New Color Module and 11-Station Smart Card Module Enhance Speed and Improve Card Personalization Productivity

PARIS, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/–Datacard Group, the world leader in secure ID and card personalization solutions, announced the availability of an enhanced high speed color module and an 11-station smart card module for the Datacard 9000E card issuance system today at CARTES 2004 in Paris, France.

“These new modules support the increasingly diverse needs of high volume card issuance programs including government ID, financial-especially for EMV, healthcare, transit, loyalty and telecommunications by providing greater speed and expanded color printing options,” said Mike Schnaus, vice president of marketing and corporate development for Datacard Group.

While the enhanced high speed color module is capable of printing ID-sized photos at speeds of up to 1,000 cards per hour, it also expands the traditional boundaries for graphics and images to the full face of the card. In addition, government agencies that issue ID cards both from central and decentralized locations benefit from the new module’s ability to produce cards that color-match cards issued by Datacard desktop card printers.

The new 9000E system high speed smart card module uses state-of-the-art coupler technology and a broad, 11-station capacity to provide the increased throughput rates necessary for personalizing large quantities of single- and multiple-application contact smart cards.

“The new smart card module is one of the most productive solutions for high-volume smart card issuance on the market today,” said Schnaus. “As the demand for smart cards continues to accelerate, our customers will be well prepared for tomorrow’s smart card volumes,” he said.

Designed with flexibility and modularity in mind, the 9000E system includes an easy-to-use and secure Windows® PC that provides state-of-the-art network connectivity and improved security features. The 9000E system can be configured with as many as 20 modules that utilize proven and reliable technologies.

Datacard Group offers the world’s best-selling secure ID and card personalization solutions. The company’s portfolio includes systems for high-volume card issuance, card delivery, secure ID issuance and passport production, plus extensive service and supply offerings (http://www.datacard.com).