SMART-81D Dual-Sided Retransfer Card Printer
SMART-81D
SMART-81D Dual-Sided Retransfer Card Printer
Premium retransfer printing for the industry’s most demanding credential programs
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Fastest First-Card-Out in Under One Minute
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Infinity Over-the-Edge Retransfer Printing
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Rapid Retransfer Printing (RRP™) Technology
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Automatic Dual-Sided Printing / Upgrade to Lamination & Encoding
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3-Year Advanced Exchange Warranty (Lifetime Printhead)
Reliable Performance for Growing ID Programs
The SMART-81D Dual-Sided Retransfer ID Card Printer is IDP’s premium desktop credential printer, designed for organizations that require exceptional image quality, maximum credential security, and dependable enterprise performance. Using Rapid Retransfer Printing (RRP™) technology, the SMART-81D delivers industry-leading first-card-out performance while producing vibrant, photo-quality credentials with true edge-to-edge coverage.
Unlike traditional direct-to-card printers, the SMART-81D prints the image onto a retransfer film before applying it to the card surface. This process eliminates the white border commonly associated with direct-to-card printing while producing outstanding results on smart cards, RFID cards, proximity cards, and uneven card surfaces. It also prevents the ghosting that can occur when printing directly over embedded electronics, making it an ideal choice for high-security credentials.
Automatic dual-sided (duplex) printing, a 200-card input hopper, USB and Ethernet connectivity, and optional magnetic stripe, contact, and contactless smart card encoding provide the flexibility required for enterprise credential issuance. Optional SMARTMark™ UV security printing and the SMART-81L Lamination Module further enhance credential durability and protection against counterfeiting.
Backed by IDP’s industry-leading 3-Year Advanced Exchange Warranty, the SMART-81D delivers exceptional reliability for government agencies, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, universities, corporations, and any organization where credential quality and security are critical. Need integrated lamination? Add theSMART-81L Lamination Module. Looking for a more economical direct-to-card solution? Explore theSMART-51D Dual-Sided ID Card Printer.
Need Tech Support? Visit our support website
Technical Specifications
Consumables & Accessories
Common Ink Ribbon Ordering Information
Downloads & Resources
Documentation
Drivers & Firmware
Videos
Setup & Getting Started
SMART-81 Features & Technology
Printer Comparison
| SMART-51D DTC Printer | SMART-81D Retransfer (Current Printer) | SMART-81HD Retransfer Printer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed (Cards/Hour) | 164 color & 720 mono | 84 color | 84 color |
| Print Area | CR80 Edge-to-Edge | CR80 Full Bleed / Infinity Printing | CR80 Full Bleed / Infinity Printing |
| Resolution | 300dpi (Color & Mono), 600 & 1200dpi (Mono only) | 300x300dpi (Color & Mono) | 600x600dpi (Color & Mono) |
| Ribbon Capacity | 250 YMCKO / 200 YMCK0K | 500 YMCK/Film / 500 YMCKK & Film | 500 YMCK/Film / 500 YMCKK & Film |
| Diffentiator | Duplex, DTC, durable long-life metal frame | 300dpi, duplex, retransfer, durable frame, full-bleed | 600dpi, duplex, retransfer, durable frame, full-bleed |
Key Benefits
Exceptional Print Quality
Produce vibrant, photo-quality credentials with over-the-edge printing, sharp text, and outstanding image clarity.
Faster Card Issuance
Industry-leading first-card-out performance minimizes wait times and improves productivity in high-demand environments.
Superior Card Compatibility
Print consistently on PVC, smart cards, proximity cards, and uneven card surfaces that traditional direct-to-card printers struggle to handle.
Built for High-Security Credentials
Support advanced credential security with optional UV printing, smart card encoding, and inline lamination.
Enterprise Reliability
Designed for demanding credential programs and backed by IDP's 3-Year Advanced Exchange Warranty.
Features
Ideal For
Corporate Credentials
University IDs
Financial Institutions
Government Credentials
Secure Access Control
Healthcare Staff IDs
National & Municipal ID Programs
Enterprise Employee Badging
Strengthening Enterprise Credential Security with the SMART-81D
Enterprise Access Control Integration
Delivering Secure Employee Credentials with the SMART-81D
Government Agency ID Card Security
Protecting High-Security Credentials with the SMART-81D & SMART-81L
Frequently asked questions
The SMART-81D is a premium dual-sided retransfer ID card printer designed for high-security credentials, employee badges, healthcare IDs, government IDs, financial cards, and secure access control applications.
The SMART-81D uses retransfer technology, printing first onto a transfer film before applying the image to the card. This produces superior image quality, true edge-to-edge printing, and exceptional results on smart cards, RFID cards, and uneven surfaces without the ghosting often associated with direct-to-card printing.
Retransfer printers deliver premium image quality, greater durability, true edge-to-edge printing, and improved performance on technology cards, making them ideal for high-security credential programs.
Rapid Retransfer Printing (RRP) is IDP’s proprietary technology that significantly reduces first-card-out time while maintaining exceptional print quality and productivity.
Yes. Retransfer technology provides excellent print quality on PVC, composite, smart cards, RFID cards, proximity cards, and other technology cards.
Yes. The SMART-81D supports magnetic stripe, contact smart card, and contactless smart card encoding for secure access control applications.
Yes. The SMART-81 can be upgraded to the SMART-81L with inline lamination for enhanced credential durability and security.
The SMART-81D prints on standard PVC cards, composite cards, smart cards, RFID cards, proximity cards, and other technology cards requiring premium print quality.
Unlike direct-to-card (DTC) printers, the SMART-81’s retransfer printing process eliminates ghosting caused by embedded electronics, delivering flawless over-the-edge print quality on smart cards and proximity cards. Combined with optional UV printing, advanced encoding technologies, and inline lamination, it’s an ideal solution for high-security identity and access control credentials.
Its retransfer printing process, optional SMARTMark™ UV printing, advanced encoding technologies, and compatibility with holographic lamination make it one of the most secure desktop credential issuance solutions available.
The SMART-81D is backed by IDP’s industry-leading 3-Year Advanced Exchange Warranty, helping maximize uptime and protect your investment. For even greater peace of mind, an optional 2-Year Extended Warranty is available, providing up to 5 years of comprehensive coverage.
