Retransfer Technology

Retransfer printers print onto a flexible transparent film that is then thermally bonded to the card, unlike traditional dye-sublimation card printers, which use a printhead that prints through a ribbon directly onto the card.

In general, benefits of retransfer printing include:

• Higher image quality and print resolution.
• The ability to print on uneven card surfaces such as smart cards.
• True edge-to-edge printing (via over the edge printing) Traditional card printers must leave a white border because printing up to the edge would damage the printhead.
• The ability to print on non-PVC cards. Dye sublimation requires a porous surface available only with PVC cards.
• More durable and abrasion-resistant cards Some fraud protection, since the film is inherently tamper-evident.