers can also pull data from the visitors drivers license and will provide valuable information that you may need to know.

In schools these readers can pull programmed data from a visitor’s card that lists any known sex offenders or list any non-custodial parents who are not allowed to visit their children alone. Many children are kidnapped under these circumstances. It is top priority in schools to ensure that children are never released to anyone but authorized guardians. There may not be a more vital environment for visitor management then in our schools. The safety of our children is at the top of everyone’s list of importance.

In the business world you can combine the visitor management software with the employee ID program. All you need is a compact printer at the reception desk and visitor ID cards can be whipped up in moments. ID card templates can be coded in color to describe the mission of the visitor. They may be contractors, customers, vendors, or VIPs. By utilizing RFID encoding or the Magnetic Stripe you can determine the visitor’s accessibility. The system can even print off a listing of who is in the building in case of an emergency.

As with any item used for security access ID cards should be monitored. Visitors should be required to check in at the front desk when departing as well as entering. This way all ID’s are returned and accounted for. If they are programmed cards they can be erased and utilized again in the future. By utilizing an organized visitor management program you can give yourself a little more peace of mind. The ability to monitor individuals in your environment cannot be underestimated. The ever changing ID card technology has made the whole process of security a little easier to manage. Unwanted visitors are being denied entrance and wanted visitors have a much smoother process to endure than in past years. The ID card appears that it will remain a mainstay in the world of security for many more years to come.

Why Choose a Datacard Printer

nikkistephens — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:08:55 +0000

We are living in a tough economy. Everyone is looking for ways to get the job done without spending extra money. Individuals, businesses and organizations are looking to maintain a positive bottom line while reducing operational expenses. The important and difficult thing is providing the same or better quality of service with less resources to provide the work. Many of today’s businesses are turning from outsourcing their identification badge making to investing in a photo id card system in house. Benefits are the ability to save money on the per badge print for their employee ID cards, membership cards and other custom cards specific to their organization.

The photo ID card printer systems today are cost justifiable and provide features that were not available just a few years ago. The printers are user-friendly and easy to learn card design software make it easy to create a unique professional looking badge yourself.

By investing in a photo ID card printer system, a group is able to reduce the expenses of a third party card printing service. It also provides the capability to make changes or create a new badge design on the fly. If a new division is created or a new type of verification is needed for facility access, a unique badge design can be created with almost immediate results. No more waiting for someone else to interpret your badge design vision. No more paying others fees to create the look and requirements that you have for your organizational processes.

Your ID card printer will provide the custom printed cards that can optimize your group’s security needs.

Once you have made the decision to move forward with acquiring an id card printer system, you will begin the process of looking at various brands and models of the printer manufacturers. Making the best purchase can be challenging as your individual requirements for your current and future cards may need special security or access features.

Why choose a Datacard Printer?

Once you have decided to move forward with acquiring a photo ID card printer to help with your business, you will need to review the various brands and models of printers that will meet your ID card printing requirements. If you are new to the world of custom id card printing, it may be a challenge to familiarize yourself with the various standard features and options available to you.

A good place to start is to look a the Datacard printer models. Datacard provides precision, value and durability to any office. Trusted worldwide, the Datacard printer line has a rock solid reputation for quality. The printer line up offers many price points for a wide variety of budgets and deliver professional grade performance with consistent reliability.

Datacard SP35 Plus

The Datacard SP35 Plus is the perfect PVC card printer for small to medium stize companies purchasing a printer for the first time. The interface is user-friendly and is simple to learn. Message prompts, user help options and card previews make this printer easy to understand and use. The printer is small enough to fit on a office desk and is easy to transport in a mobile business. Multiple locations and work stations can use this small printer to produce needed cards in an economical manner.

This small printer, however, provides crystal-clear image quality cards that is expected from all Datacard printers. The printer is able to compete in image output with printers in more advanced categories.

Datacard SP55 Plus

If you are looking for a great printer that can offer a number of different features. The Datacard SP55 Plus printer might be the perfect fit. This printer offers the option of printing either single or dual sided card. This capability offers a variety of options when it comes to producing unique card for multiple areas and purposes in your organization. Bar codes, mag stripes and smart call technology modules are all available with this printer model.

With a production time of up to 190 cards per hour, the SP55 Plus printer is capable of handling large sized jobs. Quick and efficient printing with professional, quality results. The Sp55 Plus printer is worth reviewing.

Datacard SP75 Plus

The Datacard SP75 Plus printer provides crystal-clear image quality cards also with a number of today’s more popular card security options. Bar codes, magnetic stripes, proximity cards and smart cards are all able to be printed and encoded with the SP75 Plus printers enabled with security options.

This printer is known for it’s durability and also for increased duty cycle. This printer will complete a high volume of cards time after time with exceptional performance and image quality.

Slot Punch Options for Every Business

nikkistephens — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:39:55 +0000

Slot punches are great tools that make a consistent hole in the ID badge so that it can be worn. By placing a slot punch on the ID card, the identification card can be worn with a clip or other attachment so that it is visible while on location. The slot punch can be set to correctly punch multiple cards with ease. The card will not split when using a slot punch as it may with other methods of hole punching.

There are many options to choose from when selecting a slot punch. Manual punches are perfect for organizations and groups that print a minimal number of badges at a time. These punches are not ideal for large organizations or educational institutions that produce a large number of cards at one setting.
The most economical slot punch is the hand held slot punch. These devices are perfect for small organizations that produce badges occasionally. The punch requires the user to close the punch by physical force. This is doable for a small number of cards. A large stack of hole punches with this slot punch choice would be physically difficult.

