The Zebra ZXP Series8^TM, a revolutionary retransfer printer that offers a host of options for smart card encoding and networking making it ideal for such applications as high security ID cards, driver’s licenses, gift cards and financial cards.

The Zebra ZXP Series 8 produces photo-quality cards at nearly twice the speed of other retransfer printers currently on the market

Unlike its counterparts, the ZXP Series 8 printer delivers photo quality, over-the-edge, high speed printing on many different types of cards, including those with uneven surfaces such as smart cards, polycarbonate cards for security applications, and biopolymer cards. The printer is available in single- and dual-sided printing configurations with a full portfolio of magnetic encoding, smart card encoding, single- and dual-sided lamination, and connectivity options.

Industry adoption of retransfer printing has been slow, in part, because of slow print speeds and high costs. Zebra has developed the ZXP Series 8 printer to respond to the industry’s need for an on-demand retransfer printer capable of delivering higher print speeds at lower costs without sacrificing the image quality. Zebra also developed the ZMotif^TM software platform, to make application integration easier than ever.

Designed to significantly improve enterprise scalability and reliability, a XML-based software development kit is available to support a broad array of features and technologies, making it easier and faster to integrate the ZXP Series 8 retransfer printer with host of enterprise applications.

Some of the ZXP Series 8 retransfer printer features include:

• �
  • - Photo print quality
  • - Best in class throughput for printing, encoding, and laminating
  • - True over-the-edge printing
  • - Ability to print on smart cards or cards with uneven card surfaces
  • - Ability to print on non PVC cards such as polycarbonate and biopolymer cards
  • - More durable and abrasion resistant cards
  • - Some fraud protection since the film is inherently tamper evident
  • - XML-based SDK for easier application integration

Standard and optional features of the ZXP Series 8 retransfer printer include: magnetic stripe encoder; combination smart card contact and contactless encoders; contact station; USB or Ethernet connectivity; and security mechanical locks.

Planned future options include support for UHF Gen 2 RFID encoder, single- and dual-sided laminator, and 802.11g wireless connectivity.

AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER FROM 17th NOVEMBER 2009 - For more information and samples please contact us on 01298 83131 or email us.

The current economic climate may result in businesses delaying upgrading their systems or extending their usual maintenance schedules for their electronic systems.

This does not mean that ensuring the equipment remains “fit for purpose” and operating at its optimum has to be forgotten as well.

You may never have had any security threats but the very fact that you have access control managed by ID cards suggests that you consider there to be some kind of threat and you take the care and security of your premises and people seriously.

A business must continue to maintain security awareness and access controls so here are a few tips to help you keep those ID card printers working efficiently for you.

Spend a few minutes every day doing some routine maintenance and you will reap the benefits.
Keeping it clean - weekly exercise

• Wipe off the outside of your printer and the printer tray.
• Open it up and remove excess dust and any loose bits of material (ink etc) with a can of compressed air.
• Keeping the output tray closed when the printer isn’t being used will also help reduce the dust inside.

General maintenance

• Ensure users and those responsible for it’s smooth operation have read the operators manual and are familiar with the basic troubleshooting guide usually included in manuals
• Store it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight when not in use
• Ensure you use genuine Zebra Ribbons and Cards.
• Regularly check that any rollers are clean and operating effectively - poor quality rollers will affect the quality of any ID cards produced

Modulus Card Printers offer a Full Card Printer Service and MOT call us on 01298 83131.

ID cards for delegates attending events and conferences are a must, especially if the subject matter is of a sensitive nature.

With options including a full service card design and printing bureau, on site printing, printer hire or purchase and a full range of accessories including lanyards and card holders, Modulus Card Solutions can offer the ultimate solution for any event.

Delegate ID doesn’t have to always be printed single sided in black on white cards. Modulus Card Solutions offer design and print in full colour, single or dual sided in a variety of colour cards and finishes.

Using the latest in card design software, Modulus Card Solutions can design and print cards featuring more than just a name and job title.

Designs can feature barcodes, logos, photos and even holograms alongside many other security features to ensure that only genuine delegates get through the door. Whilst Modulus Card Solutions are more than happy to take a database of names and work with customers to get the perfect design printed and delivered ahead of time, they can also offer an on site printing solution at the actual event to produce each card individually as and when necessary. Card design and content can of course be specified prior to the event to make the process run smoothly.

If managing the print job in house is more appealing, Modulus Card Printers offer a full range of Zebra Card Printers and CardFive Vision software for sale.

