Fargo Electronics, leading developer and manufacturer of desktop card printers, has set a new industry standard in card image quality with the introduction of its HD710 and HD720 card printers.
The HDP printers utilise the latest advancement in printing technology called High Definition Printing to deliver superior image quality, improved card durability, and expanded versatility. Fargo showcased the HDP Printers, along with its complete line of industry-leading card printers, at the recent CardTech/SecurTech '99 held in Chicago, May 12-14, 1999.
"HDP represents a quantum leap forward in card printing technology," said Fargo President and Chief Executive Officer, Gary Holland. "Our customers have been asking for better card image quality, durability and expanded printer versatility. With HDP, we have answered their call while simultaneously creating a new industry standard. The bar has been raised and it's been raised high. HDP is the future of card printing."
New technology delivers new results
Unlike direct-to-card printing, the HD710 (single-sided) and HD720 (dual-sided) Card Printers utilise HDP technology to print images onto a special HDP Film which is then fused into the surface of the card through heat and pressure. This unique method of applying the printed image to the card not only improves image quality, but also offers a number of advantages over traditional card printing.
Print quality goes over-the-edge
The print quality of the HD710 and HD720 Card Printers is dramatically different from that of direct-to-card printers. HDP Printers produce cards with exceptional clarity, colour depth, and vibrancy. In addition to an almost three-dimensional image appearance, HDP Printers can actually print over the edge of a card, creating professional-quality cards without white borders.
"Until HDP, this level of image quality was simply not available at practical prices. It could only be found on larger machines costing tens of thousands more," said Holland. "With HDP, customers can now have that quality at only a fraction of the price. We are confident that this new line will rapidly grow to be the only choice for high-quality, professional card printing."
Top security with 4x the durability
In addition to enhancing card image quality, HDP technology significantly improves card durability and security. The graphics and text are effectively sealed within the surface of the card between the HDP Film and the blank card substrate. This results in cards that are virtually tamper-proof and over four times more resistant to abrasion than standard non-laminated plastic cards. HDP cards also eliminate colour-migration to plastic ID holders and are highly resistant to fading and chemical exposure. This increased level of durability is critical for applications where cards are swiped through card readers or subjected to other harsh conditions.
Prints on almost any card
HDP technology redefines flexibility of printable card stock. It allows users to print and encode the widest variety of card types and sizes. The HD710 and HD720 print on virtually any type of card including proximity cards, smart cards, and even cards with a matte or rough finish. Until HDP, no other card printer offered this versatility. For organisations with multiple card printing needs, HDP allows users to easily print different sized cards on different types of stock. These printers also print over-the-edge on oversized cards and cards with a thickness of nearly three times that of a standard card.
Improved speed for maximum printing
Designed for professional production environments, HDP Printers provide the latest advancements in computer interfacing technology for maximum processing and print speeds of over 200 cards per hour (professional production environments). HDP Printers are available with either a high-speed parallel or USB interface (3Q '99), for full compatibility with Windows 95, 98, NT, or Macintosh platforms. Printers can also be networked for high-volume production with multiple printing stations.
Easy-to-Use
The HD710 and HD720 are designed for user-friendly, worry-free operation. The exclusive Fargo Softkey Control Pad and large LCD display tell users which buttons to press, when to load supplies, and even offer on-line help to guide users through the printing process. HDP Printers feature drop-in ribbon loading and a large card hopper (250 cards) that simplifies card loading and protects cards from dirt and debris.
Built-In encoding
HDP Printers offer the complete spectrum of encoding options. Printers can be equipped with built-in proximity card (3Q '99), smart card and/or dual high/low-coercivity magnetic stripe encoders for access control, time and attendance tracking, and vending applications. HDP Printers are designed for easy migration to new operating platforms and encoding technologies.
SmartGuard security option
The SmartGuard option lets users encode a custom smart access card. When inserted into the printer, the card provides access only to those who have been authorised to print. Developed for high-traffic printing environments where many people have access to the card printer, SmartGuard increases accountability for the production of all ID cards.
For details contact Tersia Terblanche of Teltron Digital on tel: (011) 887 1600. Distributor enquiries are welcome.
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