Professional direct-to-card ID card printer with automatic dual-sided printing, 300 dpi color resolution, edge-to-edge printing and optional Ethernet, Wi-Fi, magnetic stripe and smart-card encoding configurations.

The IDP SMART-51D is a professional dual-sided direct-to-card ID card printer designed for organizations that need to print information automatically on both sides of compatible plastic cards.

It uses direct-to-card dye-sublimation printing for color images and thermal-transfer technology for monochrome printing. The SMART-51D supports edge-to-edge printing on compatible cards and provides 300 dpi color and monochrome resolution, with higher 600 and 1200 dpi capability available for supported monochrome printing.

The printer can produce up to approximately 212 YMCKO cards per hour for applicable single-sided color printing and approximately 164 YMCKOK dual-sided cards per hour. Monochrome printing is specified at up to approximately 720 cards per hour.

The SMART-51D is particularly relevant where cards require different information on the front and back—for example, a photograph and identification details on the front with a barcode, QR code, terms, emergency information or other organization-specific information on the reverse.

Key Features

• Automatic dual-sided card printing
• Direct-to-card printing technology
• Dye-sublimation color printing
• Thermal-transfer monochrome printing
• Edge-to-edge printing on compatible cards
• 300 dpi color printing
• 300 dpi monochrome printing
• 600 and 1200 dpi supported for applicable monochrome printing
• Up to approximately 212 YMCKO cards/hour
• Up to approximately 164 YMCKOK dual-sided cards/hour
• Up to approximately 720 monochrome cards/hour
• Automatic card feeding
• Standard CR80 card support
• CR79 available as a factory-installed option
• Card thickness approximately 0.38–1.0mm / 15–40mil
• PVC card support
• PET card support
• Composite PVC card support
• 100-card standard input capacity
• Up to 200 cards with input cover open
• Two-line LCD
• Two LED control buttons
• USB connectivity
• Ethernet available depending on configuration
• Wi-Fi available as an option
• Optional magnetic stripe encoding
• Optional contact smart-card encoding
• Optional contactless smart-card encoding
• Metal-frame printing-engine construction
• Windows, macOS and Linux platform support according to applicable driver availability

What Is the IDP SMART-51D?

The SMART-51D is an ID card printer with automatic duplex printing.

The letter D identifies the dual-sided configuration within the SMART-51 family.

A typical card-production workflow may be:

Card Design / ID Software

↓

Employee or Member Information

↓

Photo / Text / Logo / Barcode

↓

IDP SMART-51D

↓

Front Side Printed

↓

Card Automatically Flipped

↓

Reverse Side Printed

↓

Completed Dual-Sided ID Card

This removes the need to manually turn each card over when both sides require printing.

What Does Dual-Sided Printing Mean?

Dual-sided or duplex printing means that the printer can automatically print on both sides of a compatible card.

For example:

Front of Card

Employee Photograph
Employee Name
Employee Number
Organization Logo
Department

Back of Card

Barcode / QR Code
Emergency Information
Return Instructions
Terms and Conditions
Organization Contact Information

The exact content is determined by the organization's card-design software and application.

SMART-51D vs SMART-51S

The principal distinction is:

SMART-51S: Single-sided card printer

SMART-51D: Dual-sided card printer

If cards require printing only on the front, a single-sided printer may be sufficient.

If information must routinely be printed on both sides, the SMART-51D can automate the card-flipping process.

The correct model should therefore be selected according to the actual card design rather than assuming dual-sided printing is necessary for every application.

Direct-to-Card Printing

The SMART-51D uses Direct-to-Card (DTC) printing.

In this process, the printhead applies the image through the ribbon directly onto the printable card surface.

A simplified process is:

Digital Card Design

↓

Color Ribbon

↓

Thermal Printhead

↓

Printable Card Surface

↓

Printed ID Card

Direct-to-card printers are widely used for conventional employee, membership, student and access-control credentials.

Dye-Sublimation Color Printing

For full-color cards, the SMART-51D uses dye-sublimation printing.

A typical YMCKO ribbon contains:

Y – Yellow

M – Magenta

C – Cyan

K – Resin Black

O – Overlay

The color panels combine to reproduce photographs, backgrounds, logos and other color elements.

The black panel can produce defined black text and barcodes, while the overlay panel provides an additional protective layer over applicable printed areas.

YMCKO vs YMCKOK

The ribbon required depends on the intended card design.

YMCKO

YMCKO provides:

Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Black
Overlay

It is commonly associated with full-color card printing.

YMCKOK

YMCKOK provides:

Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Black
Overlay
Black

The additional black panel can be useful when producing a full-color front side and black information on the reverse side.

