IDP Smart 21S ID Card Printer (Single-Sided)

IDP Smart 21S ID card printer for individual cards

The IDP Smart 21S is a compact, single-sided printer for staff badges, visitor passes and membership cards. Feed one card at a time when you need a new pass or a replacement. Its USB connection suits a desktop issuing station where card volumes make manual handling practical.

IDP Smart 21S: plan a simple issuing station

First, prepare a card template with a clear photograph, name and organisation. Next, choose a compatible colour or monochrome ribbon and approved CR80 stock. The Smart 21S uses 0.76 mm cards and direct-to-card printing.

Colour output is 300 dpi. The 600 and 1200 dpi settings are monochrome modes. IDP rates the colour YMCKO mode at 24 seconds per card and monochrome at 6 seconds. Allow extra time to load cards, prepare data and check the finished result.

Choose your cards, software and supplies

Our premium blank white PVC cards offer a starting point for standard photo ID designs; select the supported size and thickness. Check the precise Smart 21S reference when ordering from the IDP ribbon range. Confirm the design-software licence and current driver support for your computer.

If you prefer to buy the listed starter items together, compare the Smart 21S printer bundle. Its contents are listed separately so you can compare them with any cards or software you already own.

IDP Smart 21S buying questions

Does this printer have an automatic hopper?

No. You feed cards by hand. For batches that need automatic loading, compare the Smart 31 single-sided printer. Think about the number of cards you issue in one session as well as the annual total.

Can it print both faces automatically?

This is a single-sided model. Choose a duplex printer, such as the Smart 31 dual-sided version, if your design needs an automatic reverse for terms, return instructions or other details.

Can I reuse cards with this model?

The Smart 21S uses colour or monochrome ribbon printing. If you want to erase and update a thermal-rewritable surface, review the separate Smart 21R rewritable printer and its specialist card requirements.

Can I print an access-control badge?

Check that the card's surface and construction are suitable for direct-to-card printing. The chip or stripe must also match your reader system. Encoding needs the appropriate hardware and software, so confirm the exact setup before ordering.

Would outsourced printing suit an occasional order?

Compare the complete printer, software, consumable and staff-time costs with ACB's photo ID card printing service. For small orders at long intervals, ordering finished cards may be a useful alternative.

Manufacturer reference: IDP Smart 21 technical information.