ID Card Printer UAE, Plastic Card Printer Suppliers in Dubai

Selecting the right ID card printer involves understanding the core technologies that power these devices. Whether you’re managing corporate badges, student IDs, membership cards, or access control credentials, the printing method you choose significantly impacts card quality, durability, and operational costs.

This guide explores two primary printing technologies—direct-to-card and retransfer—and examines leading solutions from Fargo, Matica, and NBS Javelin to help you make an informed decision.

2 Main ID Card Printing Technologies

Direct-to-Card (DTC) Printing

Direct-to-card technology prints images directly onto the card surface using a thermal printhead that applies heat to a color ribbon. The dye sublimates from the ribbon and bonds with the card’s PVC surface, creating the final image.

Advantages:

• Cost-effective solution for standard card printing needs
• Faster print speeds compared to retransfer technology
• Lower consumable costs per card
• Simpler maintenance requirements
• Ideal for cards without embedded technology or edge-to-edge printing needs

Limitations:

• Cannot print over embedded chip modules or uneven surfaces
• Limited edge-to-edge capability (typically leaves a small border)
• Less durable output on cards exposed to harsh environments
• May experience printhead wear from direct contact with card surfaces

Retransfer Printing

Retransfer printing employs a two-step process: the image is first printed onto a clear film (retransfer film), which is then thermally bonded to the card surface under heat and pressure. This method encapsulates the printed image between the film and card.

Advantages:

• True edge-to-edge printing with complete coverage
• Superior print quality with sharper images and vibrant colors
• Can print over uneven surfaces, including smart cards with embedded chips
• Enhanced durability with image protected beneath the film layer
• Consistent quality across various card types and materials

Limitations:

• Higher initial equipment investment
• Increased consumable costs per card
• Slower printing speeds than direct-to-card
• More complex maintenance procedures

What about Ribbon and Film Yields

One of the most common questions when investing in card printing technology concerns consumable yields—how many cards you can produce from a single ribbon or film roll.

YMCKO Ribbons (Full Color): Most color ribbons use YMCKO panels (Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black, and Overlay). Standard yields range from 100 to 500 prints per ribbon, depending on the printer model. The overlay panel adds a protective layer that enhances card durability.

Monochrome Ribbons: Single-color ribbons typically yield 1,000 to 1,500 prints and are ideal for simple text or barcode printing on pre-printed cards.

Retransfer Film: Retransfer film yields generally match the associated ribbon capacity, typically 200 to 500 cards per roll, as both consumables work together in the two-step process.

The actual yield depends on print coverage, card design complexity, and printer settings. Full-color images with high saturation consume more ribbon than simple text-based designs.

Fargo ID Card Printers

Fargo has established itself as a trusted name in card printing solutions, offering reliable technology across various price points and capabilities.

Fargo HDP6600

The HDP6600 represents Fargo’s flagship retransfer printing platform, designed for organizations requiring the highest quality output and security features.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Features:

• High-definition retransfer printing technology
• Dual-sided printing capability
• Encoding options for magnetic stripe, smart cards, and contactless technologies
• Advanced security features including holographic overlays
• Field-upgradeable for future technology needs

Ideal Applications: Government IDs, financial cards, high-security access credentials

Fargo DTC4500e

A versatile direct-to-card printer balancing performance and affordability, the DTC4500e serves mid-volume printing environments effectively.

Key Features:

• Edge-to-card printing capability (reduced border)
• Optional dual-sided printing module
• Encoding options available
• EtherNet connectivity for network integration
• User-friendly design with intuitive LCD interface

Ideal Applications: Corporate badges, student IDs, membership cards

Fargo DTC1250e

The entry-level DTC1250e provides reliable direct-to-card printing for organizations with basic card issuance needs and budget constraints.

Key Features:

• Compact footprint suitable for limited spaces
• Single or dual-sided printing options
• USB connectivity
• Simple operation with minimal training required
• Economical consumables

Ideal Applications: Small businesses, retail loyalty cards, visitor management

Fargo HDP5000e

The HDP5000e offers retransfer technology at a more accessible price point, delivering quality edge-to-edge printing without the advanced features of the HDP6600.

