Evolis Primacy 2 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer

Key Features and Benefits

• Automatic dual-sided printing: Personalize both sides of each card in one print job, reducing manual handling and simplifying card production.
• High-speed production: Prints up to 170 dual-sided cards per hour under specified conditions, supporting efficient production for busy ID offices and larger issuance programs.
• High-quality color output: Standard 300 dpi printing with selectable higher-resolution modes for supported print jobs, delivering clear photographs, text, logos, and graphics.
• Flexible front-and-back designs: Print different variable information on each side, including cardholder details, barcodes, identification numbers, instructions, and other application-specific data.
• 100-card input and output capacity: Standard card handling supports routine production, with an optional 200-card input hopper for greater autonomy.
• Edge-to-edge printing: Creates full-bleed card designs without requiring a white border around the printed image.
• Rewrite technology: Print, erase, and reprint on compatible rewritable cards, making it useful for temporary credentials and cards that need frequent updates.
• Flexible encoding options: Compatible configurations can add magnetic-stripe, contact smart-card, or contactless smart-card encoding.
• Enhanced security and durability: Optional features include Kineclipse® ribbon protection, digital erasing of print data, double-overlay ribbons, mechanical locking, and card lamination.
• Mobile printing capability: Evolis Print Service supports printing from compatible smartphones and tablets, with integration options available for supported software applications.
• Three-year warranty: Evolis lists a three-year printer warranty, with extension options subject to applicable terms.

Technical Specifications

• Printer model: Evolis Primacy 2 Duplex
• Printing method: Direct-to-card dye-sublimation color printing and resin thermal transfer monochrome printing
• Print sides: Automatic dual-sided printing
• Print resolution: 300 dpi standard; selectable 300 × 600 dpi color and monochrome modes and 300 × 1200 dpi monochrome mode
• Dual-sided color print speed: Up to 170 cards per hour under specified conditions
• Single-sided color print speed: Up to 280 cards per hour on the single-sided configuration
• Card format: ISO CR-80 / ISO 7810, approximately 3.375 × 2.125 inches (85.6 × 53.98 mm)
• Card thickness: Approximately 10–50 mil, with manual adjustment; confirm supported card materials and printing modes for your application
• Standard input capacity: 100 cards
• Standard output capacity: 100 cards
• Optional input capacity: 200 cards
• Connectivity: USB and Ethernet; Wi-Fi available on compatible wireless configurations
• Card encoding: Optional magnetic-stripe, contact smart-card, and contactless encoding, depending on the selected model
• Lamination: Optional compatible Card Lamination Module
• Included software: ID-ALL Starter Edition license for badge design and editing, as specified for the applicable configuration
• Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux; verify current driver and software requirements for your workstation
• Warranty: Three years, subject to Evolis warranty terms

Specifications reflect the Evolis Primacy 2 platform. Print speeds, connectivity, encoding, security features, and included accessories vary by configuration. Actual throughput depends on card design, ribbon selection, and print settings.

Why Print Both Sides of an ID Card?

Dual-sided printing gives organizations more space for information without making the card larger or overcrowding the primary identification design.

For example, an employee badge might use the front for the employee photograph, name, department, company branding, and primary identification number. The reverse could contain a barcode for scanning, emergency contact instructions, acceptable-use reminders, or information about reporting a lost badge.

A school ID might display the student’s photograph, name, and school on the front, with a student number, library barcode, transportation details, or campus policies on the back. A healthcare badge might use the reverse for additional staff information or instructions relevant to the organization’s identification program.

Because the information can be personalized for each cardholder, organizations can create consistent designs while producing different data on every card. This is particularly useful when card records are populated from an HR system, student information system, membership database, or other supported data source through compatible card issuance software.

The Primacy 2 Duplex automatically flips the card during printing, allowing both sides to be personalized in a single production workflow.

Applications for Variable Data on Both Sides

Corporate Offices and Enterprise Organizations

Employee badges often need to do more than display a name and photograph. The front can identify the employee and establish company branding, while the reverse can contain a barcode, employee number, department information, emergency procedures, or other relevant details.

For multi-location organizations, dual-sided printing supports a standardized badge layout across offices and facilities. Variable employee information can be drawn from a compatible database or HR system, reducing repetitive manual entry and helping maintain consistency across card production.

