DataCard CD Series, Installation And Manual

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SD/CD Installation and Administrator’s Guide 23
Apply Topcoat
Full ‐ color printing fades if it lacks topcoat protection. Topcoat protects the printed
image on the card. It is applied as an even, consistent film.
Make sure that all color printing is covered with topcoat (except for areas such as
magnetic stripe, smart card chip, or signature panel).
When a ribbon with a topcoat or “T” panel is
installed, the printer can apply topcoat to the card
using the printhead. Full ‐ color (YMCKT), KT, and
KTT ribbons include topcoat panels.
Topcoat must be requested by the application
sending the card to the printer. Most card
production software requests topcoat automatically.
Non-Printing Areas
The card design can have areas where printing is not allowed. Such areas include
a magnetic stripe, signature panel, or smart card chip. Card production software
usually manages such non ‐ printing areas automatically. If you do not use ID
software, you can use the dimensions provided below for magnetic stripe and
smart card non ‐ printing areas to customize your print and topcoat areas.
Do not apply topcoat over the magnetic stripe, smart card chip, or signature panel of
a card. To prevent topcoat application, you must define a non ‐ printing area.
•
Blocking for non ‐ printing areas typically extends 0.1 inch beyond the edges of
a feature. The dimensions listed in the following sections include the extended
blocking region.
•
Print several cards using your card design and application to verify that
printing and topcoat are applied as you intend.