Key Features:

• High-definition retransfer printing
• Single or dual-sided configurations
• Smart card encoding capabilities
• Wasteless lamination technology
• Reliable performance for medium-volume applications

Fargo Printer Comparison

Feature	DTC1250e	DTC4500e	HDP5000e	HDP6600
Brand	HID Fargo	HID Fargo	HID Fargo	HID Fargo
Price Segment	Entry-Level	Mid-Range	High-Volume	High-Volume
Print Method	DTC dye‑sub / resin	DTC dye‑sub / resin	Retransfer	Retransfer
Sides	Single or dual	Single or dual	Single or dual	Dual-sided optional
Connectivity	USB	USB + Ethernet	USB + Ethernet	USB + Ethernet
Display	SmartScreen	SmartScreen	SmartScreen	SmartScreen
Security / Locks	AES‑256 encryption	AES‑256	AES‑256, optional lamination	AES‑256, optional lamination
Card Handling	100 in, 30 out (up to 100 out)	100 in, 100 out + 100 reject	Up to 200 in (dual hopper), 100 out	Up to 200 in (dual hopper), 100 out
Typical Use	Small–medium, basic badges	Flexible mid-range	Medium–large volume, multi-card types	High-security / high-volume
Resolution	300 DPI	300 DPI	300 DPI	300 DPI
Speed	~16–225 sec/card	~24–225 sec/card	~45 sec/card	~45 sec/card
Consumables	DTC Ribbon	DTC Ribbon	DTC Ribbon	DTC Ribbon
Edge-to-Edge	No	No	Yes	Yes
Smart Card Options	Limited	Available	Full Range	Full Range
Typical Ribbon Yield	250 prints	500 prints	500 prints	500 prints
Best For	Basic needs	Mid-volume	Quality focus	High-security

 

Matica ID Card Printers

Matica specializes in advanced card personalization systems, offering both direct-to-card and retransfer technologies with industrial-grade construction.

Matica XID8300

The XID8300 represents a compact retransfer solution delivering professional results with minimal footprint.

Key Features:

• Retransfer printing for superior image quality
• Dual-sided printing standard
• Multiple encoding options
• Fast print speeds for a retransfer system
• Durable construction for demanding environments

Matica XID8600

Building on the 8300 platform, the XID8600 adds enhanced security features and higher volume capacity.

Key Features:

• Advanced retransfer technology
• Expanded input/output hoppers
• Field-upgradeable security options
• Network connectivity standard
• Comprehensive encoding capabilities

Matica MC110

The MC110 serves entry-level needs with direct-to-card printing in a budget-friendly package.

Key Features:

• Reliable direct-to-card printing
• Single-sided standard configuration
• USB connectivity
• Compact design
• Low operating costs

Matica MC210

The MC210 adds dual-sided capability and encoding options to the entry-level platform.

Key Features:

• Direct-to-card dual-sided printing
• Magnetic stripe and contact chip encoding options
• Network connectivity available
• User-friendly operation
• Economical consumables

Matica MC310

The MC310 represents the advanced direct-to-card option with comprehensive encoding and connectivity features.

Key Features:

• High-speed direct-to-card printing
• Full encoding suite available
• Advanced connectivity options
• Larger card capacity
• Field upgradeable modules

Matica Printer Comparison

Feature	MC110	MC210	MC310	XID8300	XID8600
Brand	Matica	Matica	Matica	Matica	Matica
Price Segment	Entry Level	Mid-Range	Premium DTC	Industrial	High Security
Print Method	DTC dye-sub / resin, 300 dpi	DTC dye-sub / resin, 300 dpi	DTC dye-sub / resin, 300 dpi	Retransfer Dye-Sublimation	Retransfer High-Def 600 dpi
Sides	Single, upgrade to dual	Single/dual depending config	Single/dual with more options	Single or Dual	Dual Sided
Connectivity	USB only	USB + Ethernet	USB + Ethernet, optional Wi-Fi	USB + Ethernet	USB + Ethernet
Display	Status LEDs only	LCD display	LCD display	LCD Display	LCD Display
Security / Locks	Kensington lock slot	Basic, no electronic locks	Optional electronic/manual locks	UV Printing Support, Locks	Micro-text, Secure Locks
Card Handling	Single hopper	Single hopper	Dual feeder, reject bin options	Single Input (200 cards)	Single Input (200 cards)
Typical Use	Small sites, simple badges	Departmental printing	High-volume secure issuance	Service Bureaus / Industrial	National ID / Drivers Licenses
Resolution	300 DPI	300 DPI	300 DPI	300 DPI	600 DPI
Speed	150 cph (Color)	150 cph (Color)	High Volume / Secure	120 cards/hr	125 cards/hr
Consumables	DTC Ribbon	DTC Ribbon	DTC Ribbon	Ribbon + Film	Ribbon + Film
Technology	DTC	DTC	DTC	Retransfer	Retransfer
Dual-Sided	Optional	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Fast	Fast	Very Fast	Moderate	Moderate
Encoding Options	Limited	Multiple	Comprehensive	Comprehensive	Comprehensive
Ribbon Yield	250 prints	500 prints	500 prints	500 prints	500 prints
Volume Capacity	Low	Medium	Medium-High	High	Very High

