Evolis Primacy 2 ID Card Printer, Single Sided
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The Evolis Primacy 2 ID Card Printer is a high performing, single-sided ID printer designed to securely print over 10,000 cards per year. Capable of printing up to 280 high quality colour cards per hour, the Evolis Primacy 2 card printer is able to print regular or rewritable cards as standard.
Also available as a Bundle that includes a 300 print YMCKO ribbon, 100 blank cards and ID-ALL Standard Edition, an enhanced ID card design software from entry-level editions that enables database connectivity.
Printer Specifications
Print Technology:
Dye-sublimation, Rewrite Technology
Print Resolution:
300 x 300dpi
Print Speed:
280 Full Colour Cards Per Hour
1,000 Monochrome Cards Per Hour
Card Capacity:
100 Card Input Hopper
100 Card Output Hopper
50 Card Reject Hopper
Warranty:
3 Years
Printer Support Packages
For peace of mind after your card printer purchase, we give you 30 days of free email support to help you get up and running.
Or you can choose to upgrade to one of our Aftercare Support Packages to receive expert professional support all year round.
Silver Package - £45 per year
- Email and Telephone Support across printer and software*
- Access to online support library
- 10% off printer consumables (cards, ribbons, cleaning kits)
Gold Package - £145 per year
- Next Day Email and Telephone Support across printer and software*
- Access to online support library
- 15% off printer consumables (cards, ribbons, cleaning kits)
- Remote printer set-up assistance
- Remote access support for troubleshooting
- Zero labour costs if your printer needs repairing
- Loan printer if your printer needs to be returned for a repair.
*Easybadge and CardPresso software only.
For peace of mind after your card printer purchase, we give you 30 days of free email support to help you get up and running.
Or you can choose to upgrade to one of our Aftercare Support Packages to receive expert professional support all year round.
Silver Package - £45 per year
- Email and Telephone Support across printer and software*
- Access to online support library
- 10% off printer consumables (cards, ribbons, cleaning kits)
Gold Package - £145 per year
- Next Day Email and Telephone Support across printer and software*
- Access to online support library
- 15% off printer consumables (cards, ribbons, cleaning kits)
- Remote printer set-up assistance
- Remote access support for troubleshooting
- Zero labour costs if your printer needs repairing
- Loan printer if your printer needs to be returned for a repair.
*Easybadge and CardPresso software only.
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Explore Other Mid & High Volume ID Card Printers
The Evolis Primacy 2 is ideal for organisations printing around 10,000 cards per year with regular, day-to-day issuing.
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Why Choose the Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided?
The Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided is a fast, professional ID card printer designed for organisations printing regularly throughout the year. It delivers high-speed colour printing, consistent 300dpi quality and reliable batch performance. With USB and Ethernet connectivity and a 100-card input hopper, it’s built for dependable day-to-day card issuing without unnecessary complexity.
Evolis Primacy 2 Key Printer Features
The Evolis Primacy 2 is built for organisations that print ID cards regularly and need speed, reliability and professional results without moving into retransfer pricing. These features highlight why it’s a trusted mid-to-high volume card printer.
Print Quality
300dpi high-resolution printing delivers sharp text, clean logos and consistent colour. Optional YMCKO ribbons add a protective overlay for improved card durability.
Fast Print Speeds
Designed for busy environments, the Primacy 2 can produce up to 280 colour cards per hour and over 1,000 mono cards per hour (depending on configuration).
Rewrite Technology
Optional rewrite functionality allows you to erase and reprint the same card multiple times making it ideal for temporary badges and visitor passes.
Secure Printing
Digital erasing helps protect sensitive data, while optional encoding and security features support organisations requiring controlled access or enhanced card security.
Who Is the Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided Best For?
The Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided is ideal for organisations printing regularly throughout the year who need speed, reliability and consistent professional results. It’s best suited to teams producing around 10,000 cards per year as part of ongoing operations.
Typical users include:
- Schools and colleges issuing student and staff ID cards
- Corporate offices producing staff badges at scale
- Healthcare providers printing photo ID securely
- Membership organisations handling renewals and replacements
- Multi-site organisations needing dependable batch printing
- Growing teams that have outgrown entry-level printers
With fast print speeds and a robust 100-card feeder, it’s designed for busy admin environments where card issuing is part of everyday workflow — not just an occasional task.
