What’s the difference between a Direct-to-Card and Retransfer ID Card Printer?

Introduction

“What’s the difference between direct-to-card and retransfer printers?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. To help, we’ve put together a detailed look at the differences and unique advantages of these two printer types.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key distinctions between these printing technologies and include a convenient reference table for quick comparison.

Direct-to-card vs Retransfer: What’s the difference?

The primary distinction between direct-to-card (DTC) and retransfer ID card printing lies in how each method transfers text and images onto a card’s surface. A direct-to-card printer applies the design directly onto the card using a printer ribbon and printhead that come into direct contact with the card.

In contrast, a retransfer printer first prints the design onto a transparent overlay film using the ribbon. This film is then fused to the card’s surface through a combination of heat and pressure, resulting in a true edge-to-edge print.

While it may sound complex, the process is easier to understand than it seems! Watch our video below for a detailed explanation of how these printing techniques work.

Direct-to-card printing process explained

Direct-to-card (DTC) printers, also known as dye-sublimation printers, are among the most commonly used card printing devices. These printers use a printhead with thousands of pixels to apply images and text directly onto the surface of ID cards, producing sharp and clear results.

However, one limitation of DTC printers is the small white border that remains around the card’s edges after printing. This can be inconvenient if you’re aiming for a colorful, full-bleed design or a highly professional look. On the positive side, DTC printers are capable of quickly producing large volumes of cards and are more affordable than retransfer printers.

Retransfer printing process explained

Retransfer ID card printers utilize a more advanced, two-step printing process. First, the design is printed onto a transparent overlay film, which is then fused onto the card’s surface.

One significant advantage of retransfer printers is their ability to achieve full card coverage, eliminating the unwanted white border seen with some other methods. Additionally, because the printhead doesn’t make direct contact with the card, retransfer printers can safely print on access control cards and cards with uneven surfaces.

The Key Differences

To make things simple, we’ve created a table summarizing the key differences between the two printer types. This should help you determine which option best suits your needs.

While retransfer printers are more expensive than direct-to-card models, they deliver superior print quality, greater flexibility for printing on various card surfaces, and improved security features. Direct-to-card printers, though capable of producing high-quality prints, offer fewer encoding options and struggle with printing effectively on access control and smart technology cards, making them less secure compared to retransfer printers.

Ready To Decide?

Whether your ID card production needs call for retransfer or direct-to-card printing, you can explore our complete selection of card printers here.

If you’d like further assistance in determining which printer technology is the best fit for your requirements, feel free to consult with one of our experts by calling 01 506 5661

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