Printing ID cards in-house gives you control over cost, speed and security. Whether you need employee badges, student IDs, membership cards or access control cards, the right ID card printer depends on a few key questions. This guide explains the main types of card printers and how to choose one for your business in the UAE.
1. Single-sided or dual-sided?
A single-sided ID card printer prints on one face of the card. It is the most affordable option and is ideal for simple employee badges, visitor passes and membership cards where all the details fit on the front.
A dual-sided ID card printer prints both sides in one pass by flipping the card automatically. Choose dual-sided if you want a photo and name on the front and extra details such as a barcode, QR code, emergency contact or terms of use on the back. Many businesses start with single-sided and later wish they had bought dual-sided, so think about how your card design might grow.
2. Direct-to-card or retransfer printing?
Direct-to-card (DTC) printers transfer colour from the ribbon straight onto the card surface. They are fast, cost-effective and suit most corporate, school and event IDs.
Retransfer printers first print the image onto a clear film and then fuse that film onto the card. The result is higher-quality, over-the-edge printing with no white border, and it works well on uneven surfaces such as smart cards and proximity cards with embedded chips. Retransfer printers such as the HID Fargo HDP5000e and HDP5600 or the Zebra ZXP Series 9 are popular with government entities, banks and organisations that need durable, high-security cards.
3. How many cards will you print?
Volume affects which printer makes sense:
- Low volume (a few cards a week, such as new joiners or visitors): an entry-level single-sided printer is usually enough.
- Medium volume (schools at the start of term, growing companies, gyms): a dual-sided printer with a larger input hopper saves time.
- High volume or high security (government, banks, large campuses): consider a retransfer printer and optional lamination for longer card life.
4. Do you need card encoding?
If your cards will also open doors, record attendance or store data, you may need an encoding module. Common options include magnetic stripe encoding and contact or contactless smart card encoding (for example MIFARE or HID iCLASS). Encoding is usually an optional module, so confirm what your access control or attendance system requires before choosing a printer.
5. Security features
For cards that must be hard to copy, look for printers that support holographic overlays or laminates, UV printing or secure ribbon and card locking. These features are available on selected models and help protect against counterfeit IDs.
6. Ribbons, cards and cost per card
The printer price is only part of the cost. Each card also uses ribbon and a blank card. Colour ribbons are usually labelled with panel codes such as YMCKO (yellow, magenta, cyan, black resin and a protective overlay). Depending on the model, a roll typically prints a few hundred cards. Always use genuine ribbons, such as Zebra ribbons or HID Fargo ribbons and films, to protect the printhead and get consistent quality.
7. ID card design software
To design cards, add photos and print from a database, you will need ID card design software such as cardPresso or CardExchange. Some printers are sold in bundles with ribbon, blank PVC cards and software, which is the easiest way to get started.
Quick guide: which ID card printer is right for you?
| Your need | Recommended type |
|---|---|
| Simple staff or visitor badges | Single-sided direct-to-card |
| Photo on front, details or barcode on back | Dual-sided direct-to-card |
| Smart cards, government or bank IDs | Retransfer printer |
| Access control or attendance cards | Printer with encoding module |
| Event badges and large visitor passes | Badge printer such as the Zebra ZC10L |
Barcode Links supplies ID card printers from Zebra, HID Fargo, Evolis, Magicard, IDP and Datacard, together with ribbons, blank cards and software, across Dubai and the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard ID card?
Most ID card printers use CR80 cards, 85.6 × 54 mm, the same size as a bank card. Standard PVC cards are 0.76 mm (30 mil) thick.
Can a single-sided printer print on both sides?
Only by turning the card over by hand and feeding it again, which is slow and can misalign the print. A dual-sided printer flips the card automatically.
What does each card cost to print?
The running cost is mainly the ribbon and the blank card. It depends on the printer model and ribbon type, so ask us for a cost-per-card estimate before you buy.
Which printer is best for access control cards?
Choose a printer that can print on proximity and smart cards. For chip cards with uneven surfaces, a retransfer printer gives the best result. If cards must be encoded, add an encoding module.
Related buying guides
- Emirates ID card readers for business
- Biometric time attendance systems for UAE companies
- Money counting machines for AED
- Choosing the right barcode printer
Get expert advice and a free demo
Not sure which model fits your business? Our team in Dubai will help you compare options, show you the devices in a free demo and send a quick quote. WhatsApp us or call +971 56 544 0892.