from $1,138.5
The IDP SMART-31S is a single-sided ID card printer designed for efficient, on-demand card production. It offers both color (YMCKO) and monochrome printing with resolutions up to 600 dpi for color and 1200 dpi for monochrome, and features integrated magnetic stripe encoding capabilities. With print speeds of up to 156 color cards per hour and support for CR-80 PVC and PET cards, this printer is ideal for creating secure and professional identification cards for various applications.
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 $1,138.5.
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 with Magnetic Encoding is available at bhphoto, starting at $1,138.5.
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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