RESTRICTED USE ONLY

Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Functional Specifications

The Card Printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to achieve its remarkable print quality for dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer. See previous section as needed.

The following describes how each of these technologies works:

Function

Description

 

 

Dye-

Dye-Sublimation is the print method the Card Printer uses to produce

Sublimation

smooth, continuous-tone images that look photographic. (Note: This

 

process uses a dye-based Ribbon roll that is partitioned by a number of

 

consecutive color Panels.)

 

Process colors: The Panels are grouped in a repeating Series of

 

three process colors - yellow, magenta and cyan (YMC), along the

 

entire length of the Print Ribbon. (Note: The Inhibit or I designation

 

under YMCI, YMCKI, and YMCKIKI indicates the ability to prevent the

 

transfer of film to the card surface. Users can select these Ribbon

 

types to prevent film from transferring over security features,

 

signature panel or other areas of special interest on the card surface.)

 

Panels: The Printer always prints the yellow Panel first, followed by

 

the magenta Panel and the cyan Panel.

 

Printhead: As the Print Ribbon passes beneath the Printhead,

 

hundreds of thermal elements, within the Printhead, heat the dyes on

 

the Ribbon. (Note: When these dyes are heated, they vaporize and

 

diffuse into the surface of the film. A separate pass is made for each

 

of the three color Panels on the Ribbon.)

 

Color Shades: By combining the colors of each Panel and by

 

varying the heat used to transfer these colors, it is possible to print up

 

to 16.7 million different shades of color. (Note: This blends one color

 

smoothly into the next, producing photo-quality images with

 

absolutely no dot pattern.)

 

Dye-Diffusion Thermal Transfer: It is the process of heating a dye

 

suspended in a cellulous substrate until the dye can flow, diffusing

 

into the dye receptive surface of the card or InTM. (Note: This

 

produces the image in the surface of the card.)

 

 

HDPii High Definition Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

2-16

Page 29
Image 29
FARGO electronic HDPii manual Functional Specifications, Function Description

HDPii specifications

The FARGO electronic HDPii is a high-performance card printer known for its ability to produce high-definition plastic cards with exceptional quality and reliability. This advanced printing technology is particularly popular in various industries, including corporate, educational, and government sectors, where secure and durable identification cards are paramount.

One of the standout features of the FARGO HDPii is its High Definition Printing (HDP) technology. Unlike traditional dye-sublimation printers, which print directly onto the card surface, the HDPii prints images onto a thin film that is then fused to the card. This method ensures vibrant colors and sharper images, even for intricate designs and fine text. Moreover, the HDP technology allows for printing in full color and supports a wide range of card formats, including access control cards, smart cards, and ID badges.

Another key characteristic of the FARGO HDPii is its versatility. The printer is capable of handling both single-sided and dual-sided printing tasks, making it adaptable to various requirements. Users can customize card designs according to specific needs, whether they require simple identification badges or sophisticated security credentials with embedded technology.

The HDPii is also designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its intuitive interface simplifies operation, and the printer can be easily integrated into existing workflows. The system is equipped with USB and Ethernet connectivity options, allowing for seamless integration with different operating systems and network environments.

Security is another essential aspect of the FARGO HDPii. The printer supports advanced encoding options, such as magnetic stripe, smart card, and proximity card encoding, ensuring that users can create secure cards that meet stringent identification standards. Additionally, the HDPii has built-in security features to prevent unauthorized access and tampering with printed cards.

Additional characteristics include its compact design, which makes it suitable for various workspace environments. The printer's robust construction ensures longevity, with minimal maintenance required. With an impressive print speed, the FARGO HDPii can produce up to 150 full-color cards per hour, making it an efficient choice for high-volume production.

In conclusion, the FARGO electronic HDPii is a state-of-the-art card printer that combines high-quality output, versatile features, and advanced security technologies. It is an ideal solution for organizations looking to streamline their card production processes while ensuring the highest standards of security and design. With its reliable performance and user-friendly design, the HDPii continues to be a preferred choice for remarkably effective identification solutions.