Glossary of common card printer terms
Find definitions for printing terms and learn the jargon of the profession. To get what you need it helps to have the tools to describe it.
1: Barcode: It consists of a set of bars and spaces with different widths and different reflectivity. Combining according to the specified encoding and rules, it is used to represent a set of symbols for data.
2: Color matching: There are several color matching modes in the printer, these options are built in the original printer driver for easy selection. Color printing can be more clear, fine and accurate.
3: Contact IC card encoder: It is connected to the GEMPLUS GEMCORE 410 inside the printer through the ISO standard pins on the E-CARD platform. GEMCORE 410 converts the signal to RS-232 signal, and the application program can access it through the 9-pin communication port on the outside of the printer.
4: Non-contact IC card encoder: It is connected to the device through the antenna on the E-CARD platform. The application program can communicate with it through the external DB-9 pin communication port of the printer.
5: Printing Cards: The direct-to-card process is the process of printing digital images directly onto plastic cards with a smooth, clean, PVC surface.
6: Dpi (dots/inch): The unit of measurement for printer resolution. For example: 600DPI means that the printer can produce 600 dots per inch on the card. Note: 2400DPI in inkjet printing is equivalent to 300DPI in dye sublimation printing.
7: Double card feeder: Choose a printer with a capacity of up to 200 double card feeders. That is to say, you can load 200 same cards or 100 different cards into different card feeders at a time, which will be more effective. For example, if you use cards with gold and silver backgrounds, it is easier to distinguish the type of members, etc.
8: Dye-sublimation: It is the printing technology used by printers, which can produce smooth continuous tone, photo-quality images. This technology utilizes a dye-sublimation dye-based ribbon: the ribbon is divided into three color patches of yellow, magenta, and cyan. When the ribbon and card pass through the print head, tens of thousands of heat elements heat the dye on the ribbon, and the dye will vaporize and penetrate into the card surface after being heated. Different heat produces different color saturation and continuous color Mixed together, a continuous-tone, photo-quality color image is produced.
9: Edge-to-edge printing: used to refer to the larger printing surface of the card: printers with edge-to-edge capabilities can print to the edge of the card, without “white edges”.
10: Large-capacity printing: use less time to load and unload consumables and maintenance to produce cards quickly and excellently.
11: High resolution printing: This refers to printing full-color images onto the transfer film. The film is then transferred to the card by heat pressing. This revolutionary technology not only enhances the card’s durability and excellent color, but also can print to rough surface card. Such as: ID card and smart card.
12: High-speed printing: The card printer is the fastest among desktop printers. High-speed printing can make us produce cards more efficiently-saving time, money, and resources.
13: ISO: Magnetic stripe encoding specification defined by the International Organization for Standardization. The encoder supports high and low magnetic and 1, 2, 3 magnetic tracks.
14: Liquid crystal display: In the current operation mode of the printer, LCD-full crystal display-it shows the current working status and changes of the printer, and the LCD uses text to display error messages. This is easier to read than flashing lights.
15: Lockable card feeder: Some printers provide a lockable card feeder door. This lock is used to prevent white cards from being stolen, this feature is very useful when printing valuable cards. Such as prepaid cards, smart cards or cards with security features.
16: Magnetic stripe: The magnetic stripe refers to the black and brown magnetic stripes stuck on the card. The higher the density, the more difficult it is to read and write information on the magnetic strip. Magnetic stripes are commonly used in access control, attendance, dining, libraries and other fields.
17: Card output box: store printed cards. Sequence is FIFO – to issue and print sequential cards more quickly.
18: Lamination: Protective transparent or holographic laser anti-counterfeiting material covered on the card to increase the security and durability of the card. Thermal transfer film is a 0.25 mil TP material that enhances card security and durability. Polyguard film thickness is 1 mil and 0.6 mil; it can provide stronger protection, this kind of card is usually used in the field of high wear-resistant card.
19: Laminated color block: The transparent laminated color block is usually on the sublimation ribbon. This color block is automatically printed onto the card to prevent premature wear and fading of the image due to UV rays. All dye sublimation images must be covered with this film, laser security film to be protected.
20: Overedge: Refers to the larger printing area of the card. Printers with an over-edge feature can print cards that are completely borderless.
21: Contactless card: Use the built-in antenna to realize non-contact use.
22: Resin thermal transfer: This technology is used to print clear black text information and barcodes that can be read by infrared and visible light barcode scanners. It can also be used to print fast, cheap monochrome cards. Like Dye Sublimation. It is similar to using the print head to transfer the color from the ribbon to the card, but the difference is that when the heat and pressure are applied, the color image penetrates below the surface of the card. This technology is used for monochrome cards for production.
23: Smart card: It has embedded a computer integrated circuit with a memory chip microprocessor chip. Several common types are: storage IC card, non-contact IC card, hybrid card, dual interface card, proximity card, etc.
24: Intelligent anti-counterfeiting: It enables the printer to print cards with custom anti-counterfeiting patterns, and the anti-counterfeiting patterns will fluoresce under the ultraviolet light.
25: Standard card: The size of the standard card is CR-80. CR-80 size is 85.6mm x 54mm.
26: Thermal transfer lamination: It is an anti-counterfeiting film for cards, with a thickness of 0.25 mil, which can increase the security and anti-counterfeiting of cards. It is often used in moderate security and anti-wear fields.