What Is the Evolis Plastic Card Printer?

Evolis is a leading brand of card printing systems designed to produce secure, professional-quality plastic cards. Their product line ranges from entry-level printers like the Evolis Zenius to high-volume solutions like the Evolis Primacy and Evolis Avansia.
These printers can print single or dual-sided cards, encode magnetic stripes or chips, and support various levels of security and customization.

Key Benefits for Small Businesses

1. Cost Efficiency
For small businesses, outsourcing ID card printing or gift card production can quickly add up. Evolis printers allow businesses to bring card printing in-house, saving time and money. The compact Zenius model, for example, is budget-friendly and perfect for light to moderate volume printing.
2. Professional Branding
Small businesses often struggle to appear as polished as larger competitors. With an Evolis printer, even the smallest company can produce high-quality, custom-branded cards—be it for staff IDs, loyalty cards, or visitor passes.
3. On-Demand Flexibility
Need to update a staff member’s photo or replace a lost access card? With an in-house printer, small businesses can print new cards instantly, avoiding downtime or long lead times from external providers.
4. Easy to Use
Evolis printers are known for their user-friendly design. Small business owners or staff without technical expertise can operate the system with minimal training.

Advantages for Large Businesses

1. High-Volume Output
Larger organizations often require thousands of cards per year—for employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. Models like Evolis Primacy 2 or Avansia can handle high-volume printing with consistent speed and quality.
2. Enhanced Security Features
Larger enterprises, especially those in healthcare, education, or finance, often need secure ID badges. Evolis printers can encode smart chips, RFID, and magnetic stripes, and even offer holographic overlays or lamination for anti-fraud protection.
3. Centralized or Decentralized Use
Evolis printers can be deployed centrally (e.g., in a corporate headquarters) or distributed across locations. Network-compatible models allow for remote card printing from any office worldwide.
4. Custom Integration
Large businesses with HR or access control systems can integrate Evolis printers directly with their existing software. This enables automated card issuance, which reduces administrative overhead and improves security compliance.

Common Applications

Both small and large businesses benefit from Evolis printers in various cases:
• Employee ID badges
• Loyalty and gift cards
• Visitor passes
• Membership cards
• Student or library cards
• Access control badges

Additional Features

• Eco-Friendly Ribbons: Evolis offers environmentally conscious printing options with reduced waste.
• Multi-Language Software: Their software is localized for use across the globe.
• Customizable Print Settings: Users can adjust colors, overlays, and resolution for brand consistency.

Summary: Why Choose Evolis?

Feature Small Business Large Business
Cost Savings ? ? (at scale)
Branding ? ?
Security Encoding ? (optional)
High-Speed Output ?? (entry-level)
Custom Integration ??
Scalability ? ?

Final Author’s Thoughts

Whether you’re a local gym creating member IDs or a global corporation securing access for thousands of employees, the Evolis plastic card printer is a smart, future-ready investment. Its flexibility, quality, and ease of use make it a powerful tool for streamlining operations, enhancing security, and boosting brand professionalism.
If you’re unsure which Evolis model is right for your business size or printing needs, I can help you compare models like the Zenius, Primacy, or Avansia based on budget, output volume, and required features.
Let us know if you have any questions!

1. Print Volume
• Badgy100: Designed for low-volume printing. It’s ideal for occasional or small-scale printing tasks, such as printing a few cards at a time. Its monthly capacity is around 500 cards.
• Badgy200: Built for slightly higher volume printing. It can handle more frequent use and can print up to 1,000 cards per year.

2. Print Speed
• Badgy100: Prints at a slower speed. It can print about 40 cards per hour.
• Badgy200: Faster than the Badgy100. It can print up to 95 cards per hour, making it more efficient for larger batches.

3. Card Format
• Badgy100: Prints in CR-80 format (standard credit card size). The print quality is adequate for basic designs, but it’s more suited for small runs and simple layouts.
• Badgy200: Also prints in CR-80 format, but with slightly improved print quality and performance. The Badgy200 can produce more professional-looking cards, especially for businesses that need higher quality designs or larger batches.

4. Software & Templates
• Badgy100: Comes with the Evolis Badge Studio Standard software, which includes basic card design tools.
• Badgy200: Includes Evolis Badge Studio Plus software, which offers more design options and customization features. The Plus version provides greater flexibility for creating more complex designs or integrating logos, barcodes, and other features.

