IDP Smart 31d ID Card Printer, Double Sided
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Printer Specifications
Print Technology:
Dye-sublimation
Print Resolution:
300 x 300dpi
Print Speed:
156 Full Colour Cards Per Hour
720 Monochrome Cards Per Hour
Card Capacity:
80 Card Input Hopper
25 Card Output Hopper
Warranty:
5 Years, 3 Years Printhead
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.
Unsure if this is the best ID card printer for you?
Take our Printer Quiz!
Answer four short questions and get recommendations based on your needs.
Alternatively, you can start a chat with us, we're happy to help!
Double Sided ID Card Printers
Part of our Double Sided ID Card Printer range. Ideal when you need to print card designs on both the front and reverse.
View other double sided printers →
Take our 60-second Quiz and Find your Perfect Printer
Not sure if you need single sided, double sided or something more advanced? Answer 4 short questions and we’ll point you in the right direction.
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Why Choose the IDP Smart 31D?
The IDP Smart 31D is a professional double sided ID card printer designed for organisations that need to print both the front and reverse of their cards automatically. It offers 300dpi print quality, automatic card feeding, USB connectivity and a 5 year warranty, making it a reliable choice for everyday ID card printing.
Who Is the IDP Smart 31D Best For?
The IDP Smart 31D is best suited to organisations printing up to 1,000 cards a year who need more space on each card for extra information. Typical uses include:
- Staff ID cards with emergency details or access information on the reverse
- Student ID cards with barcodes, contact details or return instructions
- Membership cards with terms, loyalty details or QR codes on the back
- Visitor passes where extra site information needs to be shown clearly
- Leisure, gym or club cards with membership details on both sides
- Event passes, delegate badges or transport passes needing front and reverse printing
- Organisations that want double sided cards without manually flipping each card
It is especially useful when the front of the card needs to stay clean and visual, while the reverse carries the practical details.
IDP Smart 31D Key Printer Features
The IDP Smart 31D is designed for organisations that need reliable double sided ID card printing without overcomplicating the setup.
Design & Ease of Use
- Automatic double sided printing
- Simple LED button operation
- 80 card input hopper
- 25 card output hopper
Print & Performance
- 300dpi colour print quality
- Up to 156 full colour single sided cards per hour
- Up to 124 double sided cards per hour
- Edge to edge direct to card printing
Double Sided Card Printing
- Prints front and reverse automatically
- Ideal for cards with barcodes, QR codes or extra details
- No need to manually flip each card
Connectivity & Encoding Options
- USB connectivity as standard
- Ethernet upgrade available
- Magnetic stripe encoding option
- Contact and contactless smart card encoding options
Security & Warranty
- Low cost security with UV printing
- Optional encoding for access and smart card projects
- 5 year printer warranty
- 3 year printhead warranty
IDP Smart 21S vs 31S vs 31D: Which Printer Should You Choose?
Not sure whether the Smart 21S, 31S or 31D is right for you? This quick comparison shows the main differences between the three IDP Smart printers, including card volume, card feeding and whether reverse side printing is manual or automatic.
| Printer model | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Occasional card printing where you mostly print one side | Regular single sided ID card printing, with the option to manually print the reverse | Regular front and reverse card printing without manually flipping each card |
| Price band | Entry level | Entry level plus | Entry level plus, with automatic double sided printing |
| Front and reverse printing | Single sided as standard Reverse side can be printed manually |
Single sided as standard Reverse side can be printed manually |
Automatic double sided printing |
| Typical yearly volume | Lower volume use | Up to around 1,000 cards/year | Up to around 1,000 cards/year |
| Card feeding | Best for smaller batches | 80 card input hopper 25 card output hopper |
80 card input hopper 25 card output hopper |
| Print speed | Designed for lower volume printing | Up to 156 full colour cards per hour | Up to 156 full colour single sided cards per hour Up to 124 double sided YMCKOK cards per hour |
| Print resolution | 300dpi | 300dpi colour and monochrome printing | 300dpi colour and monochrome printing |
| Connectivity | USB only | USB as standard Ethernet upgrade available |
USB as standard Ethernet upgrade available |
| Encoding options | Magnetic encoding option only | Magnetic stripe, contact and contactless smart card encoding options available | Magnetic stripe, contact and contactless smart card encoding options available |
| Best choice if | You only print small batches and do not mind manually flipping cards if you need the reverse printed | You print more regularly, but most cards only need one side printed | You regularly need both sides printed and want the printer to handle the card flipping automatically |
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Choose the IDP Smart 31D if you regularly need information printed on both sides of the card and want the printer to handle the reverse side automatically. If most of your cards are single-sided, the IDP Smart 31S may be enough. If you only print smaller batches occasionally, the IDP Smart 21S is the simpler starter option.
IDP Smart 31D Video Overview
See the IDP Smart 31 in action for general setup help and card loading. The Smart 31D is the double sided model in this range, designed for organisations that want front and reverse card printing handled automatically.
