Fargo Card Printers from ID America - Security Options

Fargo Security Options - SmartShield™ Details

The Facts

The SmartSecurity is an exclusive low-level security feature included with DTC515, DTC525 and Pro-LX Card Printer/Encoders.

Using SmartShield software an the overlay panel of the ribbon, a custom transparent security image can be printed over the top of any card design. Once printed, this image fluoresces under ultraviolet (UV) lighting and appears when viewed at an angle under normal lighting.

SmartShield security images are created using any program that can save or export an image in a bitmap (.bmp) file format. Once created, the image can be opened within the SmartShield Options window of SmartGuard Printer Security software and positioned as it should appear on the printed card. A single image can be positioned anywhere on the card, or can be automatically duplicated so that either four or six images appear in preset locations on the card. Once the image is set in the desired position(s), it is saved on the SmartGuard access card.

Using SmartShield Card Security

SmartShield requires the use of a print ribbon with a clear Overlay panel, and UltraCard™ for SmartShield cards in order to function properly.

The SmartShield image can be printed in either a "positive" layout, laminated with PolyGuard^®, or a "negative" layout, without lamination.

The illustrations below show the difference between the positive layout that results in a card with maximum durability and the negative layout that results in a card with standard durability. (See SmartGuard/SmartShield PDF, 343k)

SmartShield WITH Lamination for Maximum Durability

A color ribbon's clear Overlay panel is applied ONLY in the spots where the SmartShield image appears. The rest of the printed card has NO Overlay protection. Cards printed in this fashion MUST be laminated with PolyGuard or Thermal Transfer Overlaminate or the printed image will fade.


	Produces a high durability card
	Requires use of a FARGO laminating printer/encoder: NO image fading occurs
	Requires use of UltraCard III for SmartShield cards
	Avoid placing a SmartShield image over a photograph

SmartShield WITHOUT Lamination for Standard Durability

The ribbon's clear Overlay panel is applied all over the card EXCEPT where the SmartShield design should appear. Cards printed in this fashion should NOT be laminated as the Overlay will interfere with the adhesion of the overlaminate. The majority of the printed image will be protected by the Overlay.

NOTE: In your card design and SmartShield layout, avoid placing a SmartShield image over a photograph. The card areas that are left unprotected (those holes in the Overlay where the SmartShield design appears) will fade over time.

	Produces a standard durability card
	Does not require lamination: Areas fade over time
	Requires use of UltraCard III for SmartShield cards
	Avoid placing a SmartShield image over a photograph

Benefits

Many identification card holders are accustomed to having their cards verified by relatively low-level security methods, such as visual verification of a photograph, or electronic verification by a card reader. For many organizations, however, this level of security is not enough. While greater security may be desirable, not everyone can afford the higher cost of more advanced card security features. For this reason, FARGO developed its exclusive SmartShield Card Security feature.

SmartShield allows for quick and easy creation of reflective/UV fluorescent custom security logos for ID cards. For those who have a modest budget, but want a unique, inexpensive, low- to medium-level security feature in their card printing operation, SmartShield is the perfect solution. Plus, this value-added feature will set your company's ID system and ID cards apart from the competition.

Advantages:

	Protect against counterfeit cards With SmartShield, the end user can create custom security images that are completely unique to their cards. Creating fraudulent cards becomes more complicated if counterfeiters must replicate a reflective/UV fluorescent SmartShield image. SmartShield provides a means to verify a card's authenticity. Both the eyes of a security professional or receptionist, and an ultraviolet light can easily scan cards for required SmartShield images.
	Make cards tamper-evident If anyone tries to alter the printed information on a card protected by SmartShield, they will damage the SmartShield images, making it obvious that the card has been tampered with. This adds a higher level of protection to the card by placing another obstacle in the way of counterfeiters.
	Create unique, high-tech looking cards Even if increased security isn't an issue, SmartShield provides a simple, affordable way to make cards look unique and high-tech. This card quality is often desirable in organizations where image is important. A SmartShield image can promote or enhance a brand.
	Get the best security value Combining SmartShield Card Security with SmartGuard™ Printer Security makes the SmartShield image (and your customer's entire system) especially secure. The SmartShield image is saved on the SmartGuard access card.

Markets and Applications

Personalizing cards with logos, dates, groups or brand names make cards unique and harder to counterfeit in:

	Schools and universities: Print a school mascot, students' graduation years; club names
	Corporations: Print company logos, division titles
	Retail outlets: Personalize cards with company slogans or membership status.
	Amusement parks and recreation facility season passes: Print an expiration date or a "Valid Through" phrase

Please call toll free at 1-800-899-0963 or e-mail us at sales@idbadges.com to inquire about any of our products.

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