How Many Cards Can the Evolis Primacy 2 Print Per Year?
The Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided is designed for organisations printing around 10,000 cards per year, making it a strong choice for teams issuing ID cards regularly throughout the year rather than occasionally. It’s built for frequent, day-to-day use and can comfortably handle new starters, ongoing renewals, replacement cards and steadily growing membership numbers without slowing down. Sitting above entry-level printers but below heavy-duty retransfer systems, the Primacy 2 offers the performance, speed and reliability needed for consistent card issuing in busy environments.
Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided vs Double-Sided ID Card Printers
If you’re deciding between the Evolis Primacy 2 single-sided and a double-sided printer, the key difference comes down to how much information you need printed on the back of the card.
Compared to the Primacy 2 Double Sided the single-sided model offers:
- Lower upfront cost for organisations that only print on one side
- Simpler setup and operation where back-of-card printing isn’t required
- The same print quality and speed on the front of the card
- Identical build quality and reliability
- Upgrade path available if double-sided printing is needed later
If your cards only display a photo, name, logo and basic details on the front, the single-sided Primacy 2 is the more cost-effective choice.
However, if you need to print terms, barcodes, signatures, QR codes, or security information on the reverse, the Primacy 2 Duplex saves time by printing both sides automatically.
If you are unsure whether manual double-sided printing is enough, our guide explains whether you can print double-sided cards on a single-sided printer.
| Feature | Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided | Evolis Primacy 2 Double-Sided |
|---|---|---|
| Card printing | Front of card only | Prints both sides automatically |
| Best for | Photo ID, name badge & logo printing | Cards requiring barcodes, terms or extra security on reverse |
| Print quality | 300dpi professional print quality | Same 300dpi professional print quality |
| Print speed (colour) | Up to 280 cards per hour | Up to 170 cards per hour (dual-sided) |
| Upgrade option | Upgradeable to duplex | Factory-fitted duplex module |
| Recommended use | Organisations printing primarily single-sided cards | High-volume environments needing full card personalisation |
| Cost | Lower upfront investment | Higher initial cost, saves time long-term |
What's Included with the Evolis Primacy 2?
When ordering the Evolis Primacy 2 single-sided ID card printer, you can choose between a Printer Only option or a GO Pack Bundle, depending on how ready you want to be straight out of the box.
Printer Only:
• Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided ID Card Printer
• Reject tray
• ID-ALL Starter ID Card Design Software
• Starter cleaning kit
• USB cable
• Power supply & documentation
GO Pack Bundle:
Includes everything in the Printer Only option, plus:
• 300-print YMCKO colour ribbon
• 100 blank PVC cards
• ID-ALL Standard ID Card Design Software
This option gives you everything needed to start printing immediately without sourcing consumables separately.
Optional Add-Ons (Available on Request):
The Evolis Primacy 2 can be configured with additional features if required, including:
• 200-card additional input hopper
• Internal scanner
• LCD colour touch screen
• Magnetic stripe encoding
• Smart card encoding (contact & contactless)
• Kineclipse® masking technology
• Mechanical lock
• Wi-Fi connectivity
If you’re unsure which configuration is right for your organisation, just get in touch. We’ll help you choose the most suitable setup without adding features you don’t need.
Evolis Primacy 2 ID Card Printer Overview
This feature video provides an overview of the Evolis Primacy 2 ID card printer, highlighting its fast print speeds, professional print quality, and suitability for organisations with ongoing card printing requirements. It’s designed for schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and membership organisations that need reliable, high-volume ID card production with consistent results.
Evolis Primacy 2 Specifications
Print Technology:
Dye-sublimation, Rewritable Technology
Print Resolution:
300 x 300dpi
Print Speed:
280 Full Colour Cards Per Hour, 1,000 Monochrome Cards Per Hour
Card Capacity:
100 Card Input Hopper, 100 Card Output Hopper, 50 Card Reject Hopper
Physical Dimensions (LxWxH):
9.72in x 8.07in x 14.99in
Weight:
9.06lbs
Connectivity:
USB & Ethernet
Warranty:
3 Years
Evolis Primacy 2 Single-Sided – Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you compare the Primacy 2 range, choose the right setup, and understand ribbons, software and double-sided printing.
