Which ID card printer should you choose for your business? It’s a common question that requires a little more explanation in the answer. The most popular technologies in ID card printing are Direct-to-card (DTC) and retransfer printing.
Both are aimed at producing high-quality identification cards, but they have different printing processes. They have their own pros and cons, and depending on your business and use case, you’ll find one more appropriate than the other.
This article will discuss the main differences between these two technologies so businesses can make an informed choice of which ID card is most suitable for them.
Understanding Direct-to-Card (DTC) Printing
DTC, or dye-sublimation printing, is the typical and widespread method of producing ID cards. The operation is carried out by the printhead, which prints directly onto the card’s surface via thermal technology. The printhead has a large number of tiny pixels in which the dye from the ribbon gets heated and flows to the card, colouring the images with finer details as desired.
Key Advantages of DTC Printing:
1. Velocity and Effectiveness: DTC printers are faster compared to retransfer printers, which makes them great for printing in large volumes.
2. Low Costs: DTC printers are cheaper to buy and operate not only for the reason that they use less consumables (ribbon and cards) than traditional printers.
3. Compact Design: These machines are rather compact in size and occupy much less space, which makes them suitable for settings with restricted space.
Besides that, DTC printers can end up with a small white border at the edges of the card. This situation happens because the printhead cannot completely cover this specific area. Direct printing on recycled paper materials can also negatively impact the card’s longevity.
Understanding Retransfer Printing
In retransfer printing, reverse print, or over-the-edge printing, a more elaborate and complex printing process is used. The printer does not print the card directly in this process, and hence, the image will appear only after various steps.
It sticks the picture on a clear film that can be seen (through) and applies both heat and pressure through this process. This means that no parts of the film can detach, resulting in perfectly printed surfaces without any gaps.
Key Advantages of Retransfer Printing:
1. Better Image Excellence: The retransfer printer is quite good at printing images. The colours appear brighter with sharp details.
2. More Durable: Upon retransfer, cards get coated with a thin slip on the surface, which helps them from getting scratched, burnt by the sun, or caught in the rain. It makes them durable as well.
3. Printing from Edge-to-Edge: Retransfer printers don’t leave white borders around the card edges unlike in direct-to-card printers ensuring optimum utilisation of available space.
4. Versatility: These printers can be programmed to do different jobs by using different materials, such as standard and non-standard sizes of PVC, PET, and polycarbonate, among many other materials.
While retransfer printers produce better print quality and lasting results, they usually start with higher initial costs than direct printers, as well as the ongoing use of expensive clear transfer films.
| Criteria |
DTC Printing |
Retransfer Printing |
| Printing Method |
Prints directly onto the card’s surface via thermal |
Prints the image on a clear film, then transfers it |
| Image Quality |
Finer details may have a small white border |
Brighter colours, sharp details, no gaps |
| Cost Efficiency |
Cheaper to buy and operate, uses less consumables |
Higher initial costs, ongoing use of clear films |
| Durability |
May have a small white border, impacts on longevity |
Coated with a thin layer for scratch resistance |
Making the Right Choice
A business should consider the aforementioned elements when deciding whether to have a direct-to-card or a retransfer ID card printer. It is crucial to consider your current state of printing, budgeting, card usage, and future plans before making a final decision. And of course, be sure to always source your ID card printers from a reputable distributor.
