FAQ- Am I saving money with compatible card printer ribbons?

A current trend in the plastic card printing market is the use of compatible ribbons instead of genuine branded plastic card printer ribbons. These compatible ribbons are used in Evolis, Datacard, Zebra and Fargo machines and are advertised to save the client 25-60% in consumable costs. We have investigated this claim by interviewing several clients (and repairing their printers) and found that despite a slight decrease in ribbon costs, the end user is receiving less value and a more expensive cost per solution than when using original branded ribbons.

Here is what we found:

Reasons to Choose Original over "Compatible" for plastic card printer consumables

1. Voids Warranty
Whether your printer is Zebra, Evolis, EDIsecure, Datacard or Fargo brand, your warranty is voided the moment you use non branded (compatible) ribbon or plastic card. Take care to purchase your consumables from reputable companies- if the consumables are non-branded or compatible ribbons (even hiding in original boxes), your printer brand manufacturer will not fulfil your warranty.

2. Higher operating temp/faster print head blow out
Compatible ribbons require a higher operating temperature to print correctly. While it is possible to increase the heat settings in your printer drivers- the increase in temperature will effectively run your print head at a higher temperature and make it 'work harder' to sublimate your ink. This increased temperature puts strain on your print head and will ensure a shorter lifespan. Should you wish to keep the default settings asnd not increase your heat settings, the colours will be washed out and may graduate in colour intensity across the length of the card.

3. More Manufacturing Defects in Compatible Ribbons
Clients who use compatible ribbons are more likely to have a damaged print head from a manufacturing defect in the compatible ribbon. We have seen ribbons that are too narrow and do not stretch the full width of the card. Other ribbons have burrs or scratches in the film. In minor cases, the ink does not sumblimate into the plastic in those areas, causing a blotchy print, or, in more major cases, the burrs can scratch the printhead directly.


There is simply no value is saving a couple of Rands per ribbon if using a compatible ribbon will cost you thousands in printhead or driverboard replacements.

CardsPlus only sells genuine branded ribbons. We believe that they continue to extend more value to our clients than a compatible ribbon will. With so many companies getting burned from the increase in compatible plastic card printer consumables, CardsPlus is proud to take a stand against inferior products and misadvertising.

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What you will need to start printing your own cards tomorrow

Are you ready to branch into printing your own cards, either as a side business or for your company?

We created a brief rundown of what you will need– besides a computer or laptop– to start printing your own plastic cards…

A reliable plastic card printer: There are a wide variety of plastic card printers that will suite a variety of needs from single sided printing to high security printing. We recommend EDIsecure for their durability and reliability.

Software: Connecting to a database gives you the freedom to let the printer print without stopping to browse for a photo. Pick Jolly Technologies IDFlow to get the most bang for your buck

Consumables: Don’t forget your ribbons with the ink ribbons and the plastic cards to print on!

That’s it! You are ready to print! Print on!

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DCP 360+ unveiled

Digital Identification Solutions Group recently unveiled the upgraded version of the DCP360i, renamed as the DCP 360+.

The DCP 360+ is being called the most powerful and compact direct card printer in its class.

The new, modern-designed, double-sided, edge-to-edge EDIsecure® DCP 360+ Direct Card Printer was developed for industrial needs and is prepared for plug and play inline lamination. It is the most powerful desktop direct card printer in the world with its versatility and state-of-the-art features.

Product Highlights and Features

* Fastest full-color direct card printer in its class due to portrait mode printing
* High-speed printing of more than 180 full-color and up to 720 monochrome cards per hour
* Built-in LED panel for convenient set-up and operation
* Detachable card hopper for easy handling
* Powerful printer driver shows the printer status and makes it possible to change the parameters for printing from the PC
* Removable and reusable cleaning rollers
* Optional single- and simultaneous dual-side lamination with EDIsecure® ILM or ILM-DS to apply a range of EDIsecure® clear and secure laminates that extend card life and enhances security
* Optional lockable access to lamination supplies for higher security
* Optional field upgradeable encoder modules for magnetic stripe, contact and contactless smart card encoding
* Ideal for medium to high volume applications for corporations, government agencies, organizations, hospitals, health facilities, and universities, for photo IDs, access control, time and attendance, and loyalty cards

The following ribbons are available: YMCKO and YMCKOK ribbon as well as monochrome K (black) ribbon.

What makes the DCP360+ better than the DCP360i?

The major upgrade is the introduction of infrared capabilities for use with the new lamination (ILM) units. This will enable users the ability to utalise the DS and LS ILM units with the DCP360+ instead of the previous bulky ILM units of yore. Hooray for streamlining printing solutions!

We give Digital Identification Solutions a big thumbs up on this project!

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Securex- A great opportunity to see the best in action!

