Choosing the Best Photo ID Card Printer for Your Business, Healthcare Facility, College, or University
Selecting the right photo ID card printer for your organization is crucial to ensuring seamless identification processes, security, and efficiency. Whether you work in manufacturing, a healthcare facility, college, or university, investing in a high-quality card printer can enhance access control, streamline badging, and improve workflows. With many options available, choosing between top brands like HID, Evolis, Matica, and Entrust requires careful consideration. This guide will help you determine the best ID card printer for your needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an ID Card Printer
Before diving into specific brands and models, it's more important to assess key factors that impact your decision:
1. Printing Volume & Speed
How many ID cards do you need to print per day, week, or month?
Do you require high-speed printing for large batches?
2. Print Quality & Durability
Do you need high-resolution images and text for professional-looking cards?
Will the cards be exposed to daily wear and tear?
3. Card Security Features
Do you require advanced security features such as holograms, UV printing, or smart card encoding?
Are there compliance requirements for your industry?
4. Printer Type: Direct-to-Card vs. Retransfer
Direct-to-Card (DTC) printers are cost-effective and print directly onto the card surface but may not cover edge-to-edge.
Retransfer printers provide superior quality by printing onto a film that is then fused to the card, ensuring full edge-to-edge coverage.
5. Connectivity & Integration
Does the printer support USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi for network printing?
Can it integrate with existing access control or student management systems?
6. Cost of Ownership
What is the cost of ribbons, cleaning kits, and maintenance?
Does the printer come with a warranty and reliable technical support?
Top ID Card Printer Brands: HID, Evolis, Matica, and Entrust
1. HID Fargo Card Printers
HID Global’s Fargo printers are among the most trusted in the industry, offering reliability and high-quality output.
Best Models:
HID Fargo HDP5000e: Ideal for organizations needing high-definition, retransfer printing for superior durability and quality.
HID Fargo HDP6600: A high-speed retransfer printer with eco-friendly enhancements, ideal for healthcare and universities.
HID Fargo DTC4500e: A robust, direct-to-card printer with optional dual-sided printing and lamination.
Pros:
High-quality, long-lasting printers
Advanced security features like holographic laminates and encoding
Reliable for high-volume printing
Groove has HID Certified Service Technicians ready to help with repairs and questions
Cons:
Higher initial cost for retransfer printer models
Consumables can be pricey
2. Evolis ID Card Printers
Evolis printers are known for their user-friendly design, affordability, and versatility.
Best Models:
Evolis Primacy 2: A fast, high-resolution direct-to-card printer suitable for businesses and schools.
Evolis Zenius: Compact and ideal for low to medium-volume printing.
Evolis Agilia: A premium retransfer printer for organizations needing ultra-high security and durability.
Pros:
Affordable pricing and cost-effective consumables
Easy to use and maintain
Strong customer support
Cons:
Direct-to-card models may not cover the full card surface
Some models lack advanced security features
3. Matica ID Card Printers
Matica offers high-performance printers known for durability and security, making them ideal for government and corporate use.
Best Models:
Matica XID8600: A high-resolution retransfer printer suitable for secure government and university ID cards.
Matica MC660: A robust choice for organizations needing high-definition, edge-to-edge printing.
Matica MC310: A low cost direct-to-card printer with efficient and fast printing for medium-sized businesses.
Pros:
High-quality, durable card printing
Superior retransfer technology available
Excellent security features
Cons:
Higher price point for premium "XID" models
May require more maintenance than some competitors
4. Entrust ID Card Printers
Entrust (formerly Datacard) is recognized for security-focused printers with strong encoding capabilities.
Best Models:
Entrust Sigma DS2: A next-gen printer with instant issuance capabilities and cloud connectivity.
Entrust SD460: Includes lamination for extra durability and security.
Entrust CR805: A retransfer printer delivering vibrant, edge-to-edge prints for professional environments.
Pros:
High-security printing and encoding options
Durable prints with lamination options
Cloud integration for remote printing
Cons:
Can be expensive for small businesses
Consumables may be costlier than competitors
Which ID Card Printer is Best for Your Industry?
Business & Corporate Offices: HID Fargo DTC4500e or Evolis Primacy 2 for cost-effective, high-quality card printing.
Healthcare Facilities: HID Fargo HDP6600 or Evolis Agilia for secure, high-definition credentials with encoding capabilities.
Colleges & Universities: Matica XID8600 or HID Fargo HDP5000e for durable student ID cards with smart card encoding.
Government & High-Security Environments: HID Fargo HDP5000e or HID Fargo HDP6600 for enhanced security and lamination.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best card printer depends on your organization’s specific needs, budget, and security requirements. HID, Evolis, Matica, and Entrust each offer industry-leading solutions tailored for businesses, healthcare, and educational institutions. Consider factors such as printing volume, security features, and connectivity to make an informed decision. Investing in the right ID card printer ensures efficiency, security, and long-term cost savings for your organization.
Groove IDentification Solutions is here to help you make a decision on a Photo ID Card Printer that will work best for your workplace! Need any ID Card Printer servicing or Repairs, our Certified Printer Technicians are here to help! Call today and one of our technicians are ready to assist you 1-888-940-3645