5. Consumables
• Badgy100: Comes with a ribbon for 50 prints, which is intended for very small operations or test runs.
• Badgy200: Ships with a ribbon for 100 prints, catering to slightly larger batches and more frequent use.

6. Price
• Badgy100: The more affordable option, priced around $600 to $800.
• Badgy200: Slightly more expensive, typically priced between $900 to $1,100 due to its faster speed, larger capacity, and better features.

7. Use Cases
• Badgy100: Best for very small-scale operations like hobbyists, small events, or small businesses that need to print a few cards every now and then (e.g., loyalty cards, name tags).
• Badgy200: Suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need faster printing or slightly higher card volumes (e.g., membership cards, visitor badges).

Summary of Key Differences:
• Print Speed: Badgy200 is faster (95 cards/hour vs. 40 cards/hour).
• Volume: Badgy200 is designed for higher volumes (1,000 cards/year vs. 500 cards/year).
• Software: Badgy200 includes more advanced design software.
• Consumables: Badgy200 comes with a ribbon for 100 prints vs. 50 prints with the Badgy100.
• Price: Badgy200 is more expensive due to its enhanced features.

In short, the Evolis Badgy100 is ideal for lower volume, simple card printing needs, while the Evolis Badgy200 is better suited for users who need faster, higher-quality printing on a more frequent basis. Call Today and Learn More! 844-567-5777

1. Evolis Badgy100
• Price Range: $600 – $800
• Features: Single-sided printing, 300 DPI resolution, user-friendly interface.
• Pros: Compact size, budget-friendly, easy-to-use software included, good for low to moderate volume.
• Cons: Single-sided only, no advanced features (like magnetic stripe encoding or lamination).
• Best For: Small-scale operations with simple plastic card needs (e.g., loyalty cards, basic business cards).

2. Magicard Pronto
• Price Range: $1,100 – $1,300
• Features: Single-sided printing, 300 DPI, customizable security features, dye-sublimation technology.
• Pros: Great print quality for its price, reliable for low to moderate volume, includes security hologram options.
• Cons: Single-sided printing, manual card feeding.
• Best For: Home businesses needing high-quality prints with basic security features (e.g., membership cards).

3. Fargo DTC1250e
• Price Range: $1,200 – $1,600
• Features: Single or dual-sided printing, high-speed printing (up to 225 cards/hour), option to encode magnetic stripe cards.
• Pros: Fast printing, dual-sided option, compact design for home use.
• Cons: More expensive than other entry-level models, not the best for complex designs.
• Best For: Home businesses with moderate card printing needs, especially those requiring dual-sided printing.

4. Zebra ZC100
• Price Range: $1,200 – $1,500
• Features: Single-sided printing, modern design, compact, edge-to-edge printing.
• Pros: Sleek, space-efficient, user-friendly, great for small spaces.
• Cons: Single-sided only, not ideal for very high volumes.
• Best For: Home businesses that value ease of use and a sleek design for lower volumes of cards (e.g., gift cards, personalized cards).

5. IDP Smart 31
• Price Range: $1,000 – $1,300
• Features: Single or dual-sided printing, 300 DPI, optional magnetic stripe encoder.
• Pros: Good balance between price and performance, dual-sided printing option.
• Cons: Slower print speeds compared to higher-end models.
• Best For: Home businesses that need flexibility in print quality and card types, such as loyalty or ID cards.

6. Evolis Zenius
• Price Range: $1,200 – $1,600
• Features: Single-sided printing, 300 DPI, supports encoding (magnetic stripes, smart cards).
• Pros: Reliable, customizable, great for home businesses that need encoding.
• Cons: Single-sided only, slightly higher price point.
• Best For: Home businesses requiring advanced encoding for cards (e.g., access cards or membership cards with smart features).

What to Consider:
• Volume: For a home business, look for a printer that can handle low to moderate volumes (up to 500 cards a month).
• Print Quality: 300 DPI is standard for clear images and sharp text. If you plan to print photo ID cards or detailed graphics, consider this.

• Footprint: Home businesses need compact printers that don’t take up much space.
• Ease of Use: Look for a model with intuitive software and low-maintenance features.
• Card Type: If you plan to print cards with magnetic stripes or chips, make sure your printer supports encoding.