Residing in South Africa, we see that security is at forefront in any South African's mind. We're concerned with not just preventing crimes in ones home or business but crimes of fraud and corruption in corporations or even government institutions. With this in mind, plastic card security is crucial in any application - but even more so in credential management or Identification card programmes. Fraud of any sort completely undermines the control of the card.

Securex is an exhibition that focuses on security channels of all kinds, from access control to residential alarming systems. CardsPlus has taken this week to broadcast and demonstrate the high security features of XID retransfer printers at this show. Revealing hidden security features capable on these machines as well as the high print quality that allows for effective visual security features, the XID printers truly demonstrated the difference that 12 years of quality technology can make!

We still feel confident that EDIsecure's XID family of retransfer printers can simply not be beaten.

If you missed us at Securex and are interested in viewing the XID 8300 in action, please give us a call on 086 16 CARDS and book your appointment today!

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EDIsecure Printers in US Driver's License Solution

EDISecure printers, and Digital Identification Solutions, continue to prove themselves as THE choice solution for plastic card solutions. This week, DISO announced receipt of orders for three separate driver's license programs in the United States, adding to the already established programmes in South Carolina and Mississippi.
Secure ID reported that this brings the number of EDIsecure printers and laminators installed in United States Driver's programmes to 600.

CardsPlus is a proud to be a certified solution provider of EDIsecure printers and products to sub-Sahara Africa, proving that we chose to provide only the best in quality and technology to the Southern Africa market.

Contact CardsPlus at +27 11 894 3914 to learn more about the EDIsecure family of printers.

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5 Reasons to Make the Switch to Retransfer Printing Right Now

Retransfer technology is all the rage right now and being marketed across the world as cutting edge print technology at it’s finest.

But, what are the actual differences between the direct-to-card Zebra, Evolis, Datacard, Fargo printers and Retransfer printers? And what actual benefits are there in switching to the finest print technology available?

Let’s have a look at the original retransfer brand of printers– the EDIsecure XID family.

1. Better Print Quality Imaging on the XID retransfer printers is comparable to offset press printed cards- Colours are brighter and crisper; lines are sharper and cleaner.

2. Off-the-edge Printing Direct-to-card printers all leave a faint line on one side of the card to protect the print head from damage. Yuck!

Retransfer print heads do not make contact with the card, allowing a fluid 'over-the-edge' print, even on the uneven edges of smart cards.

3. Lifetime Warranty on the Print head Only the XID printers offer you the assurance of
a lifetime warranty on the print head. No shady card count restrictions apply .

4. Completely Modular The XID printers are fully customisable, meaning you purchase only
what you need at this time with the option of adding modules (without requiring an upgrade) when your needs change. Why spend more when you don't have to ?

5. Affordability The XID printers give you true value for your money and the cost per card is comparable to direct to card printing!

Demonstrations are available if you would like to see the technology in action. Join the revolution and schedule your demonstration for an XID retransfer printer now.

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Ramp Up Profitability with Your Plastic Card Printer!

Is the cost of your card printer consumables and accessories eating away at your job budget and profitability?

It’s no lie. Consumables are expensive and yet oh-so necessary to provide you with the cards you need. Without ribbons your cards just can’t be printed!

We know that when global import prices skyrocket, consumable rates inflate—quickly munching your budget and profitability.

It’s time to make the change.

No longer do you have to be the victim of the global economic fluctuations. Join the CardsPlus revolution and escape the scramble. Our answer to rising consumable prices– is to lower ours.

Are you ready to side-step inflated prices and join the revolution?

Call in to receive a 25% discount on select brands of card printer ribbons and card accessories!

Don’t delay! This offer is only valid as stock lasts!

Contact us today on 086 16 CARDS (22737)

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Your Source for Card Printer Consumables!

Back in the day when McDonald's had only sold a million burgers, they stumbled across a great customer service method - don't just offer a burger and be satisfied. Offer french fries, a drink and maybe a sundae for dessert as well.

In our busy society there is value in the "one stop shop". Sourcing individual items is a time consuming task - and time is money. Perhaps you already have your card printer, but your blank cards are low, and you know that the ribbon you put in last month is getting down to it's last few images. Perhaps you have an event coming up, and you know that you will need not only plastic cards, but lanyards and card holders as well. Or maybe you don't have any of these items - only the need to get your company's ID badges printed a.s.a.p. We can help!

We carry stock of the most commonly used Edisecure, Zebra, Datacard and Fargo print ribbons. And if it isn't so common, we have local and overseas suppliers who can provide them in a blink of an eye. We also carry premium PVC plastic cards, both white and coloured (including metallic), Hi Co and Lo Co magnetic stripe cards and assorted card accessories. Everything you will need to accomplish the task ahead of you.

So let us give you a hand and provide you with very competively priced, quality card printer ribbons, plastic cards and card accessories that will make you look great when your project is completed.

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