DataCard ImageCard IV User Manual page 75

Using the printer
Card features
Several card features can influence the card production rate. They include:
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Interrupted printing
The ImageCard IV printer is designed to operate with the top cover closed. If the top
cover is opened while a card is processing, processing stops and a card jam can
occur. You must prepare the printer to resume printing of cards.
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The printer is designed to detect unusual situations and will indicate a problem using
panel lights. In addition, a message box appears on the PC that describes the
problem and provides help in fixing the problem. The printer automatically pauses.
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User's Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer
Smart card programming
Smart card programming is controlled by a custom application that sends data to
the smart card module. The printer does not control the speed at which smart card
programming occurs. The card waits in the smart card module until the custom
smart card application indicates that programming is complete.
Using both topcoat and overlay stations
Applying topcoat using a topcoat station and then applying overlay increases the
time required to process a card. Using both topcoat and overlay stations will
decrease the production rate, compared to using either station alone.
Topcoat applied using the print ribbon
The longest print step involves applying topcoat using a print ribbon. To apply
topcoat to selected areas of a card, you must use the print ribbon; however, this
requires more time in the print station and reduces the overall production rate.
Shade count
The ImageCard IV printer can print up to 16 million colors on one card, plus true
black (K). The printer driver creates these colors with just three color panels of
print ribbon (YMC) by combining colors and varying the intensity of each color
(shades). Printing the maximum number of colors provides a somewhat more
realistic photo, but requires more time to print each card. The printer driver
provides controls that you can use to control printer speed by controlling the
number of colors printed. See
information on changing the shade count.
Encourage operators to keep the cover of the printer closed, even when they hear
an unexpected sound so that the printer has time to handle any situations that
occur.
Do not open the top cover unless the printer is paused or you are instructed to
open it.
"Changing operational settings" on page 6-15
5-11
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