Staple style slot punches look like a desk top stapler. The slot punch resides easily on a desktop and is pushed to create a hole in the desired card. This punch is sufficient for smaller situations.

The table top slot punch is an excellent selection for a large number of holes. The consistent punch is simple in construction and is durable. Small and medium sized groups will find a gem with this solid punch that can handle heavy card printing situations.

A three in one slot punch provides for three options. The punch can create a round hole or a slot hole depending on the outcome desired. The punch can also round the card corner to ensure that the card is not rough or sharp on the edge.

The high end option of the many slot punches is the electric slot punch. This punch is perfect for organizations that produce a consistently large number of cards every day. The punch is simple to operate, consistent and always ready to perform. This punch operates by using a foot switch. The punch comes in a standard model and also in a heavy duty model for intense card punching.

Things you may consider to purchase the best printer for your organization are the following. How many cards will be printed in a single timeframe? What is your budget? What are the requirements of the punch and what size of punch is best for your operations?

Investing in a slot punch is worthwhile as the device is durable and long lasting. With the inclusion of a slot punch, a printer system can be fully complete and easy to operate.

For additional information about slot punch options and id badge holders, contact our id card experts at 888-485-4696.

Card Printer Maintenance – What You Should Know

nikkistephens — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:22:32 +0000

Purchasing an ID card printer for your business or office is most often a worthwhile purchase. The printer system allows you to review your card needs and create ID cards that meet the exact specifications needed for your organizational security and success. The cards can be created on the spot. A wait time for the cards to arrive from your ID card printing company is eliminated.

To keep the ID card printer running successfully on demand, the printer needs to be maintained with proper care. Although it does not require deep technical understanding to keep the printer clean, a small amount of time spent following manufacturer guidelines will keep the printer working smoothly during the various demands from the organization.

The cleaning requirements of each machine may be slightly different than other models. By keeping the machine clean according to the manufacturer directions, the printer will remain working for an extended period of time. Each printer model has a special cleaning kit designed especially to meet the specifications of the printer. Most cleaning kits will include products to clean the rollers and will include alcohol based cleaning pens and cards for internal cleaning. Each printer comes with instructions for the cleaning kit needed and the frequency the supplies need to be used.

Some printers have a reminder pop up when it is time for cleaning and maintenance. You will find the reminder on the LCD screen of the printer or pop up on the computer monitor. The reminder is normally based on how many cards have been printed since the last cleaning. Some printers do not have this functionality. To compensate, it is important to make a manual cleaning schedule in your office. The schedule can be checked and manually updated when a cleaning has occurred.

Good working order is the key to id card printer satisfaction. By keeping the cleaning schedule as provided by the manufacturer, the print head and other printer parts are provided the care they need to produce crisp, clear cards time and time again.

To know exactly what to do with your printer, locate the user manual that came with your printer. Locate the cleaning instructions in the manual and make sure that you understand the process that is recommended. If you have questions about the information, the manufacturer or printer distributor should be able to clarify. By following this maintenance and cleaning instructions the printer will provide professional results year after year.

Quality ID card printer manufacturers provide detailed information about their printers for review prior to purchase. Those you may want to consider are the Fargo printer, Evolis Printer, Magicard Printer, Datacard Printer, Zebra Printer and CIM Printer.

Card Printer Options and Features

nikkistephens — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:26:48 +0000

ID card printers have a number of standard or add on features. When purchasing your id card printer, you can specify which modules you want incorporated to make sure that you get everything you need for current and future plans. Some manufacturers have built their ID card printers so that you can obtain a base model printer and add additional modules and features at a later time.

Magnetic Stripe Programming

Cards with magnetic stripes on them have either a HiCo or LoCo mag stripe on the card. The mag stripe is encoded by a stand alone encoder or can be encoded by a module in the printer. Data for the encoding can be transferred to the encoding module in the printer by the card production software. The information is added to the magnetic stripe by electromagnetic stimulation. Encoders can program both HiCo and LoCo cards. They also can erase and rewrite information on the magnetic strip. The encoder can encode three separate tracks of information that will allow the card to be used for different applications.

Lamination

To add a laminate to your id card, there are two basic methods. The first way is to use the standard YMCKO print ribbon. The “O” on the ribbon stands for overlay. Although this top coat, clear protection is not durable like a separate laminate, the “O” layer automatically adds a layer of protection that will help to increase the lifetime of the card.

If you want to increase the durability of the card, the other option is to add a laminate to the top of a printed card. The laminate comes in a separate roll and is applied to the card with a laminate module in the printer. Laminates come in different thicknesses. The card slows down card production, but makes the completed card more durable. Laminates can also increase the security of the card as they can contain custom holograms and other security features that make card duplication difficult.

Smart Chip Data Loading

A smart card has the capability of processing various types of data by use of an integrated circuit chip in the card. The chip is a transfer device that can take information from one point to another. These chips are very secure and can handle sensitive information. The cards are available in both contact and contactless formats. The contact smart chip must connect into a data port or receiver to begin information transfer. Contactless cards use RFID technology to transfer data.

RFID Encoding

Radio frequency identification devices are becoming more common as the components are smaller and relatively inexpensive to produce. They can be incorporated into plastic id cards. Using an RFID reader, the device can be read remotely through plastic cards, labels, buttons or other encasements. Businesses often use this method to allow employees and contractors to access secure facilities. These cards do not have to be swiped as the card can be held close to a reader to open a gate or door. The cards are activated by their proximity to the antenna in the card reader. Since batteries or a power source is not needed to activate the card, the chip can last for many years.