Entrust Sigma DS1 Installation And Administrator's Guide

Sigma DS1, DS2, and DS3 Card Printers Installation and Administrator’s Guide 39
Apply Topcoat
Full-color, UV, and luster printing fades if it lacks topcoat protection. Topcoat protects the printed
image on the card. It is applied as an even, consistent film.
Make sure that all color printing is covered with topcoat (except for areas such as a magnetic
stripe, smart card chip, or signature panel).
When a ribbon with a topcoat (T) panel is installed, the
printer can apply topcoat to the card using the printhead.
Most full-color ribbons include topcoat panels.
Topcoat must be requested by the application sending the
card to the printer. Most card production software requests
topcoat automatically.
Systems equipped with the optional laminator can apply overlay material to the front and back of
the card for durability and security. Refer to the CLM Laminator User’s Guide for information
about the types of overlays available.
Non-Printing Areas
The card design can have areas where printing is not allowed, such as a magnetic stripe, signature
panel, or smart card chip. Card production software and the Card Printer Driver usually manage
such non-printing areas automatically. If you do not use ID software, you can use the dimensions
provided in the following sections for magnetic stripe and smart card non-printing areas to
customize your print and topcoat areas.
The dimensions shown in the following sections are examples to help you determine the non-
printing area. The actual dimensions can vary depending on the card stock you use.
Do not apply topcoat over the magnetic stripe, smart card chip, or signature panel of
a card. To prevent topcoat application, you must specify a non-printing area.
 Blocking for non-printing areas typically extends 0.05 inch (1.27 mm) beyond the
edges of a feature. The dimensions listed in the following sections include the
extended blocking region.
 Print several cards using your card design and application to verify that printing
and topcoat are applied as you intend.

Entrust Sigma DS1 Specifications

General

Brand	Entrust
Model	Sigma DS1
Category	Printer
Language	English