NBS Javelin ID Card Solutions

NBS Javelin provides specialized card personalization equipment, including the DNA series printers and embossing solutions for financial card production.

Javelin DNA Series

The DNA series offers modular direct-to-card printing with extensive customization options.

DNA Single-Sided: Designed for basic card printing applications where reverse-side printing isn’t required. Features include reliable direct-to-card technology, encoding options, and compact design suitable for constrained spaces.

DNA Dual-Sided: Adds automatic dual-sided printing capability, ideal for cards requiring information on both surfaces. Maintains the same footprint as single-sided models with flip-over module integrated.

Javelin DNA Pro Series

The DNA Pro elevates performance with enhanced features for demanding environments.

DNA Pro Single-Sided: Delivers faster print speeds and improved image quality compared to standard DNA models. Includes advanced connectivity options and expanded encoding capabilities.

DNA Pro Dual-Sided: Combines high-speed dual-sided printing with professional-grade output quality. Suitable for organizations requiring both volume and quality in their card production.

Javelin Embosser

For financial institutions and organizations issuing payment cards, the Javelin embosser provides mechanical embossing of numbers and characters onto card surfaces.

Key Capabilities:

• Precision embossing for financial cards
• Indent printing capability
• Integration with card printing workflows
• Durable construction for continuous operation
• Compliance with payment card industry standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What ribbon yield should I expect from different printer models?

Standard YMCKO color ribbons typically yield 250-500 prints depending on the model. The Fargo DTC1250e uses 250-print ribbons, while the DTC4500e, HDP5000e, and HDP6600 accommodate 500-print ribbons. Matica MC110 utilizes 250-print ribbons, whereas MC210, MC310, XID8300, and XID8600 work with 500-print ribbons. Actual yields vary based on image coverage and print settings.

Q: Where are these printers manufactured?

Fargo printers are manufactured by HID Global, with production facilities primarily in the United States. Matica produces its printers in Italy, maintaining European manufacturing standards. NBS Javelin products are manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Q: What warranty coverage do these manufacturers provide?

Standard manufacturer warranties typically cover three years for Fargo printers, with printhead warranties varying by model. Matica offers two to three-year warranties depending on the specific model and region. Javelin provides two-year standard warranties on DNA series printers. Extended warranty options are available through authorized distributors.

Q: What kind of technical support can I expect?

All three manufacturers provide technical support through authorized distributors and partners. Support typically includes phone and email assistance, online resources, driver updates, and firmware upgrades. Response times and support levels vary based on warranty status and service agreements.

Q: How do I choose between direct-to-card and retransfer technology?

Choose direct-to-card if you need cost-effective printing for standard PVC cards without smart chips, can accept minimal borders, and prioritize speed over absolute quality. Select retransfer if you require true edge-to-edge printing, work with cards containing embedded technology, need maximum durability, or demand the highest possible image quality.

Q: Can these printers handle different card types?

Most models accommodate standard CR80 PVC cards (credit card size). Retransfer printers like the Fargo HDP series and Matica XID series can also print on technology cards, composite PVC cards, and alternative materials. Always verify compatibility with your specific card stock before purchasing.

About eTOP Trading

eTOP Trading has served the Middle East region for over a decade, specializing in card personalization solutions, access control systems, Electronic Signature Pad and business automation technology. Our team provides comprehensive support including equipment sales, technical assistance, consumables supply, and maintenance services.

We partner with leading manufacturers to deliver reliable card printing solutions across government, education, healthcare, hospitality, and corporate sectors. Our expertise covers system integration, staff training, and ongoing technical support to ensure your card issuance program operates efficiently.