IDP Smart 51 Plastic Card Printer (Single-Sided)

IDP Smart 51 single-sided ID card printer

The IDP Smart 51 single-sided ID card printer (SMART-51S) prints one face of staff, student, visitor and membership cards. It suits designs that place the required photo, name and other information on one card face. The SMART-51 platform uses a metal frame and an input hopper rated for 100 standard cards with the cover closed, or up to 200 with it open.

Compare the correct printing modes

IDP rates the YMCKO colour mode at 212 cards per hour (17 seconds per card). Monochrome is rated at 720 cards per hour. Actual job speed depends on the ribbon, print mode, encoding, design and card handling. Colour resolution is 300 dpi; 600 and 1200 dpi settings are monochrome-only modes.

Select the required hardware option

Use the Printer Options selector for the base model, Ethernet connectivity, magnetic encoder or contactless/MIFARE encoder configuration. These selections do not imply that every option is fitted together. Ask ACB if you need a combined network-and-encoder specification, and check that the encoder and software support your exact card technology.

The standard format is CR80, with 0.38–1.0 mm supported in the manufacturer's model specifications. Use suitable printable stock and check current drivers, software compatibility and the applicable UK warranty. For automatic two-sided printing, compare the dual-sided SMART-51 listing, or read IDP's SMART-51S specifications.

IDP Smart 51 supplies for everyday issuing

Match your ribbon to the artwork. Choose the IDP 659366 YMCKO colour ribbon for photo ID and branded cards, or the compatible black monochrome ribbon for single-colour text and graphics. The manufacturer lists nominal capacities of 250 and 1,200 prints respectively; settings and layout affect use.

Start with printable blank white PVC stock in a supported thickness. The IDP 659909 cleaning-card kit provides long cards for the prescribed cleaning routine. Clean stock and regular maintenance help support consistent output.

SMART-51S buying questions

Why choose a Smart 51 for single-sided cards?

The Smart 51 combines a metal frame with automatic card feeding and a higher published YMCKO rate than the Smart 31. It is worth comparing when recurring staff, membership or student-card batches make throughput and loading capacity important.

How many cards fit in the input hopper?

The existing standard configuration is rated for 100 cards with the cover closed, or up to 200 with it open. Capacity depends on stock thickness and the supplied feeder. Allow room for loading and collecting cards when planning the printer's location.

Can this listing print the reverse automatically?

This is the single-sided configuration. Choose the Smart 51 dual-sided printer if you need an automatic second face for return details, terms or other information. Decide the finished card layout before selecting the hardware.

How do I specify network printing or access-card encoding?

Choose the required configuration in Printer Options. The listed Ethernet, magnetic and contactless choices are separate options. Ask ACB to check any combined requirements and the exact card technology before ordering; a printable surface alone does not establish access-system compatibility.

What should I prepare before installation?

Check the current IDP driver, computer operating system and design-software licence. Prepare a sample template, photographs and data, then test the actual card stock and any barcode reader. Confirm supplied consumables and software rather than assuming another seller's bundle is included.

If your organisation issues cards only occasionally, compare the complete ownership cost with ACB's photo ID card printing service.