Entry Level ID Card Printers Reviewed

An ID card printer is one piece of officemake your first 25 badges. The whole package is
equipment that stands out for its usefulness andgeared toward the customer who wants to take
versatility. The same machine can be used forthe unit out of the box and get it set up right
employee IDs, visitor management, customeraway.
reward programs, access control, and marketingDatacard offers the SP35 Plus single sided printer
campaigns. Inexpensive card stock can befor high-speed full color printing (up to 160 cards
purchased in a variety of colors; and ribbons areper hour). This model is known for its efficiency
available for single and full color applications. Theand ease of use. The print driver offers
price per card for adding a secure and durableinstructions and image previews so the operator
topcoat is minimal.knows what is going on at all times. Online help is
While it is possible to purchase an ID printer withjust a click away with this software. The unit
no encoding options, a magnetic stripe read/writefeatures ribbon saver technology that can keep
module is generally considered an entry-levelsupply costs low. Continuous card cleaning keeps
feature. The basic card printers listed below allthe print path clear and cuts down on
retail for under $2500. This means you can affordmaintenance requirements. When service is
to include magnetic stripe encoding - even on anecessary, the SP35 makes that easy too.
budget. Without this capability, an ID enrollmentRibbons can be quickly changed, the card path is
program is limited to just printing a photo andhighly accessible, and the printhead can be
text on each badge. Users will not be able to takereplaced by the end user.
advantage of modern time/attendance trackingUnlike the previous two printers, the Zebra P120i
and access control readers.is a dual sided model. Your ability to print
Printer Models to Consider - All Offer Full Colorinformation on each card is instantly doubled when
Printing and a 2 Year Warrantyyou choose this equipment. Surprisingly, this is also
The Nisca PR-C101 is a single sided printer with athe least expensive printer on this list. Of course,
very small footprint. It is designed to fit in anythe manufacturer doesn't sacrifice quality and
office space and can be configured to deliverefficiency for price. This unit features drop-in
finished cards from either a front or a rear exit.ribbons with integrated card cleaning rollers, supply
The LCD screen rotates so you can read it noconservation technology, and a backlit LCD display.
matter which direction the unit is facing. BadgeDouble-sided badges can be created at a rate of
creation software comes standard so you don't90 cards per hour. Full color can be printed on the
have to purchase it separately. You will alsofront and black text can be added on the back
receive enough ribbon and card stock supplies tousing YMCKK ribbon.