These options provide great versatility and print quality for home-based businesses without being overwhelming or overly expensive. Do you have specific features you’re looking for, like dual-sided printing or magnetic encoding? Call Today to discover your best printer options. 844-567-5777

The Evolis Badgy card printer offers several benefits:

1. Affordability: The Badgy series is known for its cost-effectiveness, making it accessible for small to medium-sized businesses or organizations.
2. Ease of Use: It’s designed to be user-friendly with simple setup and operation, which is ideal for users who may not have extensive technical experience.
3. Compact Design: The printer’s compact size allows it to fit easily in small office spaces.
4. Versatile Printing: It supports full-color and monochrome printing, allowing for a range of card designs and personalization options.
5. High-Quality Output: It delivers good print quality for both text and images, ensuring professional-looking cards.
6. Integrated Software: Includes user-friendly software for designing and printing cards, streamlining the process and reducing the need for additional software.
7. Customization Options: Supports various card types and formats, offering flexibility for different uses, such as ID cards, membership cards, or event badges.
Overall, the Evolis Badgy card printer provides a practical solution for on-demand card printing with an emphasis on simplicity and efficiency.
Overall, plastic business card printers can be a worthwhile investment.
For more information on plastic business cards, plastic card printers, lanyards, clear cards and more, visit us here or call direct:
Phone: 844.567.5777
Email: sales@plasticcardid.com
Website: https://www.plasticcardid.com/

Made from high-quality PVC or other plastic materials, these cards are known for their longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
They often feature sleek designs with vibrant colors, and can include various finishes such as matte, glossy, or frosted. Additionally, plastic business cards can be customized with features like rounded corners, embossed text, foil stamping, or even embedded chips for digital information sharing.

Business cards made from plastic are particularly popular in industries where making a lasting impression is crucial.
Plastic business cards offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for businesses and professionals. Here are some reasons why people choose plastic business cards:

1. Durability
• Longevity: Plastic cards are much more durable than traditional paper cards. They resist tearing, creasing, and water damage, ensuring they remain in good condition over time.
• Weather Resistance: They hold up well against the elements, making them ideal for outdoor events or businesses in humid or wet climates.

2. Professional Appeal
• Premium Look and Feel: Plastic business cards often have a sleek, high-quality appearance. The material gives off a sense of luxury and professionalism, which can leave a lasting impression on clients and partners.
• Custom Design Options: The plastic material allows for more design flexibility, including transparent or frosted effects, vibrant colors, and unique shapes that aren’t possible with paper cards.

3. Unique and Memorable
• Stand Out: In a sea of paper business cards, plastic cards stand out due to their unique texture and appearance. This can make them more memorable and increase the chances of recipients keeping them.
• Versatility: Plastic cards can be used as business cards, loyalty cards, or even membership cards, adding versatility to their function.

4. Long-Term Cost Efficiency
• Reusability: Due to their durability, plastic cards may not need to be reprinted as often as paper cards, which can be cost-effective in the long run.
• High-Quality Perception: The high-quality perception of plastic cards can enhance your brand image, potentially leading to better business opportunities and ROI.

5. Environmental Considerations
• Recyclable Options: Many plastic business cards are now made from recyclable or biodegradable materials, addressing environmental concerns and aligning with sustainable business practices.

Overall, plastic business cards can be a worthwhile investment for those looking to make a strong, lasting impression.
For more information on plastic business cards, plastic card printers, lanyards, clear cards and more, visit us here or call direct:
Phone: 844.567.5777
Email: sales@plasticcardid.com
Website: https://www.plasticcardid.com/

1. Entry-Level Plastic Card Printers
Great for small businesses or limited use, entry-level models offer basic functionality for a lower price.
• Evolis Badgy100/Badgy200
o Features: Single-sided printing, compact design, easy setup.
o Price Range: $700 – $1,000
o Pros: Budget-friendly, user-friendly.
o Cons: Not suitable for high-volume production or complex designs.
• Fargo DTC1250e
o Features: Single or dual-sided printing, good quality, eco-friendly.
o Price Range: $1,200 – $1,600
o Pros: Efficient for small business needs, good for photos and logos.
o Cons: Limited features for complex encoding.