Recommending the most appropriate printer for the job, Modulus Card Printers will supply enough cards and printer ribbons to complete the job as well as any advice needed.

To complement these services, Modulus Card Printers offer a very comprehensive range of ID accessories. Badge holders, lanyards, belt reels, chains and clips to suit many different applications are all available.

Lanyards and badge reels can be customised to suit individual events by adding corporate colours and logos. However, a wide selection of standard lanyards including those with break away function and an array of attachments from key rings to whistles are also available.

In the world like we live in today, photo ID badges are no longer a novelty but a necessity seen in businesses across the country. Many of these badges feature full color photos and printing on both sides. Many include smart card chips, magnetic stripes, bar codes and other pieces of technology that allow employees to access buildings, sign in and out of work and more.

Many businesses pay thousands of pounds to have these photo ID badges created.

Could this be done in-house to save money?

As with just about anything done in-house, creating photo IDs on location will save you money. Although a little overwhelming at first, once all the pieces are put together, creating a photo ID is relatively easy and requires little time. ID card printers are now compatible with all PC systems running Windows XP and Vista.

The first thing any business will need to create photo identification badges in-house is a photo ID card printer. There are several models available from a variety of manufacturers including Zebra Card Technologies. Zebra Card printers all print edge-to-edge ID cards in full high-resolution color. A few options that can be selected in the printer range are the ability to print on both sides, encode smart cards and write to magnetic stripes. Printers also vary by printing speed, hopper capacity and other technical variables.

Almost all ID card printers manufactured today use a process called die sublimation, which uses a printer ribbon with four panels. These panels are yellow, magenta, cyan and black (YMCKO). The fifth panel called an overlay (O), places a clear panel over the printed card to extend the life of the image and prevent scratches.

Die sublimation printers use a thermal print head to burn the image onto a plastic PVC ID card. If full color printing is out of your budget, single color monochrome ribbons are available for most printers and are a fraction the cost of a full-color ribbon.

In order to layout, design and create a photo ID, you need to invest in some card creation software. The most popular ID card software is CardFive Vision from NFive which includes an easy-to-use template, making it easy to type text, paste pictures and create a base template for all your ID cards.

Along with the printer, software and ribbons, you will also need cards. Most ID cards used are known as 30 mil CR-80 - the same size and thickness of a standard credit card. The “80″ in CR-80 is the size of the card. Thirty-mil is the thickness of the card. Although less common, some businesses use a thinner 10 mil thickness for cards.

Businesses that use proximity cards will often use a 10 mil CR-80 card with an adhesive back. Once printed, a backing is removed from the pressure-sensitive card where it is then stuck to the proximity card. Many CR-80 PVC cards are also available with smart chips (integrated circuit card) and magnetic stripes.

Once printed, many ID cards are slot punched in order to be used on a lanyard, badge reel or badge strap clip. Many businesses will also use a badge holder, horizontal or vertical, to hold the ID card where it can then be attached to a lanyard or strap clip. Using lanyards, badge reels or strap clips makes it easy to present and access identity cards.

Maintenance on ID card printers is easy. A wide assortment of cleaning cards and ribbons are available, which help keep the thermal print head clean and running at top efficiency. Many printers will let you know when they need to be cleaned. If an older printer is being used, symptoms of a needed cleaning may include blurred text or irregular colors. Regular maintenance will keep the ID card out of the shop and will allow you to print ID cards on a regular and uninterrupted basis.

Whether you need an occasional ID card, replacement cards or need to print 100s of cards for a business, photo ID card printers save money and are convenient to use.

Feel free to contact Modulus Card Printers for more information on ID card printers.

There are numerous plastic ID card printers on the market with purchase prices from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds. However, it’s not only the initial purchase cost you should look at - the day-to-day running costs of a card printer vary across the printer range, allowing for the blank cards, ink ribbons, cleaning kits, any overlay/varnish or lamination as well as staff time/cost should be considered. A few pence difference per card can make a big difference if you are printing hundreds or even thousands of ID or membership cards per year.

We explain below the general factors to consider when deciding which ID card printer package is suitable for your requirements.

Colour or Monochrome?
First decide whether you wish to print ID or membership cards in full colour or in monochrome.

Most monochrome plastic card printers support black ink as well as a few other individual colours such as blue or red. If your budget is limited, using a monochrome card printer to print onto coloured blank plastic cards or pre-printed cards can be a viable option. We supply a range of coloured blank cards. See our Blank Cards section.