Where cards are used for physical access, compatible encoding options can be incorporated based on the organization’s access control technology.

Education: K–12 Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Schools and universities can use the front of a student ID for a photograph, name, school, and student number. The reverse can include a library barcode, meal-plan identifier, transportation information, campus policies, or other details required by the institution.

Because student and staff information changes by person, dual-sided printing allows each credential to carry its own personalized data without sacrificing a clean, consistent design.

Rewrite technology can also be useful for compatible temporary credentials or cards that are updated regularly. Encoding options depend on the institution’s card systems and credential requirements.

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and healthcare networks often need staff identification cards with multiple layers of information. The front can display a photograph, name, role, department, and facility branding, while the reverse can accommodate additional identification details, barcodes, or relevant instructions.

For multi-facility healthcare organizations, a standardized dual-sided design can help create consistent credentials across locations while allowing individual employee information to vary.

Encoding, data protection, and card durability options should be selected according to the organization’s existing systems and requirements. The printer itself does not establish compliance with healthcare regulations.

Manufacturing, Warehousing, and Distribution

Manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and warehouse operations can use dual-sided badges to identify employees, contractors, and visitors. The front can display the cardholder’s photograph, name, role, and company, while the reverse can include an employee number, barcode, site-specific instructions, or other operational information.

For organizations with multiple facilities, consistent card designs can support a more standardized identification program. Compatible encoding options can be considered when cards need to work with existing access control or time-and-attendance systems.

For environments where cards experience frequent handling or more demanding conditions, organizations should also evaluate optional protective overlays or lamination.

Government and Public Sector

Government departments and public agencies may require identification cards that combine a photograph and core identifying information with additional data on the reverse. Depending on the program, this could include a barcode, department information, card number, or other approved credential details.

Optional encoding and security features can be selected based on the applicable credential program and existing infrastructure. Organizations with regulated or high-security requirements should confirm the complete system specifications before choosing a printer configuration.

Hospitality, Leisure, and Membership Organizations

Hotels, private clubs, recreational facilities, and membership organizations can use dual-sided cards for member identification, staff badges, guest credentials, and other applications.

The front can feature the member’s name, photograph, organization branding, or membership level. The reverse can contain a barcode, membership number, usage instructions, or other personalized details.

For cards that need to be updated frequently, compatible rewrite technology may provide an economical option for certain applications.

Retail, Loyalty, and Customer Programs

Retailers and membership-based businesses can print personalized loyalty cards, customer identification cards, and employee badges. The front can emphasize branding and customer identification, while the back can contain a barcode, account number, program instructions, or other variable information.

For applications involving payment cards or financial credentials, an appropriate approved card and issuance process must be used.

Transportation and Logistics

Transportation companies, fleet operators, and logistics organizations can use dual-sided credentials for employees, drivers, contractors, and other authorized personnel.

The front can display a photograph and primary identification details, while the reverse can contain a barcode, employee number, operational instructions, or other data required by the organization’s workflow.

Compatible encoding options may be available when credentials need to interact with supported systems.

Events, Venues, and Temporary Credential Programs

Event organizers, convention centers, entertainment venues, and other facilities can print badges with attendee or staff information on the front and access instructions, barcodes, sponsor information, or event-specific details on the reverse.

Variable data allows each badge to be personalized for a specific attendee, exhibitor, contractor, or staff member. For applications requiring oversized credentials or very high-volume event production, ADVANTIDGE can help determine whether a different printing platform would be more suitable.

Variable Data Printing and Card Personalization

The Primacy 2 Duplex is particularly useful when an organization needs to print the same general card design with different information on every card.

Using compatible card personalization software and a suitable data source, a card design can contain fixed elements—such as a logo, background, or standard instructions—alongside fields that change for each cardholder.

Variable fields may include:

• Cardholder name and photograph
• Employee, student, or membership number
• Department, job title, school, or membership level
• Barcodes and other supported machine-readable data
• Expiration dates and other credential-specific information
• Different text, graphics, or instructions based on cardholder type

This approach allows an organization to maintain a consistent credential design while personalizing each card. For larger or multi-location programs, ADVANTIDGE can help assess how card layouts, data sources, and printing workflows should be organized to support consistent production.