2. Mid-Range Plastic Card Printers
For medium-sized businesses that require more features, higher volumes, or better card quality.
• Magicard Pronto
o Features: Single-sided printing, customizable security features, 300 DPI.
o Price Range: $1,100 – $1,500
o Pros: Great print quality, fast operation, and affordable security options.
o Cons: Single-sided printing may be a limitation for some.
• Zebra ZC300
o Features: Single or dual-sided printing, various card sizes, cloud connectivity.
o Price Range: $1,800 – $2,300
o Pros: Versatile, robust security, compact design.
o Cons: Higher initial cost.
• Fargo DTC4500e
o Features: High-volume printing, dual-sided printing, magnetic stripe encoding, lamination option.
o Price Range: $2,000 – $3,500
o Pros: Designed for high-volume production, durable, customizable features.
o Cons: Higher price point, complex setup.

3. High-End Plastic Card Printers
If you require advanced features like encoding for RFID or smart cards, or need to print in high volumes with superior quality.
• Entrust Datacard SD460
o Features: Single or dual-sided printing, lamination, high-quality color printing.
o Price Range: $3,500 – $6,000
o Pros: High-end features, great for security cards and high volumes.
o Cons: Expensive.
• HID Fargo HDP6600
o Features: Retransfer technology for high-definition prints, dual-sided printing, encodes various card types (smart, RFID).
o Price Range: $5,000 – $7,000
o Pros: Top-quality printing, reliable for high-security cards, scalable.
o Cons: Premium price.

Factors to Consider:
• Print Volume: If you’re printing cards frequently, opt for a printer designed for higher volumes.
• Card Features: Do you need basic business cards or cards with magnetic stripes, RFID chips, or lamination?
• Print Quality: Some printers offer sharper images and text (300-600 DPI is common).
• Budget: Basic models can be affordable, while advanced models come at a premium.
• Connectivity: Some printers offer cloud or network connectivity for remote printing.

Popular Brands:
• Evolis
• Fargo by HID
• Magicard
• Zebra
• Entrust Datacard

Would you like more specific recommendations or details on a particular feature? Call Us Today! 844-567-5777

Printers for plastic cards typically fall into two categories:

Direct to Card DTC Printers:

These printers use a direct printing method where the print head comes into direct contact with the card’s surface.

DTC printers are suitable for printing high-quality images and text on plastic cards, but they may not be ideal for lanyards.

Retransfer Printers:

Retransfer printers use a two-step process involving the transfer of an image from the ribbon to a transfer film and then onto the card.

This method often results in higher print quality and durability, making it suitable for applications where image quality is crucial.

When choosing a printer for lanyard cards, consider the following:

Card Thickness:  Ensure that the printer can handle the thickness of the plastic cards used for lanyards.

Resolution: Higher resolution printers produce better image quality. Look for printers with a resolution that meets your specific needs.

Speed: Depending on the volume of cards you need to print, printer speed can be a crucial factor.

Encoding Options: Some printers offer additional features like magnetic stripe encoding or smart card encoding.

Software Compatibility:  Check if the printer is compatible with the software you plan to use for designing and printing the cards.

Popular manufacturers of card printers include Zebra, Fargo (a subsidiary of HID Global), Evolis, and Datacard.

If there have been developments or new products in this area since my last update, I recommend checking with manufacturers, retailers, or industry publications for the latest information on plastic lanyard printers.

Card Types: The Badgy 200 is typically used for printing on PVC cards. These could include ID cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, and more.

Printing Technology:  It often uses dye-sublimation and thermal transfer printing technologies for full-color, edge-to-edge card printing.

Printing Speed:  Printing speeds can vary, but in general, it’s suitable for small to medium print volumes.

Card Design Software: The printer often comes with card design software to create and customize the layout of your cards. This software may include templates and design tools for creating visually appealing cards.

Connectivity:  The Badgy 200 usually connects to a computer via USB, making it easy to integrate into various environments.

Compact Designs:  It’s designed to be relatively compact and user-friendly, making it suitable for smaller offices or businesses.

Compatibility:  The printer may be compatible with various operating systems such as Windows and Mac.

Consumables:  It uses consumables like color ribbons and blank PVC cards. The capacity of these consumables can affect how many cards you can print before needing to replace them.

Please note that product specifications and features may change over time, and there may be newer models available after my last update.

Card Printing:

The Badgy200 is primarily used for printing plastic cards, such as ID cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, and more. It can print in color or monochrome, allowing you to customize your cards to meet your specific needs.

Printing Technology:

It uses dye-sublimation and thermal transfer printing technologies to produce high-quality, durable, and vibrant cards. The maximum resolution for color printing is typically 300 dpi (dots per inch).

Print Card Capacity:

The Badgy200 typically has a card input hopper with a capacity of around 25 to 40 cards, depending on the specific model. This means you can print multiple cards in a single batch without needing constant manual card loading.

