Zebra introduces dual-sided color printer for photo IDs

22 June, 2004

Zebra Technologies has added a dual-sided color printer that can harness RFID technology to automate key processes. It can produce secure laminated photo ID cards on site and is designed for medium- to large-volume applications.

CAMARILLO, Calif., June 21, 2004—Zebra Technologies (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a worldwide leader in barcode labeling and card printing solutions, has introduced the P520i dual-sided color card printer, a rugged, reliable, high-security addition to its i Series Intelligent Printing System family. The robust P520i quickly and easily produces high-quality, extremely secure laminated photo ID cards on site and on demand for medium- to large-volume applications.

“The P520i is an intelligent printer that harnesses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to automate key processes and make it easier to use,” explained Jacqueline Durazo, Product Marketing Manager. “This capability is key for government agencies and busy commercial offices where high-quality security and photo ID badges need to be generated immediately. The P520i is ideal for producing military ID cards, secure facility access control cards, correctional facility ID cards, transit passes, or any photo ID that requires a secure, tamper-resistant card.”

The P520i leverages unique, customizable security features for all essential components, from the printer itself to consumables to the actual printing of the card. To prevent unauthorized card printing and enable printer theft-detection, the P520i is equipped with locking devices and electronic passcodes to protect the printer and its ribbons from being used by unauthorized people.

With the P520i, special security-enhancing printing effects, such as creating various hologram options, can be done at the time of issuance. Laminating also provides added card security while considerably extending card life and durability. The heavy-duty fourth-generation card laminator is housed in a tough metal enclosure with a viewing window and provides ultra-quiet, fast printing and laminating up to 125 cards per hour. The P520i will print and laminate both sides of a card for dual-sided applications.

Advanced RFID technology and software driver make printer configuration easy and nearly automatic, providing the correct setup for quality card printing, ensuring greater card detail, image sharpness and color control. User benefits also include ribbon image counter and ribbon low notification. A user-friendly LCD display indicates unit status, settings and maintenance functions. Control buttons allow quick, easy access to menu options. For continuous production, the card feeder cover can be opened during operation to reload cards.

The i Series WindowsÒ drivers work with MicrosoftÒ WindowsÒ 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000 and XP to provide plug-and-play operation. These printer drivers also offer enhancements including an InstallShieldÒ-based wizard, custom installation and capacity to download firmware directly from the driver. Other advanced features include automatic ribbon and laminate synchronization, an in-line cleaning cartridge, optional magnetic encoding and/or smart card contact stations. The P520i also incorporates a reject hopper for cards that fail to encode properly prior to the printing function, saving the card and print ribbon from being used to print on non-encoded cards.

The P520i ships with two interface options. One is a CentronicsÒ parallel plus USB interface while the other is a USB and built-in Ethernet. The P520i is the first printer of its class to offer built-in Ethernet as an interface option, which helps to increase card printing efficiency and reduces printer downtimes. It also lets users locate their printer anywhere on the network while maintaining control via their computer network.

All i Series printers utilize i Series TrueColoursÒ ribbons. This new high-color formulation produces superior print quality and a more accurate range of color reproduction. The ribbon system also features wider ribbons for edge-to-edge printing and maximum card coverage.

Basic Specifications

Single-sided lamination (dual-sided lamination capability in two passes)
Print and laminate speed: 36 sec/card, color front, black back and 1mil laminate front
Interface: Parallel/USB or USB/Internal Ethernet
Memory: 4MB & Flash
32-bit processor and PCB architecture
Input feeder: 100
Output hopper: 100
Optional features: magnetic encoder; smart card encoding contact station; carrier-based laminate 1mil or 0.6mil
Availability: The P520i is available now.

About Zebra Technologies

Zebra Technologies Corporation delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions to businesses and governments in more than 90 countries around the world. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra brand thermal barcode label and receipt printers and plastic card printers (formerly branded Eltron®), resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs and better customer service. Information about Zebra’s card printers can be found at www.zebracard.com http://www.zebracard.com/ . Information about Zebra Technologies can be found at www.zebra.com http://www.zebra.com/ .

Contact Information:
Zebra Technologies Corporation Card Imaging Division

Trade Media, U.S.:
Jennifer Sylvestre
+1 805 578 7105
[email protected]

Trade Media, EMEA
Mark Thomson
+44 870 241 1527
[email protected]

Trade Media, Asia Pacific
Karl-August Thiele
+65 6885 0832
[email protected]