DataCard SD260, User Manual

Page: 119 / 156

XPS Card Printer Driver User’s Guide 107
Escape Support for Rewritable Cards
When rewritable printing is enabled, you can use print blocking and topcoat escapes to specify
the write and erase areas.
Use topcoat escapes to control the erase area. The areas where topcoat would be applied is
where the card is erased.
Examples:
Use print blocking escapes to control rewritable printing just as you would standard printing.
Print Bocking in a Retransfer Printer
The CR805 retransfer printer uses the print block escape to do the following:

Block the application of primer over the smart card chip on the front of the card. This
prevents the retransfer film (and any printing) from adhering to the chip.

Apply the inhibitor panel of the ink ribbon to the back of the card. The inhibitor panel
prevents ink or retransfer film from bonding to the magnetic stripe and signature panel.
The ink ribbon must have an inhibitor panel (for example, CMYKP-KPi) to block printing on
the back of the card. The inhibitor is used only on the card back.
The retransfer print block escape uses the standard syntax, ~PB%n1n2n3n4? (refer to “Print
Blocking Syntax” on page 104 ). The topcoat add and topcoat remove escapes are not used with
the retransfer printer.
The retransfer film must overlap the selected feature (smart card chip, magnetic stripe, and
signature panel) by 0.5 mm. This makes the actual non-printing area smaller than the feature and
creates a clean edge as the retransfer film is applied to the card. It does not affect the function of
the feature. The dotted lines in the following examples represent the overlap onto the feature.
The dimensions shown in the following examples are for general reference. The size, shape, and
location of the magnetic stripe, smart card chip, or signature panel can vary based on the card
stock you use. Test your escapes to make sure that the blocking areas are correct.
~TA%? The card is not erased.
~TR% Erases the entire card.
~TA%0 0 50 38? Erases the top half of a portrait-oriented card.
Print blocking in a retransfer printer is designed to leave card features such as the
smart card chip, magnetic stripe, and signature panel free of printing. It is not
designed to block printing over other areas of the card.
You do not need to block retransfer printing over a hologram.