Single-sided ID card printers range from affordable entry-level models on up to advanced, high-security machines for large-scale ID card programs. These printers are ideal for producing everything from loyalty cards, gift cards, and student IDs, to employee badges, access control cards, and more.

Which printer is right for your organization? That depends on your specific needs. If you're printing a limited number of cards per year, a basic single-sided badge printer is well-suited for the job. High-volume card applications require more powerful and durable ID card printers with the capacity for batch printing.

Card functionality and security are also important factors in determining the most appropriate printer. All of the top manufacturers, including Fargo, Zebra, Magicard, and Evolis, offer single-sided printers equipped with advanced technology such as magnetic stripe, proximity, and smart card encoding.

It's also important to remember that single-sided card printers are capable of printing dual-sided cards. If the information on the backside of the card doesn't change, you can simply print the cards twice, flipping them in-between runs. Large organizations however, and those wishing to include variable information on the back of their cards, are more likely to opt for a dual-sided printer.