For example:

Front: Full-color photograph, logo and employee information

Back: Black text, barcode or other monochrome information

The correct ribbon should be selected according to the required front and reverse card design.

Print Resolution

The SMART-51D supports:

Color: 300 dpi

Monochrome: 300 dpi

Higher Monochrome Modes: 600 and 1200 dpi where supported

The higher monochrome resolutions should not be interpreted as 600 or 1200 dpi full-color printing. IDP specifies those higher resolutions for monochrome output.

Print Speed

IDP specifies approximately:

Monochrome: 5 seconds/card — up to 720 cards/hour

YMCKO: Up to 17 seconds/card — approximately 212 cards/hour

YMCKOK: Up to 22 seconds/card — approximately 164 cards/hour

These are manufacturer-rated print speeds.

Actual production throughput can vary according to:

• Card design
• Single- or dual-sided operation
• Ribbon type
• Encoding
• Data transfer
• Computer performance
• Printer settings
• Card handling
• Cleaning cycles
• Application workflow

Rated cards-per-hour figures should therefore not be interpreted as guaranteed production output in every environment.

Card Size

Standard Card Size: ISO CR80

CR80 is the familiar credit-card-sized format commonly used for:

• Employee ID cards
• Access cards
• Student cards
• Membership cards
• Visitor credentials
• Loyalty cards

CR79: Available as a factory-installed option according to IDP's specification.

Customers requiring CR79 should verify the exact printer configuration before ordering.

Card Thickness

Supported Thickness: Approximately 0.38–1.0mm

Equivalent: Approximately 15–40mil

Card thickness should be confirmed when using specialized credentials or cards containing electronic components.

Card Materials

IDP identifies support for compatible:

• PVC
• PET
• Composite PVC cards

Print quality depends on using cards designed for the printer and printing technology.

Not every plastic card is necessarily suitable for direct-to-card thermal printing.

Card Input Capacity

Standard Input Hopper: 100 cards

With Cover Open: Up to 200 cards

The larger loading arrangement can be useful when producing card batches.

Capacity specifications should be understood as physical card-feed capacity rather than a recommendation to leave cards exposed unnecessarily in dusty environments.

Card Output

Front Output Hopper: Approximately 40 cards

Optional Rear-Side Stacker: Up to approximately 100 cards

The exact output configuration should be confirmed for the supplied printer.

LCD and Controls

The SMART-51D includes:

Display: Two-line LCD

Control Panel: Two LED buttons

The display provides printer status and operational information.

USB Connectivity

USB is the standard communication interface on applicable base SMART-51D configurations.

A typical standalone installation may therefore be:

Windows / macOS / Linux Computer

↓

USB

↓

IDP SMART-51D

↓

Printed ID Cards

Driver compatibility should be verified against the computer's current operating-system version.

Ethernet Connectivity

Ethernet is available on selected SMART-51D configurations or as an applicable option.

Ethernet can be useful where the printer needs to operate as a network-connected device rather than being connected directly to one workstation through USB.

Do not assume that every SMART-51D automatically includes Ethernet.

Verify the exact printer SKU and configuration before ordering.

Optional Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available as an option for applicable SMART-51 configurations.

Wireless connectivity should not be assumed to be included with every printer.

If Wi-Fi is required, verify the exact option, printer configuration and network requirements before ordering.

Optional Magnetic Stripe Encoding

Magnetic stripe encoding can be added to applicable SMART-51D configurations.

The manufacturer specification identifies support for:

• ISO 7811
• Track I
• Track II
• Track III
• HiCo / LoCo
• JIS II

The required magnetic stripe technology and card specification should be established before ordering an encoder-equipped printer.

Optional Contact Smart-Card Encoding

A contact smart-card encoding option is available.

IDP identifies support for ISO 7816 (ID-1) in the applicable configuration.

Smart-card encoding requirements should be evaluated according to the actual credential technology and software.

Optional Contactless Smart-Card Encoding

Applicable SMART-51D configurations can support contactless encoding technologies including:

• MIFARE
• ISO 14443 Type A/B
• ISO 15693
• DESFire
• iCLASS

The presence of a contactless encoder does not guarantee compatibility with every card technology, application or access-control system.

Verify the exact encoder and credential before ordering.

Printing vs Encoding

Printing and electronic encoding are different processes.

Card Printing

Creates visible information such as:

• Photograph
• Name
• Logo
• Employee number
• Barcode
• QR code
• Text

Card Encoding

Writes electronic information to a compatible:

• Magnetic stripe
• Contact chip
• Contactless smart card

A printer can therefore produce the visible design without necessarily containing an electronic encoder.

