Following a policy of continuous support and improvement NFive has released a new update of it’s flagship product, CardFive Vision.

This update addresses many contactless new aditions; a new Zebra Card printer model suport; adds new Canon camera models on imager; improves many functionalities in speed and reliability.

Worth of a special note, the support for “point-to-image” fields have been greatly improved. The photo acquisition capabilities of CardFive have been extended to manage bitmap linked files on disk with the usual ease of use of embebed database images.

CardFive Vision 8.3 brief Release Summary

New stuff

- Mifare DESFire Cards Support. Ability to read and write DESFire serial number into a database field.
- 125Khz Q5 Cards Support. Ability to read and write Q5 serial number into a database field.
- Implemented Q5 Cards password management.
- New Contactless Encoder Supported: Pro-Active Crazy Write
- Added ability to Omnikey 5121 to encode also on iClass cards.
- Added Chinetek encoder to the lists of encoder that supports now Mifare 4k Cards.
- New printer Model - Zebra P330m.
- Transparency for PNG Images now supported
- Point to image file (even from a text file) is treated as an real image field, allowing photo acquisition to linked files.
- New Canon SDK Implemented; new models supported: PowerShot G9 / G10 / SX100 IS / SX110 IS
- SCOS 5 Added, more reliability on our licensing subsystem

Improvements

- Overall screnn handling speed greatly improved
- Added Color options on HDP 5000 LC Dual sided printer.
- Improved contactless encoding speed
- Force re-fetch data for Contact encoding, allowing full pre-processing operations
- Improved FaceSnap operations flow
- Bar Code (1 and 2D) properties fine tuned; color editable on Text slider

Set up a card printing system and begin producing full-colour photo IDs in minutes with the Zebra QuikCard ID Solution, no software expertise necessary.

This feature and value-packed kit from Zebra includes everything needed to quickly, easily and cost-effectively make professional quality identification, security, loyalty, gift cards and much more in as little as 30 seconds for a single sided card.

In addition to a Zebra Value class full colour, single-sided P110i or dual-sided P120i card printer, available with or without magnetic encoding, QuikCard comes with exclusive Zebra QuikCard ID Solution software, based on the highly successful CardFive, which features pre designed card templates and a template designer, making it quick and easy to create custom cards.

The Zebra card design templates that come as standard with QuikCard can drastically reduce the time needed to create professionally designed cards with high-quality graphics. Easy to use template designs quickly allow creation of custom card designs while bypassing the learning curve normally associated with card design software.

The Zebra template designer offers a collection of standard card design backgrounds, logos and design elements for quickly creating custom card designs by editing text, data and graphics from pre designed cards; it also allows creation of a unique card designs if required.

QuikCard offers support for Excel and CSV data import, so it’s simple to use a pre determined database to seamlessly import data for multiple card production applications.

QuikCard also comes with a USB ‘plug and play’ digital webcam to enable the capture of quality images with a tripod and supplies for printing up to 200 cards. System requirements for QuikCard are a CD-ROM drive, 3 powered USB 2.0 ports and Windows XP or Windows Vista.

With this high-value and easy-to-use solution, even smaller organisations have the power to print cards with the quality and professional appearance required in today’s market.

The QuikCard package also comes with options including lanyards and card holders to ensure all card accessory needs are met.

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.

CardFive Vision ID Card Software Major Release

On this release NFive have added some major functionalities, result of our continuous listening to the market needs.

Excel Spreadsheet direct management in CardFive Lite XL; CardFive Premier and CardFive Professional editions.
Link to an Excel spreadsheet in seconds; no need to create an ODBC data source; no need to create a named range of the spreadsheet; add and delete records; edit data directly on CardFive Vision database view; query your spreadsheet database.
A major addition to CardFive Vision generally; a must-have, considering it is available on low cost Lite XL edition.

Magnetic encoding back on the CardFive Classic edition.
By customers request we added back to CardFive Vision Classic the magnetic encoding capabilities, removed with the release of the Vision-Class version.

Auto Database Disconnect.
The long awaited functionality of disconnecting the fields on card from a Database, thus allowing to change the data source effortlessly.

E-Mail Card layout
Send an E-mail with the image of the card you’re designing for approval in seconds.

New image formats supported.
As technology evolves we follow and update ourselves.

Ability to use BitMaps on Overlay
Create security features using Bitmaps on Overlay.

And a lot of extra small improvements and all the corrections of reported problems.

As usual, pursuing our “life-time warranty” policy, the update is free of charge, proving NFive’s commitment to achieve maximum customer satisfaction.

To update your CardFive Vision ID Card software simply run update using RSS.

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.

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.

CardFive Vision ID Card Software from leading software developers NFive will now be shipped using the new PenFive licensing system. PenFive is 25 times smaller and 10 times lighter than its predecessor, but is still packed with all the benefits you’d expect. A 2GB memory stick which has the KeyFive license and all software pre-loaded, PenFive works by simply plugging into a PC just as a normal memory stick would.

Benefits of changing to this system are clear. Extra space available on the memory stick means that further files can be added - card templates and designs, printer drivers etc. - everything can now be stored in one convenient, portable location.

Not only this, but PenFive will also cut down on storage space, shipping costs and is friendlier to the environment as there are no printed manuals shipped with it - everything is on the memory stick!

CardFive Vision ID Card Design Software - from well renowned card printing software producers NFive, is the latest evolution of the popular CardFive software and is now available from MODULUS CARD PRINTERS. With over 2 years development to offer a host of new features and design tools for printing plastic cards, CardFive Vision offers unsurpassed ease of use and versatility.

Leading the market in a new direction, whilst introducing novel and exciting concepts, CardFive has evolved to meet the needs and demands of today’s plastic card printing industry. There are now 4 editions of software to choose from in the CardFive Vision range - Classic, LiteXL, Premier and Professional. All editions of the current CardFive product, now known as CardFive 7.x, are upgradeable to CardFive Vision. CardFive 7.x will however be phased out over the next few weeks.

New features in CardFive Vision include an improved user interface which offers full control over card design and total ease of use. Cards can now be designed using minimal clicks and many new tools which have improved card design. Colours are easier to select and a comprehensive clip-art manager has been added which includes not only built in clip-art, but the ability to store custom clip-art, such as logos or frequently used images.

A new tool for image capture called CardFive Imager is included as standard with all editions. The Imager works with any Twain, DirectShow & VFW source plus most Canon digital cameras. Zoom, rotation, cropping and colour adjustment operations are greatly simplified using the CardFive Imager.

Database versions of CardFive Vision feature a database view, added to the design screen to enable data to be handled effectively once the card has been designed. Search, query and sort tools are easily accessible from this screen. Also introducing spooled printing for the first time, CardFive Vision allows the user to keep working on either card design or database manipulation whilst still maintaining full control over card printing & encoding. Finally, a network print server has been added to all CardFive Vision software, allowing multiple workstations to print and encode via LAN or WAN on a server computer in one or more card printers.

Current users of CardFive 7.x can upgrade to CardFive Vision free of charge (in most cases) to the latest version - contact MODULUS CARD PRINTERS for a demonstration copy or for more information on CardFive Vision and how to upgrade.

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