Primacy 2 vs Primacy 1
What’s changed, in plain English.
What is the difference between Evolis Primacy 1 and 2?
Primacy 2 is the newer generation with an upgraded internal design for faster, smoother day-to-day printing and improved handling for busy environments. If you print cards regularly, such as new starters, replacements and batches, Primacy 2 is the more future-proof choice.
Is Evolis Primacy good for high-volume printing?
Yes. The Evolis Primacy 2 is built for regular, ongoing card production and is commonly used by organisations that print cards throughout the year rather than occasionally. It is a strong fit for teams printing up to around 10,000 cards per year. If you print double-sided cards often, the Evolis Primacy 2 Duplex may save time because it prints both sides automatically.
Software & setup
What you’ll use to design and print cards.
What software does Evolis Primacy 2 use?
Your Evolis Primacy 2 typically comes with starter ID card software to help you begin designing and printing cards. If you need more advanced features, such as larger databases, more templates or encoding support, you can upgrade your software later. If you’re not sure what software actually does, our guide explains what ID card software is and why you need it.
Is the Evolis Primacy 2 compatible with Mac?
The Primacy 2 can be used with compatible software workflows, but setup can vary depending on your system. If you’re using a Mac, contact us before ordering so we can advise on the best setup for your software, printer and workflow.
Can the Evolis Primacy 2 be upgraded later?
Yes. The Primacy 2 can support a range of optional upgrades, including a double-sided activation key, 200-card feeder, LCD touch screen, lamination module and encoding modules. Evolis also lists magnetic stripe, contact smartcard, contactless smartcard and dual smartcard encoding options, which can be factory or on-site installed depending on the configuration.
Speed, printing & card types
What to expect in real day-to-day use.
How fast does Evolis Primacy 2 print?
The Evolis Primacy 2 can print up to 280 single-sided colour cards per hour using YMCKO ribbon. Double-sided YMCKOK printing is listed at 170 cards per hour. Actual speed depends on your ribbon, print settings, artwork and whether you are printing single or double-sided cards.
Can I print on both sides with the Primacy 2 single-sided printer?
Yes, but it is manual. You print one side, flip the card, then print the reverse. If you’ll be printing backs often, such as terms, barcodes, signatures or expiry information, the Evolis Primacy 2 Duplex will save time because it prints both sides automatically. For a fuller explanation, read our guide on printing double-sided cards on a single-sided printer.
Is the Evolis Primacy 2 a direct-to-card printer?
Yes. The Evolis Primacy 2 is a direct-to-card printer, which means it prints directly onto the card surface. It is ideal for staff ID cards, visitor passes, membership cards and everyday card issuing. If you are comparing print technologies, our guide explains direct-to-card vs retransfer ID card printers.
What type of cards can I use with the Evolis Primacy 2?
The Primacy 2 supports common plastic card types including PVC cards, composite PVC cards, PET cards, ABS cards and rewritable cards. If you are printing access control, RFID or smart cards, we recommend checking the card type, chip position and print area before ordering.
Ribbons, running costs & consumables
What you need to keep printing.
What ribbon does the Evolis Primacy 2 use?
The ribbon you need depends on what you are printing. For full-colour cards, the Primacy 2 commonly uses a YMCKO ribbon. For double-sided cards with black print on the reverse, a YMCKOK ribbon may be suitable. Evolis also lists YMCKOO and black monochrome ribbon options. If the ribbon letters feel confusing, our guide explains what ID card printer ribbon letters mean.
How many prints do Evolis Primacy 2 ribbons provide?
Evolis lists YMCKO at 300 prints per roll, YMCKOK at 200 prints per roll, YMCKOO at 250 prints per roll, and black monochrome at 2,000 prints per roll. Ribbon choice affects both print finish and running cost, so it is worth matching the ribbon to the design you actually need.
How do I work out the running cost per card?
Divide the ribbon price by the number of prints it provides, then add the cost of a blank card. This gives you a simple per-card cost and makes it easier to compare printers properly, rather than only looking at the initial printer price.
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