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This section provides an overview for id card printers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 20 id card printer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked id card printer companies as of January, 2025: 1.SMART, 2.IdentiSys Inc., 3.Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd..
Table of Contents
An ID Card Printer is a device that prints employee identification cards and other ID cards.
By installing an ID Card Printer, the risk of leakage of employees' personal information and the cost of outsourcing can be reduced.
The ink is vaporized by heat and transferred onto a plastic card with an embedded IC chip or magnetic stripe. Printing methods can be classified into direct printing and retransfer printing.
ID Card Printers are used to print employee ID cards and other ID cards for use within a company or facility. They are useful for traffic passes to enhance company security, to manage attendance, and to authenticate electronic devices such as copiers and PCs.
Some products are equipped with an IC encoder that inputs information to an IC chip or a magnetic encoder that inputs information to a magnetic stripe card. When selecting a product, the printing method, the type of card supported for printing, printing speed, and printing finish should be considered.
There are two types of ID Card Printers that print on plastic cards: direct printing and retransfer printing.
Direct printing is a printing method that transfers ink vaporized by heat directly onto the plastic card to be printed. Since fewer processes are required for printing, many inexpensive devices are available, and running costs are low.
However, it cannot print on IC chips and is greatly affected by dust and sebum. Also, depending on the card to be printed, it may not be possible to print on it.
Printing on the edges of cards is not possible. However, cards made of PVC are supported.
In the retransfer printing method, the image to be printed is printed once on retransfer film, which is then pressed against the card to be printed, and the image is transferred from the film to the card by applying heat.
In addition to providing clear printing, this method can also be used when the surface of the card to be printed is uneven, or even over an IC card. The retransfer method can print on the entire surface of the card, including the edges. On the other hand, running costs are higher due to the use of film and other materials.
Since this method does not print directly, it can print not only on cards made of PVC, but also on cards made of other materials. Examples include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PET-G, and polycarbonate PC.
Full-edge printing without edges using retransfer technology enables printing of well-designed color images.
With a resolution of 600 to 1,200 dpi, even very small characters can be displayed with high definition. Small QR codes can be laid out while maintaining design quality.
Encoders can be used to encode contactless IC cards while printing on the card. Inkjet printers can print at speeds of 50 sheets per meter or faster.
The system can be linked with existing in-house systems, membership management and school management systems, etc.
There are many advantages to producing employee ID cards, ID cards, student ID cards, membership cards, and medical certificates in-house. First, important personal information of employees, students, members, and patients is not leaked to outside parties.
Second, even a single card can be printed immediately, without being bound by deadlines. This can accommodate personnel changes, etc. Medical examination cards can be issued during the examination and handed in on the way home.
Cost is also an advantage. If cards are printed in-house, the cost is less than 100 yen per card. Another advantage is that cards can be issued in large quantities. It is possible to print 50 or more cards with a photo per minute at high speed.
With inkjet printers, there is no ink ribbon data, further reducing the risk of personal information leakage. High-resolution color printing is possible, enabling beautiful and precise printing of portraits, letters, and design patterns.
Adhesive-backed cards are ID cards that can be used repeatedly. The card is created by printing personal information, etc., and then peeling off the release paper and affixing it to the IC card. By removing the adhesive-backed card, the expensive IC card can be reused.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Zebra is committed to empowering teams with the mobility and insight to deliver at the cutting edge of excellence. More than just providing intelligent hardware, they offer solutions that give organizations complete visibility to make smart, nimble decisions about what action to take now and how to plan for tomorrow. With 52 years of innovation covering ten industries, such as retail, healthcare, and banking, Zebra takes pride in creating a culture of respect, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation that gives organizations a competitive edge. Using decades of innovation, they design scanners, mobile computers, tablets, and printers with features and form factors made for you.
IdentiSys Inc. is a supplier and distributor of identification and security solutions in Minnesota, USA, founded in 1999. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to help organizations manage and enhance security, identification, and access control. Its offerings include identification badges, access control systems, card printers, biometric technology, and secure authentication. It serves a diverse clientele, including businesses, government agencies, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and more.
HID Global is a provider of hardware and software solutions that helps to empower access. With its corporate offices present in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia, the category of solutions that HID Global provides cuts across Access Control, Identity Management, Citizen ID, and RFID tracing, Monitoring, and Locating. Some of the company’s products include Biometric Readers and Modules, ePassports and eID Cards, RFID Tags and Beacons, and Ticket Readers and Validators. With these products and many more, HID Global serves organizations in Healthcare, Retail, Sports, and Education.