Full colour ID card printers on the other hand will let you incorporate full colour text, logos, graphics with your own background design to a high quality professional standard.

1-sided or 2-sided Card Printing?
Choose whether you want to print on one side of each card or boths sides. Obviously single-sided plastic card printers are less expensive than double-sided plastic card printers and have lower ink ribbon running costs.

Some of the newer range of plastic card printers are field upgradeable, meaning you can purchase a 1-sided card printer, and then later on upgrade to the 2-sided card printer version.

Print Volume
Estimate the typical volume of ID cards you will print. If you will be printing several hundred ID cards a month, then a higher specification plastic card printer with a feeder and hopper will be both faster and more economical to run. If you will be printing smaller volumes of plastic cards (eg. a few dozen cards a week), then our entry-level single-feed ID card printers would be appropriate.

Other Card Printing Features
If you have any particular requirements such as magstripe encoding, smart card chip writing, lamination, holograms and other security features, check the plastic card printer specification to see if it supports those features. Also check the availability cost of any required card printer consumables.

Most ID card printers are provided with a USB interface to connect to the computer, but some also have other interface options such as Ethernet which allows them to be connected to your network. Check your PC has the required port, and choose the correct model of plastic card printer for your required interface.

 Card Printer Package Components
Once you have narrowed down the range of ID card printer packages which will suit your requirements, you will need to consider the various items to form the package. The minimum you will require is:

(1) the plastic card printer
(2) ink ribbon(s)
(3) blank pvc cards
(4) card design & print software

and obviously your own PC to connect the printer and run the software on.

Check the quantity of blank cards and the capacity of the ink ribbon that is included in the card printing system package, as you may need to purchase multiple packs if you will be printing a larger number of cards.

You may also need a digital camera for photo ID’s, a signature tablet to capture signatures, accessories such as card holders, lanyards or clips and tools such as a hole/slot punch. See our Card Printer Accessories.

Card Design Software
We recommend the nfive Vision range of card design software. The Classic Vision version of this Windows-based card design software package will allow you to design your own cards, including placing text, logos, barcodes, graphics etc onto the design. Upgraded versions of the software will allow you to maintain a database or link to an existing database as well as perform other advanced functions. Click Here for details of the nfive Card5 Vision software and a summary of the features on the different software versions.

You can choose from one of our standard ID card printer packages above, or make your own package choosing your own components and we will work out a special package price for you.

Contact Us if you require further assistance. You can order online or by telephone on 01298 83131.

Now on offer as an optional extra alongside the already comprehensive range of card printer accessories, the new Zebra carry bag is now available.

Made specifically for the Zebra P100i, P110i or the P120i, this rugged bag is padded to fit the printer perfectly and so provides excellent protection during transit.

The bag also features handy compartments for all the things you need when printing cards - software disks, cables, ribbons, cards, even ID accessories or a web cam, making on demand card printing a truly realistic option.

With a sturdy shoulder strap and carry handle, taking the Zebra P100i, P110i or P120i wherever cards need printing is easier than ever before.

Secure ID card printing

Forgery and counterfeiting are very much a reality in most industries today. People often want access to something they are not entitled to, whether it is out of curiosity or rooted in more sinister gain. In order to combat fraud and ensure unauthorised personnel do not gain access to restricted areas, many companies use ID card systems to great effect. Detailing the holder’s name, photograph, signature or colour coding cards to show access entitlement makes it easier to identify the owner at a glance. But what is to stop someone duplicating these ID cards and gaining access to restricted areas? In some cases nothing at all, other than access to a standard plastic card printer.

Ask yourself a question, how easy would it be to forge the ID cards at your facility? If someone has the right equipment, the answer is very easily. If this thought concerns you, then it’s worth looking at updating your card printing system to one which supplies higher forms of security, ones that are virtually impossible to forge and can be easily verified and authenticated.

There are a few well established methods of providing extra security to ID cards which are used in high security areas; the most effective being Ultra Violet (UV) printing, holograms embedded into the laminate overlay card and microtext printing.

There are many different ID card printers on the market, but offering one of the best specifications for high security ID cards is the Zebra P640i. This card printer offers customised UV and precision microtext printing and customisable hologram laminates. An optional ID-Key feature prevents unauthorised printer use too. Finally, the P640i also offers a range of encoding options for magnetic, smart & proximity cards to enable production of access control passes.

