Medium businesses printing employee IDs, visitor passes, and membership cards.
Small businesses with low-volume printing needs (fewer than 100 cards/year).
Small to medium businesses printing between 100–500 cards/year.
Businesses needing versatile printing options with added security.
Small to medium businesses looking for a cost-effective, high-quality printer.
Universities, retail programs, and large-scale organizations printing over 1,000 cards/year.
Government agencies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions.
Single-sided printers, such as the Seaory S26, are perfect for organizations that only need to print essential information on one side of the card. These printers are typically more affordable, compact, and faster since they handle only one side of the card in a single pass.
Use Case: Employee badges for small businesses or visitor passes with just a photo and name.
For businesses that require more comprehensive information on their ID cards—like a barcode, security details, or branding—a dual-sided printer is the way to go. These printers complete both sides of the card in one pass, saving time and effort. Models like the Seaory S28, R300, and R600 are dual-sided by default but can still be used for single-sided printing if needed.
Use Case: Employee IDs with a photo and name on the front and a barcode or company details on the back.
Choosing between Direct-to-Card (DTC) and Retransfer Printing depends on the quality and durability you need.
DTC printers are faster and more cost-effective, making them ideal for standard plastic cards. These printers apply ink directly to the card surface, producing professional-looking results without the need for additional steps. Models like the Magicard D and Seaory S28 are reliable and affordable options for businesses looking for straightforward, efficient printing.
Use Case: Membership cards, student IDs, or employee badges that don’t require edge-to-edge printing.
Key Considerations:
Retransfer printers, like the Seaory R300 and Seaory R600, print the image onto a transfer film, which is then bonded to the card. This process creates edge-to-edge, high-resolution prints that are resistant to wear and tear. Retransfer printers are ideal for cards with uneven surfaces, like smart cards or access cards.
Use Case: Government IDs, healthcare cards, or any situation where durability and precision are essential.
Key Considerations:
| Printer | Best For | Speed | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seaory S25 | Entry-level, low volume | 23 seconds/card | 300 DPI | $899.00 |
| Seaory S26 | Small businesses | 23 seconds/card | 300 DPI | $1,499.00 |
| Seaory S28 | Best overall | 18 seconds/card | 300 x 1200 DPI | $1,999.00 |
| Magicard D | Versatile, added security | 20 seconds/card | HoloKote | $2,495.00 |
| Matica MC320 | Best value | 20 seconds/card | 300 DPI | $1,499.00 |
| Seaory R300 | Flexible printing needs | 25 seconds/card | Edge-to-edge | $3,499.00 |
| Seaory R600 | High-quality, precision | 25 seconds/card | 600 DPI | $4,499.00 |
Manual Feed: With manual feed, you insert cards one at a time into the printer. This is ideal for businesses with low-volume printing needs or for those printing highly customized cards where each card requires individual attention.
Hopper: A hopper is an automated feeder that can hold a stack of cards, typically 100–200 cards depending on the printer model. This feature is great for businesses with higher-volume needs, as it saves time and reduces the effort of manually feeding each card.
Direct-to-Card Printers: Typically print at speeds between 18–23 seconds per card, making them efficient for most business needs.
Retransfer Printers: While slightly slower at around 25 seconds per card, these printers produce superior edge-to-edge printing and are etter suited for businesses requiring high-quality, durable cards.
Invest in an ID card printer that suits your needs, budget, and brand image. With options like Seaory S28, Magicard D, Matica MC320, Seaory R300, and Seaory R600, you’ll have the right tool to handle your organization’s ID printing challenges for 2025 and beyond.
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