The exact variable-data capabilities depend on the selected software, database integration, and encoding configuration.

Security, Privacy, and Card Durability

The Primacy 2 platform offers optional features that can help organizations protect printed information and extend the useful life of their credentials.

• Kineclipse® ribbon protection: Helps render sensitive residual information on used ribbons illegible, reducing the risk of data being recovered from discarded consumables.
• Digital erasing: Automatically deletes print data from printer memory after processing, as supported by the configuration.
• Mechanical locking: A compatible lock restricts access to the printer interior, blank cards, ribbons, and installed components.
• UV security effects: Compatible ribbons and configurations can add UV-visible design elements for additional visual verification.
• Double-overlay printing: The YMCKOO ribbon adds a second overlay layer to help improve resistance to everyday wear and abrasion.
• Card lamination: An optional lamination module can apply compatible varnish, patches, or generic or custom holographic elements to improve card protection and support selected visual security requirements.
• Card scanning: A compatible scanner option can help verify printed card elements and retain a print history, depending on the software configuration.

These features are optional or configuration-dependent. Select them according to your organization’s security requirements, card design, and operating environment.

Optional Configurations and Upgrades

The Primacy 2 platform can be configured to support a range of identification applications. Depending on the exact model, available options include:

• Magnetic-stripe encoding: For compatible cards and systems that use magnetic-stripe data.
• Contact smart-card encoding: For compatible chip cards that require contact with a reader.
• Contactless smart-card encoding: For supported contactless credential technologies. Confirm the exact encoder and card technology before ordering.
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi is available on compatible configurations.
• 200-card input hopper: Increases card capacity and reduces reload frequency.
• Card Lamination Module: Adds compatible protective or security-focused lamination.
• LCD touchscreen: Available on selected models or as an option for printer status and operating assistance.
• Mechanical locking and data-protection features: Available configurations can help protect printer components, consumables, and sensitive print data.

The dual-sided printer configuration is the key feature of this model. Other options are not automatically included, and some may require specific hardware, installation, or software compatibility. Confirm the required configuration before ordering.

Ribbons, Cards, and Maintenance Supplies

Using compatible Evolis High Trust consumables helps maintain print quality and reliable operation.

Common supply options for the Primacy 2 family include:

• YMCKO full-color ribbon: For standard full-color printing with an overlay panel.
• YMCKOK ribbon: Designed for compatible dual-sided printing, with full-color printing on the front and resin black printing on the reverse.
• YMCKOO ribbon: Adds a second overlay layer to help improve resistance to everyday wear.
• Monochrome ribbons: Available in colors such as black, blue, red, green, white, metallic gold, and metallic silver, depending on the ribbon range.
• Rewritable cards: Compatible cards support printing, erasing, and reprinting for suitable temporary or frequently updated applications.
• Blank cards and cleaning supplies: Compatible PVC cards, selected alternative card materials, and printer cleaning kits are available.

Ribbon yields vary by ribbon type and card design. Select a ribbon that supports your intended front-and-back printing requirements, and confirm compatibility before purchasing consumables.

Why Work with ADVANTIDGE?

Selecting an ID card printer is about more than comparing print speeds. The right solution depends on the information each card must carry, how credentials are issued, whether cards must work with existing access control or identity systems, and how many cards your organization produces.

ADVANTIDGE works with IT, security, HR, facilities, and operations teams to evaluate these requirements and select a practical solution. We can assist with printer configuration, compatible supplies, card design, variable-data workflows, encoding requirements, and planning for future expansion.

For organizations with multiple offices, campuses, or facilities, we can also help assess how standardized card designs and technology can support a more consistent credential program across locations.

Request Guidance on the Evolis Primacy 2 Dual-Sided Printer

The Evolis Primacy 2 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer is a strong choice for organizations that need professional credentials with personalized information on both sides. It combines efficient card production with the flexibility to support employee IDs, student cards, healthcare credentials, membership cards, and other applications that benefit from additional card space.

Contact ADVANTIDGE to discuss your card design, expected production volume, variable-data requirements, card technology, and any existing access control or credential software. We can help determine whether the Primacy 2 Duplex is the right fit and identify the options needed for your application.