Security systems and 3D curiosity

Q We are a medium-sized company that has recently introduced flexible working times for our employees. We are looking for a system by which staff can scan their cards when they enter and leave the office. Could you recommend a printer that can produce these cards? We will need about 100 to start with, complete with colour photos and basic information.

A This sounds like a job for a friendly security card printer. Before you order, it would be in your interests to gather all of the details and photographs first so that you can make a bulk order and save your company’s coins. The more people you can get onto the scheme, the cheaper the cost per card. Another key issue here is the security system you are using to handle the information. Some of these companies will be reluctant to give away their security access codes to printers, so you will have to bear this in mind when choosing a supplier, if you don’t have one already. Bristol Business Cards (0117 978 4777) can provide a basic magtape card for £3.50 each, with a one-off £50 charge to make a template. Further replacements would cost £5 each. Sussex-based Identilam (01293 851711) can handle the job for £640 with a £100 set-up cost.

Q I am looking to find out about 3D printing. Is there a market for this kind of service? What kind of kit is involved?
Bill Ferguson, via email

A This kind of printing involves creating freeform structures and has been a godsend for the design industry where ideas can be converted into models without tedious woodwork. The fastest and only full-colour method for laying down these structures is inkjet printing. This process uses fine powder bonded with an adhesive from the inkjet printhead. The models will be produced in the shape of each cross-section in the CAD file (the software programme, not the TV monk). The ZPrinter 450 is a popular model and is available from London-based Thinglab (020 7613 5004).

BOOK QUERY #2
In response to last week’s book printing query, Antony Rowe (01249 659705) has informed us that it can digitally print one to 10,000 books on request. For 1,000 copies it will charge £1,500. The book printer was one of the earliest adopters of digital, installing the UK’s first Xerox DocuTech for short-run printing in 1991.

Problems with your print? Email printweek.helpline@haymarket.com or post your query online at http://community.printweek.com/forums