from $899
The IDP SMART-31S Single-Sided ID Card Printer Kit offers a complete solution for creating professional ID cards. This compact printer, measuring 18.6 x 7.5 x 6.8 inches and weighing 9.5 lbs, delivers vibrant 300 dpi color prints at a speed of 156 cards per hour (23 seconds per card) for YMCKO ribbons, with monochrome printing up to 600 dpi. It supports standard CR-80 cards made of PET or PVC, with a thickness range of 590.6 to 1181.1 mil, and includes encoding options for magnetic stripe, contact smart card, and contactless smart card. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, the kit comes with a 250-print ribbon, making it ideal for small to medium-sized organizations requiring efficient and secure single-sided ID card production.
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 $899.
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 Kit (250-Print Ribbon) is available at bhphoto, starting at $899.
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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