Customers requiring encoding should specify the exact credential technology.

Barcode and QR Code Printing

Barcodes and QR codes can be incorporated into the printed card artwork using compatible card-design software.

However, printing a barcode or QR code does not automatically create an electronic smart credential.

A printed barcode is an optical credential.

A smart card uses an electronic chip or RF technology.

The intended credential workflow should be determined before choosing the printer and encoder configuration.

Metal-Frame Construction

IDP identifies a metal frame for the printing engine as a characteristic of the SMART-51 series.

This is intended to provide a stable internal structure for the printing mechanism.

It should not be interpreted as meaning that the entire exterior enclosure is metal or that the printer is indestructible.

Supported Platforms

Current IDP Americas information identifies drivers for:

• Windows 10 / 11 64-bit
• macOS 11 and later

IDP documentation also identifies Linux platform support.

Operating-system compatibility can change as software and operating systems are updated.

Verify the current driver for the intended computer before ordering.

Technical Specifications

Brand: IDP

Series: SMART-51

Model: SMART-51D

Product Type: Dual-Sided ID Card Printer

Printing Method: Direct-to-Card Dye-Sublimation / Thermal Transfer

Print Mode: Automatic Dual-Sided / Duplex

Print Area: Edge-to-Edge on Compatible Cards

Color Resolution: 300 dpi

Monochrome Resolution: 300 dpi

Higher Monochrome Resolution: 600 / 1200 dpi where supported

Monochrome Speed: Up to approximately 720 cards/hour

YMCKO Speed: Up to approximately 212 cards/hour

YMCKOK Dual-Sided Speed: Up to approximately 164 cards/hour

Card Feeding: Automatic

Standard Card Size: ISO CR80

Optional Card Size: ISO CR79, factory-installed configuration

Card Thickness: 0.38–1.0mm / 15–40mil

Card Materials: PVC, PET, Composite PVC

Standard Input Hopper: 100 cards

Maximum Input Arrangement: 200 cards with cover open

Front Output Hopper: Approximately 40 cards

Optional Rear Stacker: Approximately 100 cards

Memory: 64MB RAM

Display: Two-Line LCD

Control Panel: Two LED Buttons

Standard Communication: USB

Ethernet: Optional / configuration-dependent

Wi-Fi: Optional

Magnetic Stripe Encoding: Optional

Contact Smart-Card Encoding: Optional

Contactless Smart-Card Encoding: Optional

Power Supply: AC 100/220V, 50–60Hz

Power Consumption: Approximately 48W

Operating Temperature: 15°C to 35°C

Operating Humidity: 35% to 70%

Dimensions: Approximately 165 × 498 × 210mm

Weight: Approximately 5.2kg

Manufacturer Certifications Listed: CB, CE, FCC/FC, KC, UL depending on applicable documentation and market

Dimensions

Width: Approximately 165mm

Depth / Length: Approximately 498mm

Height: Approximately 210mm

The printer's relatively long depth should be considered when planning desk or counter installation.

Adequate clearance should also be provided for:

• Card loading
• Card output
• Ribbon replacement
• Cleaning
• Cable connections
• Ventilation
• Service access

Weight

Printer Weight: Approximately 5.2kg

The installation surface should provide suitable support and sufficient working space around the printer.

Operating Environment

Temperature: 15°C to 35°C

Relative Humidity: 35% to 70%

Environmental conditions can affect cards, ribbons and printing performance.

Card printers should generally be kept away from excessive dust, heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

Applications

The SMART-51D may be considered for producing compatible:

• Employee ID cards
• Staff badges
• Student ID cards
• Membership cards
• Visitor credentials
• Healthcare identification cards
• Government identification cards
• Access-control cards
• Loyalty cards
• Event credentials
• Organization-specific plastic cards

The correct printer configuration depends on the required card material, card design, volume and encoding technology.

Employee ID Cards

A typical employee credential may contain:

Front

Employee Photo
Employee Name
Job Title
Employee Number
Company Logo

Back

Barcode / QR Code
Emergency Information
Return Instructions
Company Contact Information

Automatic dual-sided printing can produce this type of card without requiring the operator to manually flip each card.

Access-Control Cards

The SMART-51D can print the visible design onto compatible access-control cards.

However, access-control compatibility depends on the actual credential technology.

Examples may include:

• Magnetic stripe
• MIFARE
• DESFire
• iCLASS
• Other compatible cards

If electronic encoding is required, the printer must contain the appropriate encoder.

