IDP Smart 21R Rewritable ID Card Printer (Single-Sided)

IDP Smart 21R rewritable printer

The IDP Smart 21R rewritable printer is designed to erase and update the printed information on compatible thermal-rewritable cards. It suits temporary passes, changing visitor details and other card programmes that reuse a suitable card surface. Cards are fed individually for a single-sided workflow.

Cards for the IDP Smart 21R rewritable printer

Start with the exact card reference you intend to use. A thermal-rewritable coating responds to the printer's heating process so information can be removed and printed again. Ordinary blank PVC card stock does not provide that function.

The model specification identifies hand-fed CR80 cards at 0.76 mm and a 12-second rewrite mode. These are equipment ratings. Loading, software, the card's condition and the area being updated affect the full issuing process.

Plan how passes will be updated

First, decide which information must change, such as a name, date or visitor reference. Then check the size and position of the card's rewritable area. Permanent artwork and any fixed card information need to work around that area.

Ask ACB to check your rewrite-card reference, operating system and intended software before ordering. Include details of any reader, magnetic stripe or contactless chip in the system. USB printing and card encoding are separate requirements.

IDP Smart 21R rewritable printer questions

Can I print a full-colour photograph with this rewrite process?

This listing is for thermal-rewritable printing. If you need ribbon-based colour photographs and branding, compare the Smart 21S colour card printer or its starter bundle. Choose the process that matches the finished card design.

How many times can a card be reused?

Reuse depends on the card coating, its condition and how it is handled. Approve the actual card stock and update process before setting a replacement policy. A maximum reuse claim should not be treated as a guaranteed result for every card.

Will erasing the face also reset the RFID chip?

No. Updating printed information and writing electronic card data are separate operations. Any chip or stripe must be supported by the reader system, suitable encoding hardware and the chosen software.

Which colour and area will the updated text use?

Those depend on the approved rewritable card coating and design. Supply an existing sample or the full media reference so the printing area and appearance can be checked. Test the result in the lighting and reader environment where it will be used.

What should I check before replacing another printer?

Check card size, thickness, coating, software support and the way your current system sends jobs. Also confirm any encoding requirements. Matching only the words “rewritable card” may overlook an important difference in media or workflow.

For organisations that prefer to order finished cards, see ACB's photo ID card printing service. Manufacturer references: IDP Smart 21R product entry and IDP Smart 21 series datasheet.