A UV hologram printed across the surface of an ID card is not visible to the naked eye, but under a UV light, this high security feature becomes visible and can be a very effective way of authenticating a card. Printing customised UV designs on a card further increases security and offers instant visual recognition.

A hologram image, such as a logo, can be built into the printer’s laminate overlay and offers a greater level of visual security and card durability. These holograms are available in a standard design or full customised with a specific logo or image.

Introducing the company name or some other test in tiny print onto the background of a card, much like on bank notes is an exceptionally difficult feature to copy. Microtext is usually printed in font sizes as small as 3 point, that’s less than 15 one thousandths of an inch. In fact, most ID card printers cannot duplicate this function, so if introduced, ID cards with this feature really are virtually impossible to reproduce.

Having one or all of these of these features on high security ID cards, makes counterfeiting so difficult that forgeries could be detected instantly and potential security breaches avoided. A combination of all three and you’re practically guaranteed that your high security ID cards are secure.

Of course, all of this security is only going to be effective if access to the printer is limited to authorised users. The optional ID-Key feature uses a small coded key which must be present in the printer before it will function. Different keys can be given to each authorised user and details of cards they print including the date and time of issue are recorded in the ID-Log software utility supplied.

To complete the secure card printing package CardFive Vision from NFive offer a range of software packages designed for the secure issue of ID badges.

Modulus Card Printers offers a complete range of “on-demand” Zebra plastic card printers to encode, print and personalise ‘gift cards’ at the point of sale as an alternative to the more traditional gift vouchers which have been used in the past.

Gift cards are easily printed and encoded with the required cash amount and a personalised message, and can then be kept in a purse or wallet alongside other payment cards without getting bent, scratched or torn. By printing and encoding a blank gift card at the point of sale instead of storing large volumes of pre produced cards, security is also increased.

Modulus can supply durable plastic gift cards pre printed with designs suited to a variety of gift purchase scenarios, such as Birthdays, Christmas, Mothers Day, New Baby etc.

These cards can then easily be personalised with the customers own special personal message at the point of sale, using any of the Zebra plastic card printers.

On some occasions it may be more appropriate to design and print the entire card with the customer at the point of purchase, personalising it with their message at the same time.

Giving the customer the opportunity to specify the exact design of their gift card and the flexibility to personalise it with their own message means that they really are giving a unique gift.

If you have a Zebra P110i Card Printer you can use the following ribbons:

Zebra P110i YMCKO i series 5 Panel Colour Ribbon Part No 800015-940
Prints 200 high quality full colour images onto PVC cards. Includes adhesive cleaning roller to prolong the life of your printer.

Zebra P110i Black Mono Ribbon Part No 800015-901
1000 image Print ribbon for printing in black. Includes adhesive cleaning roller to prolong the life of your printer.

Zebra P110i Red Mono Ribbon Part No 800015-902
1000 image Print ribbon for printing in Red. Includes adhesive cleaning roller to prolong the life of your printer.

Zebra P110i Green Mono Ribbon Part No 800015-903
1000 image Print ribbon for printing in Green. Includes adhesive cleaning roller to prolong the life of your printer.

Zebra P110i Blue Mono Ribbon Part No 800015-904
1000 image Print ribbon for printing in Blue. Includes adhesive cleaning roller to prolong the life of your printer.

Zebra P110i White Mono Ribbon Part No 800015-909
1000 image Print ribbon for printing in White. Includes adhesive cleaning roller to prolong the life of your printer.

Zebra P110i Gold Mono Ribbon Part No 800015-906
1000 image Print ribbon for printing in Gold. Includes adhesive cleaning roller to prolong the life of your printer.

Zebra P110i Silver Mono Ribbon Part No 800015-907
1000 image Print ribbon for printing in Silver. Includes adhesive cleaning roller to prolong the life of your printer.

Always use Genuine Zebra Truecolours® Ribbons with your printer to ensure trouble free operation and longer print head life.

Our Zebra P330i ID Card Printer offer is Christmas come early.

Modulus Card Printers are delighted to offer the best selling Zebra P330i Plastic Card Printer for an amazing  price of £ 845.00 plus VAT until Christmas.

Our best selling Zebra P330i Card Printer Package containing everything you need to produce cards is also on offer at only £895.00 plus VAT - unbelievable.

The offer is limited to the first 4 printers so get in early and grab yourself a bargain.

All machines are brand new and come complete with 2 Years Warranty for the Printer and Print Head.