Card printers print and encode plastic cards: staff ID badges, membership, loyalty, access and visitor cards. Our range includes over 50 models, mostly from ZEBRA and EVOLIS, along with printers from MAGICARD, MATICA and TSC.
How to choose a card printer
Printing technology. Most offices and small businesses use direct-to-card dye-sublimation printing, where dye from a ribbon is transferred straight onto the plastic. This suits standard photo ID cards. Retransfer printers print the image onto a film first and then laminate it onto the card, which gives a smooth result even on cards with a chip, but these machines are larger and cost more.
Single or double-sided printing. If you need to print on the back as well, for example rules, a barcode or contact details, choose a double-sided model. A single-sided printer is enough for simple badges where the reverse stays blank or is pre-printed.
Card encoding. If the card has to open doors or log in to a system, you need an encoding module for a magnetic stripe, a contact chip or a contactless RFID card. Some models come with the module fitted, while on others it is added separately, so check the exact configuration before buying.
Ribbons and volume. Full-colour printing usually uses a YMCKO ribbon (yellow, magenta, cyan, black and a protective overcoat), while a monochrome ribbon is enough for text or barcodes. Ribbon capacity decides how many cards you print before changing it, so a business printing cards every day should look at models with a larger ribbon and a bigger card feeder.
Connections. USB is enough for a single computer. If several colleagues will share the printer, choose a model with Ethernet, and some models also offer Wi-Fi.
Brands in our range
- ZEBRA: best known for label and barcode equipment, and makes card printers from simple ZC series models to business-grade ZXP series machines.
- EVOLIS: a French manufacturer that focuses solely on card printers, known for its Primacy, Zenius and Pebble series.
- MAGICARD: a British manufacturer known for its Enduro and Rio Pro series and for the HoloKote security hologram pattern printed on cards.
- MATICA: makes card printers, including the XID series, and ID document personalisation systems.
Also in our range: TSC, better known for its label printers.
Card printer FAQ
How is a card printer different from a normal printer?
A card printer prints on standard plastic cards rather than paper and uses a dye ribbon with a protective layer. Many models can also encode the card by writing data to a magnetic stripe, chip or RFID tag. An ordinary laser or inkjet printer cannot feed plastic cards and is not designed for them.
What card size does a card printer take?
Most models are designed for standard CR80 cards, which measure 85.6 × 54 mm, the same as a bank card. PVC is the most common material, but the permitted card thickness and material should be checked for each model.
Do I need an encoding module?
You only need an encoding module if data has to be written to the card, for example to unlock doors or to work with a time-tracking system. If the card is only a visual badge, a printer without a module is enough. It is worth checking which card readers you use, so that the module matches their standard.
How do I know which ribbon fits my printer?
Ribbons depend on the model and manufacturer, so only the ribbons specified for your printer will fit. YMCKO ribbons are the usual choice for full-colour printing, and monochrome ribbons for text. The exact ribbon code is given in the printer's specification or manual.
