8. Selecting the Right Card Printer - Questions to Consider

Do you want to print Color or Monochrome cards?
All Eltron brand card printers can be used for both color and monochrome printing. The Eltron P310F single-sided monochrome card printer is optimized for fast, easy, economical monochrome card printing.

Do you need to print on both sides of the card?
Eltron models P420 and P520 support dual sided printing.

Do you need to encode magnetic stripes or smart card chips?
All Eltron P Series card printers feature optional magnetic stripe encoders and/or smart card contact stations. The smart card contact stations require an additional smart card encoder to configure and customize cards. They can also be used load applications onto cards such as JavaCard and MULTOS cards.

How many cards will you need to print per year?
All current Eltron card printers support print volumes up to 25,000 cards per year.

How rugged and durable must the cards be?
Eltron models P310, P420, and P520 all have the capability to apply protective overlay varnishes with or without holograms. For higher levels of durability, the Eltron P520 features a hot roll laminating station for the application of .6 or 1.0 mil overlaminate patch materials, with or without holograms.

How long do you need your cards to last (card life)?
For cards that need to last less than two years, Eltron's P310 and P420 are recommended. The model P520 produces cards lasting up to five years.

How often will the card be swiped through a bar code or magnetic stripe reader?
The P520 is recommended for abrasion-intensive applications where there is frequent bar code or magnetic stripe card reading.