Magicard Ltd. is a manufacturer under the Brady Corporation that specializes in identification (ID) card printers, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Weymouth, United Kingdom. The company provides a range of printers and software for ID card issuance, including national ID cards and driver licenses, featuring built-in security elements like the HoloKote secure watermarks and digital shredders. These offerings are also used to print product labels, retail payment cards, and attendance smart cards in corporate and educational settings. With representative offices in the United States, China, and Dubai, the company serves international customers in over 100 countries.
IDP Corp. Ltd., founded in 2005, is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of identification card printers, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company offers printers, encoders, and software for contact, contactless, and magnetic stripe technology cards. It also provides related consumables, such as plastic and smart cards, along with color, monochrome, and security ribbons. With dual representative offices in United States and United Arab Emirates, the company serves global customers, including government agencies and institutions in the education, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.
Canon Finetech Nisca Inc. is a Japanese manufacturer of printers and related products that was established in Saitama in 1953. The company’s product portfolio includes CANON brand printers for office or home use, thermal printers utilizing thermal transfer or dye sublimation, and inkjet printers for printing on various media including cards, labels, or tags. It also offers embeddable print modules for integration into kiosks or terminals. The company’s products are commonly marketed by retailers of office supplies, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics.
Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd. founded in 1876 and headquartered in Tokyo, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronics materials and print-related products. The company's product range includes functional films, industrial materials, display components and packaging materials. These products are used for controlling light and heat, boosting manufacturing efficiency, enhancing display clarity, and microfabrication technology. These products are used in Industries such as electronics, automobile, energy, and life sciences sectors. Moreover, the company offers services in collaborative product development, digital solutions for mobility, and the fusion of printing technology.
Brother UK, established in 1968 and based in Manchester, UK, is an ISO 9001 and ISO 18001 certified manufacturer of office printers, scanners and label printers. The company's range of products includes laser printers, portable scanners and full color label printers used in offices and learning institutions. It also supplies EcoPro ink and toners, tapes and labels on a subscription basis. The company offers recycling programs for toners, inkjets and printers to help minimize environmental waste. The company has been part of the Cool Earth movement since 2009.
SMART was founded in 2006 and is a manufacturer of plastic card solutions and card printers in Singapore. The company has developed multi-function card printers that use thermal transfer and color sublimation technologies to print and personalize various cards, including student cards, leisure membership cards, company badges, access control cards, and more. Its printers feature a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) and quality image output at a reasonable price. Additionally, the company offers consumable products such as ribbon kits, cards, and cleaning kits. The company's products find applications in food safe labels, education, financial, government, and transportation.
Vivid Data Group LLC has been a supplier and distributor of label printing and identification products since 2011 and is headquartered in Texas, USA. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including label printers, ink and toner, software solutions, custom label printing, and consultation and implementation. The company provides nationwide service coverage for label printers in the continental United States, offering next-day service in many areas. Moreover, extensive support resources, including manuals, job aids, and videos, are offered. The company works closely with clients to identify the right software and solutions to streamline business processes.
AlphaCard, established in 1998, is a supplier of identification and access control solutions based in Oregon, USA. The company offers comprehensive solutions for creating and managing identification cards and access control systems. Its offerings include ID card printers, accessories, ID software, access control software, and more. The company provides its products to businesses, industrial facilities, schools, universities, and other organizations that require identification and access control solutions. Additionally, customization services are offered to clients, which allows the creation of personalized ID cards with unique designs and security features that suit specific needs.
IDW LLC was founded in 2004 and is a supplier of identification products and solutions headquartered in Minnesota, USA. The company offers a range of identification and access control solutions, including ID card printers, ID card accessories, ID software, custom printing services, and technical support. Its diverse customer base includes businesses, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and more. For customizations, the company offers personalization of ID cards, allowing clients to create unique designs, security features, and branding elements. The company's solutions cater to industries and sectors that require identification and access control.
Fujiei Syscom Co. Ltd., founded in 1999 and based in Japan, is a distributor of automatic identification products. The company offers label printers, barcode scanners, printing supplies, and more. Its services encompass the sale and repair of automatic identification products alongside the planning and sales of production management systems and software solutions. The company is a Zebra Authorized Service Provider and provides extensive backup support, from maintenance services to the supply of consumables. Its software solutions ensure compatibility with multiple printers for seamless business integration.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SMART |
11.5%
|
| 2 | IdentiSys Inc. |
8.5%
|
| 3 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. |
8.4%
|
| 4 | Canon Finetech Nisca Inc. |
6.5%
|
| 5 | NiSCA Corporation |
5.9%
|
| 6 | Fujieisyscom Co.,Ltd. |
5.9%
|
| 7 | Zebra Technologies Corp. |
5.2%
|
| 8 | Brother UK Ltd |
5.0%
|
| 9 | Entrust Corporation |
5.0%
|
| 10 | Vivid Data Group, LLC. |
5.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the id card printer page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
5 | 41.7% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 25.0% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 8.3% |
|
Republic of Korea
|
1 | 8.3% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 8.3% |
Switzerland
|
1 | 8.3% |
91 products found
91 products
Plaza Create Co., Ltd.