What’s Included with the IDP Smart 31D?
When ordering the IDP Smart 31D double sided ID card printer, you can choose between a Printer Only option or a Printer Bundle, depending on whether you already have ribbons and cards or want to get started straight away.
Printer Only:
- IDP Smart 31D double sided ID card printer
- Power supply and power cable
- USB cable
- Driver and software download
- Starter ID card design software
- 5 year printer warranty, including 3 years on the printhead
Printer Bundle:
Includes everything in the Printer Only option, plus:
The bundle is a good choice if you want the main items needed to start printing without ordering the consumables separately.
Optional Add Ons:
The IDP Smart 31D can also be supplied with additional features if required, including:
- Ethernet connectivity
- Magnetic stripe encoding
- Contact smart card encoding
- Contactless smart card encoding
If you need Ethernet or encoding, please get in touch for a quote.
A quick note on double sided ribbons:
The standard bundle includes a YMCKO colour ribbon. If you plan to print full colour on the front and black text or details on the reverse, a YMCKOK ribbon is more cost-effective. If you are unsure, get in touch and we’ll advise you.
Print Technology:
Dye-sublimation
Print Resolution:
300 x 300dpi
Print Speed:
156 Full Colour Cards Per Hour, 720 Monochrome Cards Per Hour
Card Capacity:
80 Card Input Hopper, 25 Card Output Hopper
Physical Dimensions (LxWxH):
6.8in x 18.6in x 7.5in
Weight:
9.5lbs
Connectivity:
USB
Warranty:
5 Years, 3 Years Printhead
Find Out More
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IDP Smart 31D Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers for choosing the IDP Smart 31D double sided ID card printer, including print speed, ribbons, software, card compatibility and whether you really need automatic double sided printing.
Buying the IDP Smart 31D
Choosing between single sided, manual reverse printing and automatic double sided printing.
Is the IDP Smart 31D a good double sided ID card printer?
Yes. The IDP Smart 31D is a good double sided ID card printer for organisations printing up to around 1,000 cards per year. It prints the front and reverse of the card automatically, making it a practical choice for staff ID cards, student cards, membership cards, visitor passes, event passes and loyalty cards.
What is the difference between the IDP Smart 31S and IDP Smart 31D?
The IDP Smart 31S is a single sided printer, while the IDP Smart 31D includes automatic double sided printing. The 31S can still print on both sides manually, but you need to flip and reload each card yourself. The 31D does this automatically, saving time on regular front and reverse card designs.
Do I need a double sided ID card printer?
You may need a double sided ID card printer if your cards regularly need extra information on the reverse, such as barcodes, QR codes, emergency details, membership terms, access instructions or return information. If you only print the reverse occasionally, a single sided printer may be enough.
Can a single sided ID card printer print on both sides?
Yes. A single sided ID card printer can print on both sides, but it is a manual process. You print the front first, turn the card over, then reload it to print the reverse. If you do this often, an automatic double sided printer like the IDP Smart 31D is usually easier. Read our guide to printing double sided cards on a single sided printer for more detail.
Is the IDP Smart 31D suitable for small businesses, schools and clubs?
Yes. The IDP Smart 31D is suitable for small businesses, schools, clubs, gyms, membership organisations and reception teams that need professional ID cards in house. It is especially useful when cards need a clean front design and extra details printed on the reverse.
Ribbons, software and card compatibility
Making sure the Smart 31D works with your cards, ribbons and setup.
What ribbon does the IDP Smart 31D use?
The IDP Smart 31D uses IDP Smart 31 compatible ribbons. For standard full colour card printing, a YMCKO ribbon is commonly used. If you are printing full colour on the front and black text or details on the reverse, a YMCKOK ribbon may be more suitable. Our ribbon guide explains what ID card printer ribbon letters mean.
Does the IDP Smart 31D come with card design software?
Yes. The IDP Smart 31D includes starter ID card design software, so you can create simple card layouts and start printing. If you need database features, advanced card design tools or more complex workflows, you may need upgraded software. Our guide explains what ID card software is and why you may need it.
Can the IDP Smart 31D print access control or RFID cards?
The IDP Smart 31D can be supplied with optional magnetic stripe, contact and contactless smart card encoding. If you are printing onto access control, RFID or smart cards, speak to us before ordering so we can check the card type, chip position and best printer setup.
Is the IDP Smart 31D a direct to card printer?
Yes. The IDP Smart 31D is a direct to card printer, which means it prints directly onto the surface of the card. This works well for many everyday ID card projects. If you need full over the edge coverage or are printing onto certain technology cards, a retransfer printer may be worth considering. Our guide explains direct to card vs retransfer ID card printers.
How fast is the IDP Smart 31D?
The IDP Smart 31D can print up to 156 full colour single sided cards per hour, up to 124 double sided YMCKOK cards per hour and up to 720 monochrome cards per hour. Actual speed can vary depending on the ribbon, design and print settings.
