Zebra produces next generation laminating card printer for high-security applications
25 January, 2005
category: Education
Government agencies or companies looking for tamper-resistant, longer lasting ID cards, have another option–Zebra’s new double-sided color card printer with a built-in laminator. In addition to password protection, the printer provides the ability to apply protective customizable holographic laminates to both sides of the card, micro text printing that prevents copying, and secure UV printing.
CAMARILLO, Calif.– Zebra Technologies, a worldwide leader in card printing and barcode labeling solutions, has introduced the Zebra P640i card printer/encoder, the newest addition to the company’s security card printer lineup. The P640i is a dual-sided color card printer with a built-in, dual-sided laminator that meets the needs of companies and government agencies requiring long-lasting, tamper-resistant ID cards for secure applications.
The Zebra P640i’s revolutionary design provides reliability, ease of use, superior print quality and low cost per card. Together with its unique security features, the P640i is the most efficient and affordable printer for applications ranging from drivers’ licenses and national ID cards to highly-secure employee ID cards for airports, law enforcement and secure government and corporate sites.
The P640i prints full color cards, then applies a 1.0-mil laminate to both sides of the card simultaneously, creating tamper-resistant cards that last five years or more. With a print speed of 120 cards per hour, its unique card transport mechanism has the capability to micro-step the card during the printing process for excellent color registration, superior print quality and the ability to print very small text that makes printed cards even more difficult to duplicate.
Security-focused printing features include the ability to apply protective customizable holographic laminates to both sides of the card, gray-on-gray printing, micro text printing that prevents copying, and secure UV printing. Built-in printer security features include password protection for limiting a user’s ability to change default settings; ID/Code, a driver and host computer communication security control; ID/Log, a printer driver utility tool that tracks card transactions; and ID/Key, a physical key that disables the printer when removed.
“With industry-leading security features and reliability, combined with low cost per card, the P640i is simply the best choice for security-focused organizations,” explained Bob Anderson, director of worldwide marketing for Zebra Card Printer Solutions. “In addition, our engineers significantly increased ease of use in the P640i, creating a laminating printer that is ready for mainstream users.”
Maximum Security, Minimum Hassle
The P640i is a lightweight system that can be carried easily by one person. Its 35-pound weight means lower shipping costs and is well below the U.S. Health and Safety guideline for maximum carrying weight.
User convenience features include translucent covers for monitoring the printing process and a patented cleaning cartridge. Advanced RFID technology makes P640i printer configuration quick and easy, with automatic ribbon type detection and correct setup for quality card printing.
For easy setup, the P640i Windows(TM) drivers work with Microsoft(R) Windows 2000 and XP to provide plug-and-play operation. As with all i Series printers, the P640i utilizes Zebra TrueColours(R) ribbons. Zebra’s color formulation produces superior print quality and a more accurate range of color reproduction.
Encoding and Communications Options
A number of encoding options will soon be available with the P640i. Magnetic stripe encoding and a smart card encoding station will be available as factory-installed options. With these options, users can encode magnetic stripes and encode/read three types of smart card technology: ISO 7816 contact smart chips (the most common contact smart card standard), MIFARE (R) and iCLASS (R) contactless smart chips. In addition to the USB interface included in all configurations of the P640i, Zebra also offers built-in Ethernet connectivity as a factory-installed option.
The P640i will be available in February, 2005.
About Zebra Card Printer Solutions
A world leader in desktop card printers, Zebra Card Printer Solutions is a division of Zebra Technologies Corporation, which delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions to businesses and governments in more than 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra brand thermal barcode label and receipt printers and plastic card printers (formerly branded Eltron(R)), resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs and better customer service. Information about Zebra card printers can be found at www.zebracard.com. Information about Zebra Technologies can be found at www.zebra.com.
