From our experience, it is always a good idea to have an extra ribbon or two, additional cleaning supplies and spare blank cards on hand, in case you run out or need to replace your ID card printer supplies urgently.
Most often customers are left without these consumables for urgent card printing jobs such as for secure photo ID cards, student cards, staff ID cards, club membership cards, loyalty cards or important access cards. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have the best ID card printer supplies on hand and ready to print.
The question we often get asked is-
Is having too many card printer supplies mean that they will expire if they are not used? And if so, is there an expiry date for these supplies?
The team at CSID are here to help you answer your burning questions.
What Supplies do I Need to Print High-Quality Plastic Cards?
To print with your card printer, you will need the following core items:
Our Entrust Plastic Card Printer
Either a Full Colour or Monochrome ribbon depending on your card personalisation
Entrust Instant ID Card Software to create your card template and store your credentials. Perfect and efficient for pre-printed cards.
A cleaning kit or cleaning supplies for regular and routine printer maintenance
And ID Accessories to display your printed cards such as Plain or Custom lanyards, card holders, badge reels etc.
Learn more about our Entrust ID card printers and software range today.
How Should I Store my ID Card Printer & Printing Supplies?
Based on the recommendation from the manufacturer, your card printer and card printer supplies should be stored in a normal temperature and humidity-controlled environment. Examples are in an air-conditioned office, front desk at reception, and purpose-built security pass office. Yet most importantly especially away from direct sunlight or very hot humid conditions.
It is also essential that you protect the card printer away from spills and liquids which can cause water damage and main board failure. Another notable is to be aware of is Dust. Dust can also interfere with card printer sensors, printer rollers and onto cards inside the input hopper. Therefore, our recommendation is to cover your card printer to avoid dust storms or dusty environments.
Card Printer Supplies like ribbons, laminates, plastic cards, and cleaning kits should be securely stored, tightly sealed and kept in their original packaging. It is vital that all Card printer Supplies be stored away from direct sunlight or strong UV conditions. If not, these extreme temperature conditions will cause deterioration to the supplies leading to very poor print quality and damage to your asset.
