Datacard Launches High-Resolution, Edge-to-Edge Plastic Card Printer.

Business Editors

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2000

Image quality of new desktop printer rivals offset printing

Datacard Group launched a new desktop card printer that will dramatically increase end-user expectations and industry-wide standards for full-color plastic card printing. In addition to true "edge-to-edge" printing, the new Datacard(R) ImageCard(R) HiFX(TM) card printer offers color saturation and image resolution that is comparable to offset printing.

"Initially, we intended to introduce a high-resolution printer for mission-critical photo ID applications, such as issuance of driver's licenses, national IDs and high-security employee badges," said Eric Freudenheim, Vice President of Product Marketing for Datacard Group's Credentia company. "And we succeeded. The printer is ideal for those applications--including more complex applications that require high-quality printing on proximity cards or smart cards.

"But the color saturation and image quality have exceeded our most optimistic expectations," Freudenheim said. "So, we believe it's a perfect fit for a number of consumer, government and business-to-business applications."

Freudenheim said he expects those broader applications to include retail gift cards, multi-application campus cards, taxpayer IDs and multi-function visitor IDs for theme parks, resorts and hotels.

In addition to end-users, the new ImageCard HiFX will also change card printing paradigms for authorized Datacard Channel Partners around the world, according to Freudenheim.

"We work with very innovative and forward-thinking channel partners," Freudenheim said. "They're anxious to get their hands on this printer and start developing new solutions for their traditional customers and entirely new markets.

A new category for plastic card printers

While Datacard Group is incorporating the ImageCard HiFX into its Ultima(TM) Class of card printers, Freudenheim said the new printer is not just a revamped or more feature-rich model.

"HiFX isn't a simple line extension," Freudenheim said. "It's a whole new classification of printer. We offer the world's largest selection of plastic card printers, but there's nothing like this in our line.

"We've integrated this new printer with ID Works(TM), our modular and most advanced photo ID software package, and a wealth of image capture solutions to create a powerful, fully integrated system," Freudenheim said.

In contrast to traditional technology that prints images directly onto the surface of a card, ImageCard HiFX first prints a composite, full-color image on a clear, intermediate transfer material, which is then bonded to the card surface using pressure and heat.

This process dramatically improves color saturation and allows for true edge-to-edge printing on a broad range of card types and thicknesses--including PVC, ABS, PET and polycarbonate, as well as proximity cards, smart cards and other cards with uneven surfaces. In addition, a highly durable topcoat layer can provide added image protection and card security.

The ImageCard HiFX prints at 300 dpi resolution. Standard features include duplex printing, magnetic stripe encoding, an external smart card connection, Datacard(R) TruImage(TM) color enhancement capabilities (up to 16,700,000 shades of color) and Datacard(R) TruEdge(TM) printing (edge-to-edge coverage).

Options include inline application of holographic topcoats and integrated contact and contactless smart card couplers. Like all Datacard card printers, ImageCard HiFX is backed by an aggressive warranty that includes printhead coverage with no pass restrictions and no prorating of printhead replacement costs.

Part of a seamless, fully integrated system

Datacard Group plans to sell the new ImageCard HiFX printer as part of a fully integrated system, including Datacard(R) photo ID software, cameras and workstations.

"We've thoroughly tested all system components--software, cameras, signature pads and other peripherals--to ensure 100% compatibility," Freudenheim said. "No other card printer manufacturer offers fully integrated systems like Datacard Group.

"This guaranteed compatibility becomes more and more significant for high-profile, mission-critical applications," Freudenheim added. "And we think that's where we'll see most of the initial interest for this printer."

Datacard Group is a world leader in innovative plastic card personalization and identity management solutions. Datacard Group provides customers around the world with fully integrated systems for a variety of financial, identification and healthcare applications. The company offers a broad range of card-related products and services including the world's best-selling plastic card personalization and printing systems. Datacard Group also offers smart card personalization systems and applications, custom solution development, and products designed to improve the efficiency and profitability of card issuing operations. Datacard Corporation, doing business as Datacard Group, is privately held and based in Minnetonka, Minn. Datacard Group serves customers in more than 120 countries. (www.datacard.com)