Selecting the Right Card Printer

Questions to consider:

Do you want to print Color or Monochrome cards? All Zebra card printer (formerly Eltron card printers) can be used for both color and monochrome printing. The Zebra 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? Zebra models P420 (P420i) and P520 (P520i) support dual sided printing.

Do you need to encode magnetic stripes or smart card chips? All Zebra PSeries card printers feature optional magnetic stripe encoders and/or smart card contact stations.

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

How rugged and durable must the cards be? Zebra models P310 (P310i), P420 (P420i), and P520 (P520i) all have the capability to apply protective overlay varnishes with or without holograms. For higher levels of durability, the Zebra P520 (P520i) 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, Zebra's P310 and P420 are recommended. The model P520 (P520i) produces cards lasting up to five years.

How often will the card be swiped through a bar code or magnetic stripe reader? The P520 (P520i) is recommended for abrasion intensive applications such as frequent bar code or magnetic stripe card reading.

Back to About Card Printing Main Page

Back to Card Printing Section

Back to Zebra (formerly Eltron) Card Printers Section

RACO Industries has competitive prices and quality, guaranteed. View our Manufacturers Listing Page to see a listing of manufacturers with their products that we sell or visit our Home Page to learn more about the products that we carry and about RACO Industries. To hear our most recent low prices just call us at 513-984-2101 or 800-446-1991!

RACO Industries has stock labels and can customize labels to your company's specifications. We also carry a full line of barcoding printers, supplies, software and accessories. Call for more details!

© RACO Industries. Specifications and prices listed are subject to change without notice. All products and brand names are trademarks of their respective companies. All rights reserved.