One of the most common questions we get asked every day is: What’s the difference between a direct-to-card printer and a retransfer printer? And which is better? 

If you’ve been wondering the same sort of questions and you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. This is our comprehensive guide to the differences between these two printers, as well as which is going to be “better” for your unique needs and uses.

Firstly, what’s a retransfer printer?

Retransfer printing is a type of ID card printing method that is often chosen because retransfer printers offer unparalleled image quality and secure printing. Retransfer printing prints the image onto a transparent film which is then transferred to the surface of the card. 

Retransfer printers are a popular choice because the overlay on the card adds extra security combined with increased durability, enabling additional physical security checks and extending the card’s lifespan.

Next up, what are direct-to-card printers?

A DTC Card printer differs slightly from a retransfer machine as it uses a dye-sublimation process where the ink is transferred from a ribbon directly to the card.

Unlike the Retransfer model, a DTC machine cannot print edge-to-edge due to the way the print head functions, which means there is a slight border around the edge of the card. However, the DTC is a workhorse that is faster and cheaper than its retransfer counterpart. It is ideal for high-volume everyday ID card printing in environments such as ID Card Bureaus and Education Enrolment Days.

Next up, what are direct-to-card printers?

A DTC Card printer differs slightly from a retransfer machine as it uses a dye-sublimation process where the ink is transferred from a ribbon directly to the card.

Unlike the Retransfer model, a DTC machine cannot print edge-to-edge due to the way the print head functions, which means there is a slight border around the edge of the card. However, the DTC is a workhorse that is faster and cheaper than its retransfer counterpart. It is ideal for high-volume everyday ID card printing in environments such as ID Card Bureaus and Education Enrolment Days.

So, what’s the difference between direct-to-card printers and retransfer printers?

In short, retransfer printers are better suited for higher security businesses as they print high-quality cards with great image quality efficiently. They’re great if you have an ID card that has a lot of complex designs or detailed images. 

DTC printers, on the other hand, are more cost-effective and work well for smaller businesses or spaces that don’t need a large volume of cards. There are some key differences you may want to keep in mind when it comes to this ID card printer comparison. These are some of the key differentiating factors. 

Feature

    Retransfer Printers

    Direct-To-Card Printers

    Works with PVC cards

    Yes 

    Yes

    Edge-to-edge printing

    Yes

    No 

    Cost-effective 

    No 

    Yes

    Can print on textured cards

    Yes

    No 

    Can print on smart cards (RFID cards, chip cards, access control cards)

    Yes 

    Yes 

    Faster printing 

    No 

    Yes 

    Doesn’t require special ribbons

    No 

    Yes 

    More simple maintenance

    No 

    Yes 


    Direct-to-card vs retransfer printers pros & cons


    As with anything, there is a range of pros and cons for both retransfer printers and direct-to-card printers. If you’re considering using one of these IC card printing solutions for your business, these are some of the benefits and drawbacks you might want to keep in mind. 


    Retransfer Printing

    Pros

    • Sharp image and text quality 
    • Great for cards with complex designs or logos 
    • More secure than DTC printers 

      Cons

      • More expensive 
      • Needs a specified ribbon and is a more complex process 
      • Usually larger and more difficult to install 

      Direct-to-card printers

      Pros

      • More cost-effective
      • Faster than retransfer printers 
      • Versatile printing options

      Cons

      • Can’t print on uneven surfaces 
      • Poorer image quality, especially if the print head gets clogged 

      How do I know which is best for my business?

      Both retransfer printers and DTC printers are used for printing ID cards and badges, but they do serve different industries and their needs in different ways. If you’re not sure which solution will be best for your business, here’s our breakdown. 

      Businesses that benefit most from retransfer printers

      • Government agencies: ID cards printed using retransfer printers are generally more secure, so they’re more suitable for the government sector. They also support different security features, including UV printing, hologram overlays, and foiling. 

      • Large Corporations: Bigger enterprises that need professional and high-quality employee ID cards would benefit most from retransfer printing. 

      • Healthcare: Retransfer printers can print on RFID cards, which makes them perfect for ID access cards in the healthcare sector. They’re also incredibly durable and can withstand everyday use.

      • Universities: If you need to print advanced student IDs with images, text, barcodes, and access control features, retransfer printers are going to be the best option for you. 

      Businesses that benefit most from direct-to-card printers

      • Small businesses: If you have a small or medium-sized business and you’re looking for a solution to create basic employee ID cards at a lower cost, DTC printers will be your best option. 

      • Gyms: DTC printers make it easy to create affordable, basic membership cards for your gym or fitness centre if they don’t need any advanced security features. 

      • Schools: If you need student IDs but you don’t need additional features like universities, DTC printers are able to make basic ID cards that are great for younger students. 

      • Hotels & Hospitality: Direct-to-card printers are great if you need to print basic keycards quickly, making them perfect for creating short-term guest access cards. 

      In short, retransfer printers are more suitable if you need high-quality and more secure prints, whilst DTC printers are perfect for businesses seeking a fast, affordable and more basic solution. 

      The choice is yours

      When it comes down to it, the choice ultimately falls to you and your unique needs. This guide is by no means an exhaustive list of the kinds of businesses that can benefit from each kind of ID card printer. 

      Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or you think you might need a little more guidance on which printer will be better for you, you can contact a member of our team today. At Universal Smart Cards, we are committed to ensuring you get the best solution for your unique needs. 

      If you’re shopping for your first ID card printer or your 10th, you can contact us for expertise to provide you with the bespoke solutions you’ve been looking for.