Do not assume that a standard SMART-51D automatically includes an access-control card encoder.

Consumables

The SMART-51D uses ribbon consumables selected according to the required card design.

Applicable ribbon types include:

• YMCKO
• YMCKOK
• YMCFKO
• Half-panel color ribbon
• KO
• Black monochrome
• White monochrome
• Blue monochrome
• Red monochrome
• Metallic Gold
• Metallic Silver
• Scratch-Off

Ribbon compatibility and yield should be confirmed using the exact ribbon part number.

Common Full-Color Ribbon

A commonly specified SMART-51 color ribbon is:

IDP Part Number: 659366

Type: YMCKO

Purpose: Full-color printing with resin black and overlay

Rated Yield: Approximately 250 cards/prints per roll

Actual usable yield can depend on printer operation, card design and maintenance.

Dual-Sided Ribbon Considerations

For a card requiring:

Full-Color Front

Black Reverse

a compatible YMCKOK ribbon may be appropriate.

The ribbon should always be selected according to the actual card artwork and printer configuration.

Card Printer Cleaning

Routine cleaning is important for direct-to-card printers.

Dust or contamination can affect:

• Card feeding
• Print quality
• Printhead condition
• Rollers
• Ribbon movement

Use only cleaning materials and procedures appropriate for the SMART-51 series.

Do not use household cleaners or abrasive materials on internal printer components.

Printhead Considerations

The thermal printhead is a precision component.

To reduce avoidable contamination or damage:

• Use suitable printable cards
• Keep cards clean
• Avoid touching printable surfaces unnecessarily
• Keep the printer environment clean
• Use compatible ribbons
• Follow recommended cleaning procedures
• Do not use damaged cards

A visible printing defect does not automatically mean the printhead requires replacement.

Cards, ribbon, cleaning, settings and rollers should also be evaluated.

Things to Verify Before Ordering

Brand: IDP

Model: SMART-51D

Single or Dual-Sided Requirement

Required Card Size

Card Thickness

Card Material

Color or Monochrome Printing

Required Ribbon Type

USB Requirement

Ethernet Requirement

Wi-Fi Requirement

Magnetic Stripe Encoding Requirement

Contact Smart-Card Encoding Requirement

Contactless Encoding Requirement

Exact Smart-Card Technology

Card Design Software

Operating System

Driver Compatibility

Expected Printing Volume

Required Quantity

Exact Printer SKU

Included Accessories

Included Ribbon, If Any

Included Cards, If Any

Warranty Applicable to the Supplied Unit

Current Availability

Who Should Consider the IDP SMART-51D?

The SMART-51D may be suitable where the requirement includes:

• Automatic dual-sided ID card printing
• CR80 plastic cards
• Full-color employee badges
• Student cards
• Membership cards
• Access-control card printing
• 300 dpi color printing
• Edge-to-edge card printing
• Batch card production
• Optional network connectivity
• Optional magnetic encoding
• Optional smart-card encoding

Who May Need Another Solution?

Another printer may be more appropriate where the requirement includes:

• Single-sided printing only
• Retransfer printing
• True over-the-edge printing requirements
• Large-format credentials
• Very high-volume centralized card production
• Integrated lamination as a mandatory requirement
• Specialized card materials outside supported specifications
• A specific encoding technology unavailable for the SMART-51D
• A newer printer platform mandated by organizational procurement policy

The correct printer should be selected according to the card program rather than print speed alone.

Building a Complete ID Card Printing Solution

A complete ID card printing workflow may require:

Cardholder Information

↓

Photo Capture

↓

ID Card Design Software

↓

Computer

↓

IDP SMART-51D

↓

Compatible Ribbon

Compatible Blank or Technology Card

↓

Printed Dual-Sided Credential

If electronic credentials are required:

Optional Encoder

↓

Encoded Magnetic / Contact / Contactless Credential

The printer, ribbon, cards, software and encoder should be selected as one compatible system.

FAQ - IDP SMART-51D 

Q: What is the IDP SMART-51D?

A: The SMART-51D is a professional direct-to-card printer designed to print automatically on both sides of compatible plastic ID cards.

Q: What does the “D” in SMART-51D mean?

A: It identifies the dual-sided or duplex configuration of the SMART-51 series.

Q: Can the SMART-51D print both sides automatically?

A: Yes. The printer automatically turns the card internally so that information can be printed on both sides.

Q: What is the color print resolution?

A: The SMART-51D supports 300 dpi full-color printing.

Q: Does it really support 1200 dpi?

A: IDP specifies 600 and 1200 dpi for supported monochrome printing. These higher resolutions should not be interpreted as 1200 dpi full-color printing.

