What is direct-to-card printing?

Direct-to-Card (DTC) printing is an ID card printing process that uses a printer to directly print onto an ID card. During the direct-to-card printing process, a dye-sublimation ribbon is used to print the design directly onto the the card. This method is especially effective for single-sided cards, as well as lower volume jobs. Unlike retransfer printing, the direct-to-card method does not require a print transfer film and can print directly onto specialty cards, such as PVC cards with magnetic strips, contactless smartcards, or proximity cards. Direct-to-card printing is ideal for high quality photo identification cards, but it may not be suitable for larger runs of cards due to the cost and time associated with the process.

The pros and cons of retransfer printing

• Retransfer printing can produce sharp and highly detailed images with vibrant colours.
• It is ideal for creating cards with complex designs such as ID cards with photos, text, logos, and barcodes.
• Retransfer printing also allows users to produce ID cards with customized backgrounds. This makes them more secure than cards produced by direct-to-card printing.
• This method of printing is a more complex process and requires an additional ribbon compared to direct-to-card printing.
• Retransfer printing is more expensive than direct-to-card printing, which can make it cost-prohibitive for some applications.
• Retransfer printers are usually larger and more difficult to install than direct-to-card printers.

The pros and cons of direct-to-card printing

• More cost-effective than retransfer printing
• Faster print speeds
• Ability to print on a wider variety of cards, including non-standard formats
• High-resolution images and text that look great
• Versatile printing options for double-sided printing, magnetic stripes, and contact chips
• Not recommended for printing on uneven surfaces or cards with raised lettering
• Risk of damage to card surface due to direct contact with the printer head
• High cost for supplies and replacement parts
• Potential for poor image quality if print heads become clogged or damaged

Which type of printing is right for you?

When it comes to printing ID cards, it’s important to understand the differences between retransfer and direct-to-card printing in order to determine which type is best suited for your needs. Retransfer printing, also known as film-based printing, is a popular choice for printing high-quality cards with intricate designs and colours. This type of printing involves transferring an image onto a transparent film that is then fused onto the surface of the card. The result is a durable, high-quality card with sharp, vibrant colours that are resistant to scratches and fading.
Direct-to-card printing, on the other hand, uses thermal transfer technology to print directly onto the surface of the card. This method is great for applications that require large runs of cards printed quickly or for printing cards with standard designs. While direct-to-card printing may not produce cards as high quality as those printed with retransfer technology, it can still create attractive cards at a fraction of the cost.
If you need to print cards with vivid colours and intricate designs, then retransfer printing is likely the better choice. However, if you need large numbers of basic cards produced quickly, then direct-to-card printing is likely the more efficient and cost-effective option. Ultimately, it depends on the specific application and whether you need cards with superior image quality or quantity.

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