Card Printer FAQ

When purchasing a card printer, there are a few things to know about setting up, maintaining, and updating it. We have summarized questions that we encounter particularly frequently at this point. If you have any further questions, our card printer experts will be happy to help you.

Table of Contents

  1. How do I operate a card printer?
  2. How do I install and operate a card printer over the network?
  3. How do I connect a database to a card printer?
  4. When and how do I have to service a card printer?
  5. Where can I find drivers and firmware updates for my card printer?
  6. Are there card printers for Mac OS and Linux?
  7. Can I retrofit a card printer?

How do I operate a card printer?

Install card printer

No special knowledge is required to install and operate a card printer. In principle, card printers are installed, operated and maintained in the same way as the laser or inkjet printers customary in the office or at home. Usually the devices are simply connected to the PC, switched on and installed automatically. You can also download the latest card printer drivers and firmware files from our drivers and firmware page. If you have problems with the installation, you will find further information in the respective operating instructions.

Set card printer

You can make all settings either as usual via the “Print” command field (e.g. from Word, Acrobat Reader), from professional card software (e.g. from YouChip or CardPresso) or via the system control (devices and printers - right click on the respective model). Depending on the model, you will receive important information and status reports directly via the display and the buttons on the device. Instructions for the correct configuration of your plastic card printer can be found in the respective user manual or in the service section of your card software. If you are not satisfied with the quality of your print, this can usually be corrected by making minor adjustments to the device (e.g. higher contrast, more saturation).

How do I install and operate a card printer over the network?

Installation and operation of a card printer

Like laser and inkjet printers, card printers are automatically recognized and managed by the operating system. Please note the installation instructions in the documentation supplied. After the installation, which usually starts comfortably after connecting the device and installs the necessary driver, plastic cards can e. B. can be printed from a PDF or Word document using the "Print" command. By using card design software, printing is particularly convenient and possible with many setting options. More detailed information about your card printer can be read out via your system control.

Printer management via network

All printers with an Ethernet interface are network-compatible and can process print jobs from all devices in the network. Simply select the appropriate network printer in the print field - and after a short installation, printing can begin! Some models without an Ethernet interface can be retrofitted with an Ethernet module. Many plastic card printers can also be controlled via WLAN. The installation and management of a card printer via WLAN does not differ significantly from the integration of other WLAN devices. Print servers can also be used via Ethernet and WLAN. The HID Fargo HDP6600 card printer, for example, even integrates an extensive print server from the factory.

How do I connect a database to a card printer?

If you have card design software from YouCard, it is possible to connect a database in order to "link" various information such as first name and surname from this data source.

A database can also be connected to the card printer with the card design software CardPresso. Click on "Database" and then on "Connect database". Select the appropriate database driver, for example "Direct Excel File Driver" and click on "Next". Find your Excel file by clicking on "Browse for * .xls" and confirm the next window by clicking on "OK". Now confirm until the end by clicking on "Next" and complete the connection of the database with "Finish".

If you want to print your cards from Word, just use the mail merge function and enter the absolute path to the database. You can find more information on integrating your database in the service documentation for the respective software. If you access an individual database format, we will be happy to check on site or via our remote maintenance software how you can connect your database to your card printer via an ODBC driver.

When and how do I have to service a card printer?

The cleaning and maintenance of your card printer should always be carried out as required, but no later than every 1,000 card prints. Every card printer requires regular maintenance. The prescribed maintenance ensures a consistently high print quality and helps to avoid damage.

Use only original cleaning materials for this purpose and, in particular, avoid cleaning agents containing alcohol, as these can lead to irreparable errors with some types of device.

If you are suddenly no longer satisfied with the print quality or after a long pause, we recommend that you first maintain or clean your device. Depending on the printing system, different options are available to you.

You can find out which cleaning kit is suitable for your printer in our category "Cleaning supplies" for card printers.

Clean the card printer

Cleaning card:
Please remove the ribbon first. Then insert a cleaning card into the card feeder like a normal plastic card. The cleaning process is then started from the control panel of the printer driver as with inkjet and laser printers.

Cleaning swabs:
Cleaning swabs release liquid into the cleaning pad when pressed lightly. Apply light pressure to the swab and then gently push the cleaning pad past the printhead several times in one direction.

Cleaning wipes:
Make sure that cleaning cloths can dry out completely within a few minutes. You should therefore first open the card printer before you clean the designated areas such as the roller guide with the cleaning cloth by lightly contacting it.

Cleaning roller (Zebra card printer only):
Replace the sticky cleaning roller in the blue cleaning cartridge with a new one and perform the cleaning process using the printer driver's control panel.

Datacard cleaning roller (Datacard printer only):
Replace the cleaning roller behind the card feeder with a new one and start the cleaning process via the control panel of the printer driver.

Where can I find drivers and firmware updates for my card printer?

Many technical problems when using your card printer can be eliminated by installing the latest printer driver and firmware. The current updates for your card printer can be found on the respective manufacturer's website or directly in our Drivers and Firmware section. You should therefore always keep the drivers and firmware up-to-date so that any problems do not arise in the first place.

If you have any questions or problems with downloading or installing the software, please contact our technical department.

Is there a card printer for Mac and Linux?

In some cases the current operating systems have problems dealing with older card printers. Although many new card printers support the current operating systems Windows 10, Mac OS X and Linux, this is not a matter of course.

In our card printer purchase advisor you can filter according to the desired operating system and receive a selection of suitable models.

If you want to use a plastic card printer with one of these operating systems, please inquire in advance on the corresponding manufacturer's website or on our respective card printer website about compatibility or simply ask our technical experts. You can also conveniently view and download the latest drivers, firmware and downloads in our download section under Drivers and Firmware.

Can I retrofit a card printer?

Over the years, the requirements for your own ID and card system, e.g. B. in the areas of access control and ID management. Therefore, many card printers can be upgraded later due to their flexible and modular design.

As a rule, we have the available extensions for our card printers in stock. On request, we can also build the new modules directly into your device.

The following modules are available (depending on the model):
  • Ethernet interface
  • Chip encoder (contact / contactless)
  • Magnetic stripe encoder
  • Card turning unit (automatic front and back printing)
  • Lamination station
  • WLAN module
  • USB interface
  • Laser engraving station
  • One-sided and / or lockable card collection and issue
  • Larger card feed and output bins
Which modules are available for your card printer can be found in the manufacturer's official data sheet or in the "Options" area on the respective product detail page for our card printer.