All about retransfer printing technology
This article explores how retransfer works, its advantages, limitations and applications, and compares the main features of retransfer printers. It also focuses on Agilia, the Evolis retransfer card printer, offering the best quality/features/price ratio on the market.
Contents
- What is retransfer printing?
- How does a retransfer card printer work?
- The benefits of retransfer
- The disadvantages of retransfer
What is retransfer printing?
Retransfer is an advanced printing method used for Card personalization. Unlike direct printing on cards, it is based on a two-stage process: an image is first printed on a transparent film, then transferred to the card. This allows us to produce very high quality prints, with print resolutions of up to 600 dpi, while covering the entire surface of the card, beyond the edges. Adapted to various materials (PVC, PET, etc.), it also guarantees an impeccable aesthetic finish and enhanced durability.
How does a retransfer card printer work?
A retransfer card printer uses a two-stage process. This is based on the use of a film on which the design is first printed, before being transferred to the card using heat and pressure. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of materials and delivers outstanding rendering.
Here are the 5 steps to retransfer printing:
- Card encoding > Contact chip, contactless chip, magnetic stripe
- Printing the design of the front of the Card on the film
- Application of film on the front of the Card
- Printing the design of the back of the Card on the film
- Film application on the back of the Card
The benefits of retransfer
Retransfer technology offers a number of advantages that make it the preferred choice for card printing:
- Outstanding print quality: thanks to high print resolution and full coverage, even beyond the edges, it guarantees visually impeccable, professional cards.
- Card security and durability: retransfer enables the addition of advanced security features, such as micro-text, high-definition QR codes… Available as an option on certain retransfer card printers, a lamination module can be used to apply holograms or varnishes, making cards more resistant and difficult to forge.
- Wide choice of compatible cards: it adapts to a variety of materials (PVC, PET, ABS, etc.), offering great flexibility to meet a wide range of needs, even with irregular cards.
The disadvantages of retransfer
Although retransfer has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages:
- Printer cost: retransfer card printers are generally more expensive than those using other printing technologies.
- Cost of consumables: retransfer requires two separate consumables (a color ribbon to print the graphics and a transfer film), which can increase operating costs.
- Complexity of use: compared with direct-to-card printers, retransfer printers may require more meticulous configuration, particularly for consumables replacement or color calibration, to guarantee optimum results.
Depending on the need, these disadvantages can be offset by the benefits of retransfer. Similarly, with the right training and ergonomic equipment, these printers can be easy to use.
Agilia: the best quality/features/price ratio among retransfer printers
Agilia embodies the strength of retransfer: high print quality and optimum security for all cards. Thanks to its advanced features and scalability, it meets a wide range of needs, while offering the best quality/features/price ratio.
As a product of the Evolis brand, Agilia also benefits from the strengths of its manufacturer: recognized expertise in identification solutions, a worldwide distribution network, and reliable, responsive technical support. These strengths make Agilia a strategic choice for companies and organizations seeking to combine performance, reliability and quality support in their instant card issuance projects.
