An important factor to consider when choosing an ID card printer is if you would benefit from printing on both sides of the card. The answer depends on how the cards will be used and how much information will be displayed.
In this blog post, we aim to answer the question: What is the difference between single and double-sided printing?
What are Single-sided ID Card Printers?
Simplex printers print on only one side of the card. When printing ID cards with limited cardholder information, a single-sided printer is ideal.
What are Dual-sided ID Card Printers?
Duplex printers print graphics and text on both sides of a card. These dual-sided printers print on both sides in one of two ways: by automatically flipping the card and printing on the other side, or by printing on both sides of the card simultaneously as it flows through the machine.
What are the Key Differences?
Dual-sided ID cards cannot be printed from single-sided ID card printers. It would be possible only if the user manually flips the card to print on the opposite side of the card, but we strongly do not encourage it because it can harm the printer's printhead, lower the quality of your printed cards, and make costly repairs or replacements necessary.
When a lot of words and graphics are crammed onto one side of a card, it is hard to read and complicated to review content (smaller fonts and a lack of white space are harder to read and can result in errors). Also too much information on one side of the card can reduce the appeal of the card and reduce the possibility to enhance branding and pictures.
The reverse of the card is also a good location to insert artwork, brand logos, and other visuals. Using both sides of an ID card increases the possibility for creativity, clarity, and design impact, making your dual-sided ID card printer an effective marketing tool. It also has economic and environmental benefits.
Benefits of Single-Sided Printing
A single-sided plastic ID card printer is sufficient for many card/badge issuers. Single-sided ID card printers are feature-rich, allowing you to create badges for many uses in high quality, and in colour or monochrome.
Shop our Single-Sided ID Card Printers here:
- Evolis Primacy Simplex Single-Sided ID Card Printer
- Entrust Datacard Sigma DS1 Simplex ID Card Printer
- Datacard SD260 Single-Sided ID Card Printer
- Magicard 300 Single-Sided ID Card Printer
- ZEBRA ZC300 ID Card Printer with Ethernet (Single-Sided)
Features of Single-Sided ID Card Printers
The simplest and least expensive way to produce ID Cards is with a single-sided printer. Printing text, graphics, and photos onto one side of an ID Card. Optional encoding is available on most of our ID card printers such as the Evolis Primacy Simplex by manually adding an encoding chip to the machine for an additional price.
We also offer single-sided ID card printers with magnetic encoders if you need to encode ID cards with a magnetic stripe for swiping. Going a step further, barcodes and QR codes can be added to ID cards, for example, our Evolis DupliPass printer which can print plastic Covid-19 vaccination certificates, complete with the issued QR Code to retrieve the full certificate digitally. Discover the opportunities below!
Check here to shop all Single-Sided ID Card Printers:
Benefits of Dual-Sided Printing
Because they can print any card or badge type, dual-sided ID printers are employed in various sectors. When a lot of information needs to be printed, these double-sided ID card printers are beneficial.
Shop our Dual-Sided ID Card Printers here:
- Evolis Primacy Duplex Double-Sided ID Card Printer
- Entrust Datacard Sigma DS2 Duplex ID Card Printer
- Datacard SD360 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer
- Magicard 600 Duo Double-Sided ID Card Printer
Features of Double-Sided ID Card Printers
Full-colour graphics, text, and other design elements can be printed on both sides of ID cards with dual-sided plastic printers. Some of our dual-sided ID card printers have an optional lamination module that applies a protective covering to one or both sides of your card, resulting in very secure badges.
Check here to shop all Dual-Sided ID Card Printers:
Retransfer vs. Direct-to-Card Printing
Most single-sided & dual-sided ID Card printers are "direct-to-card" printers, however, retransfer printers are also available for both machine types for "over the edge" printing (no white border around your printed cards). Even on uneven surfaces, retransfer dual-sided ID card printers give unrivaled print quality.
Check here to shop all Retransfer Printers.
Questions?
Contact our sales team at +353 1 460 2200 or sales@dbcgroup.ie
Get more information and answers to your questions at: Guide to ID Card Printers
You can also Shop ID Card printers at:
