from $799
The IDP SMART-31S is a reliable single-sided ID card printer designed for efficient, on-demand card production. It offers a print speed of 156 YMCKO cards per hour (23 seconds per card) at a maximum resolution of 300 dpi for color and 600 dpi for monochrome, with edge-to-edge printing capability on CR-80 cards made of PET or PVC. Weighing 9.5 lbs and featuring a compact design, this printer is suitable for various environments and includes encoding options for magnetic stripe, contact smart cards, and contactless smart cards, making it ideal for creating secure and functional identification cards.
Buy a laser printer unless you regularly print high-quality glossy photos. For high-volume color, consider an ink-tank printer (Megatank/Ecotank) instead of traditional cartridge models to save hundreds on ink. Available from $799.
Inkjet printers have a razor-and-blades model: cheap upfront, but exorbitant ink costs. Laser printers cost more upfront but have a vastly superior and cheaper cost of ownership over their lifespan.
Common Failure Modes
Inkjet printers almost always fail due to dried and clogged printheads from infrequent use. Laser printers are much more robust but may eventually require fuser or drum replacements after thousands of pages.
Buy a laser printer unless you regularly print high-quality glossy photos. For high-volume color, consider an ink-tank printer (Megatank/Ecotank) instead of traditional cartridge models to save hundreds on ink.
Printers suffer from mechanical wear on gears and rollers. Cheaper inkjets may last a few years, while robust laser printers can last over a decade.
The IDP SMART-31S Single-Sided ID Card Printer is available at bhphoto, starting at $799.
Inkjet printers have a razor-and-blades model: cheap upfront, but exorbitant ink costs. Laser printers cost more upfront but have a vastly superior and cheaper cost of ownership over their lifespan.
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