Retransfer Photo ID System

Retransfer ID card printers represent a significant advancement in printing technology, especially when high-quality and secure card issuance is essential.

Unmatched Print Quality

Retransfer technology ensures edge-to-edge, high-definition printing with resolutions of 300 dpi or 600 dpi. This capability delivers sharp, vibrant images and clear text, meeting the demands for professional-grade ID cards.

Versatility and Flexibility

These printers are designed to adapt to evolving organizational needs:

• Dual-Sided Printing Option: Add more details or designs to both sides of your cards.
• Encoding Capabilities: Choose from magnetic stripe or smart card options (contact or contactless) for secure data storage.
• Lamination Modules: Enhance card durability and security with clear or holographic lamination.

Increased Efficiency

Engineered for speed and reliability, these printers can process up to 150 full-color cards per hour.

User-Friendly Features

From an intuitive SmartScreen™ LCD control panel to easy-to-load ribbons and films, these printers streamline operations while minimizing downtime.

Retransfer ID card printers deliver superior performance in both print quality and card compatibility. First they print the image onto a clear retransfer film and then thermally bond one to the card. This allows for true edge-to-edge printing, even on cards with embedded electronics, such as contactless smart cards and RFID cards. On a contrary DTC printers often leave unprinted borders or produce inconsistent results.

Retransfer printers typically support higher resolutions — 300 dpi as standard and up to 600 dpi in advanced models — delivering exceptionally sharp text, fine details, and vibrant photo-quality images. This is especially valuable for cards requiring small fonts, complex logos, or detailed visual elements. DTC printers are limited for 300 dpi for the most part. 

Unlike DTC printers, which can be limited in their encoding capabilities and often struggle with card surface inconsistencies, modern retransfer systems support modular encoding options for a wide range of technologies—including magnetic stripes, contact and contactless smart cards, and high-security chips like MIFARE DESFire and HID iCLASS. This flexibility makes retransfer printers far better suited for secure environments such as corporate enterprises, government agencies, universities, and healthcare facilities, where multi-function cards are common. Combined with the added durability of the retransfer film layer and support for lamination, these systems offer a more secure, long-lasting, and professional-grade credentialing solution than DTC printers can provide.

retransfer printers are specifically designed to handle advanced card types like contact smart cards, contactless RFID cards, and other embedded technology cards. Unlike DTC printers, which require a smooth, flat surface for direct printing and often produce poor results on cards with embedded chips or antennas, retransfer printers apply the image to a flexible film that is then fused to the card surface. This process accommodates irregular surfaces without compromising print quality or damaging sensitive components.

Additionally, most retransfer printers support integrated or modular encoding options for a wide range of technologies, including MIFARE, DESFire, iCLASS, HID Prox, and magnetic stripe encoding. This makes them ideal for secure access control, cashless payment systems, transit cards, and multi-function credentials—delivering not only high-resolution printing but full compatibility with modern smart card ecosystems.

A complete retransfer printing system includes more than just the printer itself—it’s a fully integrated setup designed to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and print quality. Key components typically include:

• Retransfer Film: Essential to the printing process, this film acts as the medium that carries the image from the printhead to the card, enabling edge-to-edge printing and protecting the printhead from direct contact with the card surface.

• Compatible Ribbons: High-quality YMCK or YMCKK ribbons are used to produce vibrant colors and sharp images. These ribbons are specifically designed for retransfer printing and differ from those used in DTC printers.

• Card Stock: High-quality blank cards, including PVC, PET, or polycarbonate cards—often used for smart cards, RFID, or dual-interface credentials.

• Encoding Modules (Optional): Depending on your needs, systems can include magnetic stripe encoders, smart card encoders (contact/contactless), or proximity card encoders for added functionality.

• Lamination Module (Optional): For added durability and security, some systems include or support lamination units to apply clear or holographic overlays.

• Printer Software & Drivers: To manage design, printing, and encoding operations, along with firmware that ensures compatibility and system stability.

Together, these elements form a cohesive, high-performance solution tailored for professional-grade card issuance. Buying a complete system ensures all components are fully compatible, reducing setup time, avoiding print issues, and maximizing the lifespan of your investment.