Card Types:

It can print on standard CR80 (credit card-sized) plastic cards, which are the most commonly used card size for ID badges and similar applications. These cards can be blank or pre-designed with a custom layout.

Card Printing Software:

Evolis typically provides card design and printing software as part of the Badgy200 package. This software allows you to create and customize your card designs, import data, and manage your card printing process.

Connectivity:

The Badgy200 can be connected to a computer via USB. This allows you to easily control and print cards from your PC or Mac.

Card Print Speed:

The printing speed can vary but is typically around 95 to 120 color cards per hour. This speed may vary depending on factors such as card complexity and printing settings.

Card Print Security:

It’s important to note that while the Badgy200 can print high-quality cards, it doesn’t typically offer advanced security features like holographic overlays or encoding options for advanced access control. It’s more suitable for basic ID and membership card printing.

Consumables, Ribbon Cartridges and Blank Plastic Cards:

You’ll need to purchase consumables for the Badgy200, including ribbon cartridges and blank plastic cards. The ribbon cartridges contain the ink needed for printing, and they come in various color options.

Card Printer Maintenance:

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the printer and replacing consumables when necessary, is essential to ensure the printer’s longevity and consistent print quality.

Card Printer Cost:

The cost of the Badgy200 system can vary depending on the specific package and accessories included. It’s generally considered an affordable option for small businesses and organizations.

Overall, the Evolis Badgy200 Card Printer System is a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for on-demand card printing needs. It’s suitable for applications like employee ID badges, visitor badges, student ID cards, and more where basic card customization and quality printing are required. However, for more advanced security features or high-volume card printing, you may need to explore other Evolis card printer models or similar products from different manufacturers.

Career Goals with Loyalty Membership Cards: Determine what you want to achieve with your loyalty program. Are you aiming to increase customer retention, boost average transaction value, or attract new customers? Setting clear goals will help you design a program that aligns with your objectives.

Loyalty Cards and Your Customer Base:  Analyze your customer demographics, behaviors, and preferences. Understand what motivates them to make purchases and tailor your loyalty program accordingly. Consider factors like age, gender, buying patterns, and geographic location.

Plastic Card Designs: The plastic card design should be appealing and reflect your brand identity. Make sure it’s durable and includes essential information like the customer’s name, account number, and any branding elements.

Plastic Card Membership Rewards: Decide how customers will earn rewards. Common methods include points per purchase, tiered rewards, or cashback. Ensure that the rewards are attractive enough to motivate customers but not so generous that they harm your profit margins.

Easy to Use: Invest in a reliable and easy-to-use loyalty card system. This system should track customer purchases, points, and rewards accurately. Make sure your employees are trained to use the system effectively.

Plastic Card Promotions: Inform your customers about the loyalty program through various channels, such as your website, social media, email marketing, and in-store signage. Highlight the benefits of joining and showcase the rewards they can earn.

Plastic Card Membership Incentives to Join:  Encourage customers to sign up for your loyalty program by offering a bonus or discount when they enroll. This initial incentive can boost enrollment rates.

Customer Information: Divide your customers into different segments based on their preferences, purchase history, or demographics. This allows you to tailor your loyalty offers and promotions to specific customer groups.

Plastic Card Marketing for Personal Rewards: Use the data collected from your loyalty program to personalize rewards and offers. Send personalized emails or messages with exclusive discounts or rewards based on individual customer behavior.

Customer Interaction: Keep members engaged by sending regular updates, offers, and reminders about their loyalty status. Use various communication channels to stay connected with your customers.

Measuring Results:  Continuously track the performance of your loyalty program. Analyze data to see if the program is achieving your goals. Adjust the program as needed based on the insights you gather.

Customer Feedback Data:  Seek feedback from your loyalty program members to understand their experiences and suggestions for improvement. Use this feedback to refine your program and make it more appealing.

Monitor Competitors: Keep an eye on what your competitors are doing with their loyalty programs. Learn from their successes and failures and adapt your strategy accordingly.

How to Adapt in the Marketplace with Plastic Loyalty Cards: The business environment is constantly changing, so be ready to adapt and evolve your loyalty program to meet new challenges and customer expectations.

By implementing a well-designed plastic card loyalty program and continuously refining it based on customer feedback and market trends, you can effectively grow your business by retaining loyal customers and attracting new ones.