Q: How fast does the SMART-51D print?

A: Manufacturer-rated speeds include approximately 212 cards/hour for YMCKO, 164 cards/hour for YMCKOK dual-sided output and 720 cards/hour for monochrome printing. Actual production throughput can vary.

Q: What card size does it use?

A: Standard configurations support ISO CR80 cards. CR79 is available as a factory-installed option according to IDP documentation.

Q: What card thickness does it support?

A: Approximately 0.38–1.0mm, equivalent to about 15–40mil.

Q: How many cards can the input hopper hold?

A: The standard input capacity is approximately 100 cards, increasing to as many as 200 with the cover open.

Q: Does SMART-51D include Ethernet?

A: Not necessarily. USB is standard on applicable base configurations, while Ethernet depends on the exact configuration or option. Verify the printer SKU before ordering.

Q: Does it support Wi-Fi?

A: Wi-Fi is available as an option. It should not be assumed to be included with every SMART-51D.

Q: Can it encode MIFARE cards?

A: Applicable SMART-51D configurations can be equipped with contactless smart-card encoding. The exact encoder and MIFARE credential should be verified before ordering.

Q: Can it print access-control cards?

A: Yes, provided the card material is compatible with the printer. If electronic encoding is required, the correct optional encoder must also be installed.

Q: Can it print QR codes and barcodes?

A: Yes. QR codes and barcodes can be incorporated into the visible card design using compatible card-design software.

Q: Does printing a smart card automatically encode it?

A: No. Printing and electronic encoding are separate processes. An appropriate encoder is required to write electronic credential data.

Q: Which ribbon should I use for dual-sided cards?

A: It depends on the design. For example, YMCKOK can be useful for a full-color front and black printing on the reverse. Confirm the exact artwork and ribbon requirement before ordering.

Related Products

IDP SMART-51S Single-Sided ID Card Printer

IDP SMART Series ID Card Printers

ID Card Printer Ribbons

IDP SMART-51 YMCKO Ribbon

IDP SMART-51 YMCKOK Ribbon

Blank PVC ID Cards

Contactless Smart Cards

MIFARE Cards

DESFire Cards

ID Card Printer Cleaning Supplies

ID Card Design Software

Helpful Internal Links

NEOTECH® UAE

https://www.neotech.ae/

Why NEOTECH® UAE?

NEOTECH® encourages customers to choose an ID card printer according to the actual card design, printing volume, card material, required connectivity and electronic encoding technology.

For the IDP SMART-51D, it is particularly important to verify the exact printer configuration because Ethernet, Wi-Fi and card-encoding capabilities can vary by SKU and installed option.

Customers requiring access-control cards should identify the actual credential technology before ordering rather than assuming that all contactless cards use the same encoding system.

Learn First. Decide Second. Buy Only If It Is Right for Your Needs.

The NEOTECH® Learning Center is free and open to everyone. You do not need to be a NEOTECH® customer to access or benefit from our educational content. Learn at your own pace, explore the information freely, and make informed decisions based on your own needs. There is no obligation or pressure to purchase from NEOTECH®.

There is no obligation or pressure to purchase. Customers are encouraged to verify the exact SMART-51D SKU, card size, card material, ribbon, connectivity, operating system, encoding technology and complete application compatibility before ordering.

Delivery – UAE

NEOTECH® supports product requirements within the United Arab Emirates.

The exact IDP SMART-51D configuration, connectivity, encoder options, ribbon, cards, accessories, quantity, availability and lead time should be confirmed before ordering.

Contact NEOTECH® UAE

Website: https://www.neotech.ae/

Email: support@neotech.ae

Address: Store 13, Computer Bldg, Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Dubai 44245, United Arab Emirates

Disclaimer - NEOTECH® UAE

IDP, SMART and associated product names are trademarks or product identifiers of their respective owners.

Product information on this page is provided for educational, product-identification, compatibility and procurement-support purposes.

SMART-51D specifications can vary according to SKU, region and installed options. USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, magnetic stripe encoding, contact smart-card encoding and contactless encoding should be confirmed against the exact printer configuration before ordering. Manufacturer information confirms automatic dual-sided direct-to-card printing, 300 dpi color output, supported CR80 cards and the stated rated print speeds.

Rated print speeds and ribbon yields are manufacturer specifications and should not be treated as guaranteed production output under every operating condition.

Warranty coverage can vary by region, seller, printer age and supplied configuration and should be confirmed for the actual unit before purchase.

Last Updated: 01 September 2026  (GST, UTC+4)