Re-transfer Card Printers

What re-transfer printing is and why it matters

Re-transfer is an indirect, two-step printing technology. Instead of applying ink directly to the card surface with a thermal print head, the printer first lays the image on a thin carrier film and then bonds that film onto the card using heat and pressure.

Technical advantages over direct-to-card sublimation

• True edge-to-edge printing: the image covers the entire card surface, with no white border.
• Reliable printing on cards with embedded chips, magnetic stripes, antennas or surface relief.
• Higher durability: the image is sealed under the film and resists bending, abrasion and UV exposure.
• Works on PVC, PET, polycarbonate, ABS and composite materials without recalibration.

Common professional use cases

• Corporate and government credentials with variable data and high-resolution photos.
• Access control cards combining chip, magnetic stripe and graphic personalization.
• Premium loyalty and membership cards with metallic or specialty finishes.
• Event badges with variable data, QR codes and on-demand photo capture.
• Healthcare, transport and sports cards requiring long service life.

The Qualica-RD re-transfer printer line-up

Qualica-RD offers two re-transfer printers that cover the two scenarios integrators and security teams ask for most.

Qualica-RD TITAN: high-volume double-sided re-transfer

The Qualica-RD TITAN is the fastest re-transfer printer in the Qualica-RD catalogue. It runs at a true 600 dpi resolution, prints double-sided out of the box, and is the only printer in its class with an integrated silver panel for metallic-look designs without extra consumables. It handles cards from 0.25 to 1.02 mm on PVC, PET and PC, and is engineered for long runs without jams. 3-year warranty included.

Qualica-RD DRAGON: XXL and oversized credential printing

The Qualica-RD DRAGON is a unique re-transfer printer built for XXL PVC credentials (sizes beyond the standard CR-80), with built-in automatic cutting. It supports PVC, translucent PVC, photo paper and metallic photo paper, which makes it ideal for premium event badges, congresses, trade shows and editorial applications. Output is fully waterproof, tear-resistant and photographic in quality.

Original consumables and maintenance

The category also includes the original consumables required to keep print quality and warranty coverage intact.

Qualica-RD re-transfer ribbons

Qualica-RD re-transfer ribbons are certified for Qualica-RD printers and deliver 1,000 prints per roll. Available in YMCKO (colour + protective overlay) and monochrome (black, red, blue, gold, silver, white) for serial numbers, numbering or branding. Using original ribbons prevents colour drift, print-head wear and warranty loss.

Re-transfer films and blank cards

To complete the ecosystem, Qualica-RD supplies re-transfer films and blank PVC, PET, PC and composite cards in different thicknesses and finishes. All consumables are tuned for the TITAN and DRAGON printers, which avoids unplanned downtime and keeps output consistent across the lifetime of the equipment.

Comparison table — PVC card printing technologies

FAQ — Re-transfer card printers

How is a re-transfer card printer different from a sublimation printer?

Direct sublimation uses a thermal head to print straight onto the card, which usually leaves a thin white border. Re-transfer prints onto a carrier film first and then bonds the film onto the card, covering the full surface — including chips, antennas, magnetic stripes and embossed areas — for a more durable result.

Does the Qualica-RD TITAN print double-sided?

Yes, the TITAN prints both sides in a single pass at 600 dpi. It is the only printer in its class with an integrated silver panel for metallic finishes without extra consumables.

What card types can re-transfer printers handle?

Qualica-RD re-transfer printers accept PVC, PET, polycarbonate, ABS and composite cards in thicknesses from 0.25 mm to 1.02 mm, including cards with contact chips, contactless (RFID/NFC) chips, magnetic stripes and embossing.

How many prints does a Qualica-RD re-transfer ribbon yield?

A genuine Qualica-RD re-transfer ribbon yields 1,000 prints per roll in YMCKO configuration. Non-original ribbons may reduce yield, degrade image quality and void the printer warranty.

What maintenance does a re-transfer printer need?

Basic preventive maintenance is cleaning the print head and rollers every 1,000–2,000 prints, replacing the re-transfer film when prompted by the printer, and using only Qualica-RD original consumables. TITAN and DRAGON are designed for long runs with minimal user intervention.

Does the DRAGON print XXL PVC credentials?

Yes, the DRAGON is the only printer on the market that prints XXL PVC credentials with built-in automatic cutting. It supports PVC, translucent PVC and photo paper, making it perfect for congresses, trade shows and oversized corporate badges.