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SMART Card Encoder Details     


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Smart Card Encoders for ID Card Printers

What Are Smart Cards?

ID card with embeded smart chip at top

Smart cards get their name because they all have some embeded electronics capable of doing some kind of data processing. Some cards have a small antenna and radio signal processor embeded (proximity, or "prox" cards) that can respond to a broadcast unit with a simple encoded number. This unique number can then be referanced by security software to allow access by the card holder.

Others have chips that can process and hold many megabits of memory data, but need to be inserted into a special reader that connects to the card via contacts on the surface of the card (contact smart cards), or can transmit a short distance (contactless smart cards). Both kinds of cards allow the card to interact with computers to provide a portable source of information about the card holder. This means the person can carry their data with them, and not be dependent on a link to their local network for secure information.

Smart cards are used by banks, public transit systems, airlines, and many other organizations that need to have some data about someone be carried with them rather than transmitted across a network.

Smart Cards and ID Card Printers

Smart cards can pose a challange to ID card printers. These cards all contain materials that transfer heat differently than the plastic card. Since nearly all modern dye sublimination printers rely upon heating the plastic of the card to fuse the ink, this can result in uneven print quality. (The Fargo HDP-600 is an exception to this.) Contact smart cards have the added challenge of insuring that heat (and ink) is not applied to the smart card contacts. Such materials as overlays and overlamainates also need to be kept clear of the contact area.

Fargo offers smart card encoders on the DTC-400, DTC-550, and HDP-600. Evolis offers encoders for their Pebble and Dualys. Datacard offers it on their SP-55 and SP-75 printers, while Magicard does not offer this option on the printer we carry.

(In all cases, this is a factory installed option and not a field upgrade.)