300+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
■Improved printing speed and quality GRASYS ID200 series is a new standard series with improved printing quality and printing speed, and is mainly ...
9 models listed
Plaza Create Co., Ltd.
230+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■High quality, low price, for small quantity issuance purposes GRASYS ID170 series is a new value series printer. The ID170 series is the successor...
7 models listed
Plaza Create Co., Ltd.
280+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
■Next generation retransfer printer introduced SMART-81 is a new generation retransfer card printer that delivers increased production through the ...
10 models listed
Kyushu Tanak Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
This printer specializes in quality display tags, price tags, membership cards, picture bags, and RF tags. Prints clear print at high speed. It is ...
A and Day Co., Ltd.
270+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
Standard Response
■Features ・IC card reader printer for truck scale indicator ・Kanji compatible IC card reader printer ・Built-in printing printer ・With weight di...
Cutting Edge Co., Ltd.
200+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
Standard Response
■Solid-300S IC card printer Solid-300S is a high-quality thermal transfer card printer that prints full-color, high-quality images on all sides of ...
Stealth Networks Co., Ltd.
170+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
Fast Response
This is the latest HID card printer that can print on both sides of cards, such as FeliCa and Mifare, which have metal inside and can warp when exp...
2 models listed
Stealth Networks Co., Ltd.
90+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
Fast Response
This is a stable card printer that we have been selling for 14 years. Only one-sided model is sold. We have been selling it to security ventures.
Fujieisyscom Co.,Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
Standard Response
Space-saving card printer with high cost performance ■Main features ・Desk size and easy to use - Abundant encoding options such as contactless IC...
Fujieisyscom Co.,Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
Standard Response
A space-saving card printer that can print instantly at an affordable price. ■Main features ・Ideal for issuing small amounts of cards ・Can be in...
Fujieisyscom Co.,Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
Standard Response
A printer that lets you design and print any card with revolutionary simplicity ■Main features ・Earth's simplest card printer ・Card design possi...
Fujieisyscom Co.,Ltd.
100+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
Standard Response
High-end model with excellent cost performance due to high-speed printing and high-capacity ink ribbon ■Main features - Speedy and high quality ca...
Phoenix Co., Ltd.
100+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
Low running cost, high speed, high volume printing printer. Features ■Mass issuance/high speed issuance High-speed issuance is possible in 1.5 sec...
Phoenix Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
The best printer for issuing RF (UHF/HF) single tags. Features ■Mass issuance/high speed issuance High-speed issuance is possible in 1.5 seconds p...
Nihon Kiki Co., Ltd.
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■Easily create ID cards with simple issuance software. -You can freely create and edit designs on your PC. ・Variable data such as image data, name...
2 models listed
Nihon Kiki Co., Ltd.
110+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■No need to manually print each one A compact card printer that can print continuously. Achieves top-class high-speed printing at a low price. ■Co...
Nihon Kiki Co., Ltd.
140+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■Summary This is a value series ID card printer that realizes cost reduction and is suitable for small quantity issuance. ■Main unit + accessories...
2 models listed
Nihon Kiki Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■Easily print employee IDs, student IDs, membership cards, etc. onto plastic cards on the spot. You can create long-lasting and beautiful cards. - ...
2 models listed
Nihon Kiki Co., Ltd.
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Summary A professional compact card printer with the industry's highest level of finish that can also use various commercially available cards. F...
Phoenix Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 hours ago
A dedicated printer for rewritable cards that also supports RFID, making paperless possible. Features ■Rewrite tag compatible Visual information o...
Phoenix Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
Features ■Operation/printing function In advance, specify the folder in which to save the insert file (csv) used for printing. The application moni...
Phoenix Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
QR code printing makes accessing the site easy and convenient. ■Operation ・Enter the membership number to be printed and the number of copies to ...
Matsubara Shoji Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
■GRASYS ID card printer In recent years, plastic cards have been issued in a variety of fields, such as employee IDs, student IDs, hospital tickets...
Matsubara Shoji Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■GRASYS ID card printer In recent years, plastic cards have been issued in a variety of fields, such as employee IDs, student IDs, hospital tickets...
