Matica • Part of Identis Group
Matica Card Printers & Desktop Laser Card Printers
Matica, part of Identis Group, develops card personalisation technology for organisations that depend on secure, professionally produced credentials.
Its range brings together colour printing, laser engraving and smart card encoding for applications spanning employee identification, education and government identity programmes.
CTS is an authorised importer, distributor and technical support partner for Matica desktop card personalisation equipment.
At Cardtech, our focus is Matica retransfer card printers and the opportunities desktop laser technology offers for secure card issuance in South Africa and across Africa. From everyday identification to more demanding citizen credentials, we help you choose technology around the card you need to issue.
Retransfer technology
Exceptional detail. Complete card coverage.
A well-produced identity card needs clear photographs, readable information and consistent printing across its surface.
Matica retransfer printers create the image on a transparent film before bonding it to the card using heat. This indirect process delivers full colour printing over the card edges and accommodates the surface variations found in contact and contactless smart cards.
Retransfer technology also gives you flexibility in card materials, including compatible PVC, polycarbonate, PET and ABS cards. It is particularly useful when your project requires detailed artwork, embedded chip technology or a substrate selected for greater durability.
Matica’s retransfer range includes 300 dpi and 600 dpi options, with security printing and encoding capabilities available according to the model and configuration.
Matica XID8300
Reliable retransfer printing for professional ID programmes
The Matica XID8300 combines 300 dpi printing with a robust print engine for organisations issuing employee badges, access control cards and student identification.
Its retransfer process produces consistent images across compatible conventional and smart card surfaces. Single-sided and dual-sided configurations allow you to match the printer to your card layout, while high-capacity consumables support regular production.
- 300 × 300 dpi resolution for clear photographs, text and branding.
- Up to 120 single-sided cards per hour.
- USB and Ethernet connectivity.
- Optional magnetic stripe, contact chip and contactless encoding.
- Optional UV security printing and inline lamination.
- An optional bend remedy mechanism to help maintain card flatness.
For organisations moving towards more capable card issuance, the XID8300 offers a practical foundation with options tailored to the application.
Specifications and optional features depend on the selected configuration. Manufacturer specifications.
Matica XID8600
600 dpi detail for demanding secure credentials
The Matica XID8600 is designed for projects where fine detail and visual security features are priorities. Its 600 dpi printhead supports detailed portraits, intricate artwork and microtext, with optional covert UV printing adding another layer of visual verification.
Dual-sided retransfer printing and compatibility with materials including polycarbonate and ABS make it relevant to demanding identity programmes. Identis identifies driving licences and national identity cards among its intended applications.
- 600 × 600 dpi resolution and dual-sided printing.
- Up to 125 single-sided cards per hour.
- High-capacity consumables for sustained production.
- Optional contact chip, contactless and magnetic stripe encoding.
- Optional inline single-sided or dual-sided lamination.
Choose the XID8600 when your card design calls for higher resolution and additional security printing capabilities.
Available features depend on the selected configuration and consumables. Manufacturer specifications.
Secure identity • Desktop issuance
Desktop laser card printers for secure identity applications
Desktop laser card printers open up further possibilities for organisations that need durable personalisation and stronger protection against alteration.
These systems use laser engraving to create photographs, text and security elements in compatible card materials, typically laser-sensitive polycarbonate. Depending on the system and card construction, features can include microtext, secondary portraits, tactile elements and images that change with the viewing angle.
Laser engraving makes personalised information difficult to alter without affecting the card. The appropriate combination of card material, engraving and security features should be selected around the identity programme’s requirements.
Explore Matica laser engraving technology →
A compelling option for driving licences and government cards in Africa
For authorities and project integrators planning driving licence or citizen ID programmes across Africa, desktop laser technology offers a route to secure personalisation at regional or distributed issuance locations.
This makes it relevant to projects seeking to bring card production closer to the people receiving their credentials. Successful implementation depends on the complete issuance process: approved card construction, identity verification, secure data handling, encoding and quality control.
Matica’s desktop portfolio also includes systems combining 600 dpi colour retransfer printing, laser engraving and inline lamination. This allows visible colour identification and laser security elements to form part of one card personalisation workflow. Identis specifically positions these combined systems for decentralised citizen ID issuance, including driving licences.
Choosing the right card personalisation technology
The right system starts with your credential requirements.
| Your priority | Technology to consider |
|---|---|
| Professional colour cards with full surface coverage | Matica retransfer printing |
| Detailed artwork and additional visual security printing | 600 dpi retransfer printing |
| Durable personalisation in compatible security card materials | Desktop laser engraving |
| Colour identification combined with engraved security elements | An integrated retransfer and laser system |
Card material, production volumes, encoding requirements and security design all influence the final configuration.
Support throughout the working life
Trained technical support, spares and consumables
Your card printer is part of an ongoing operation. Reliable support matters throughout its working life.
Cardtech has fully trained technical support staff for Matica products, together with spares and consumables to support their maintenance and continued use.
Speak to our team about technical assistance, replacement parts, compatible ribbons, retransfer film and cleaning consumables. We can help you identify the correct requirements for your printer and configuration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between retransfer and direct-to-card printing?
Direct-to-card printing applies the image directly to the card. Retransfer printing creates the image on a separate film that is then bonded to the card, supporting complete edge coverage and a wider choice of compatible card surfaces. Compare the technologies.
Can a desktop laser card printer produce driving licences?
Suitable desktop laser systems can personalise driving licence cards. The card material, security features and complete issuance system must meet the issuing authority’s requirements. Identis offers desktop technology specifically intended for this application. Explore government card applications.
Does Cardtech provide support and consumables for Matica printers?
Yes. We have fully trained technical support staff for Matica products and supply spares and consumables. Contact us with your printer model and requirements.
Talk to Cardtech
Discuss your Matica card printing project
Whether you need professional staff cards, detailed smart card personalisation or a desktop laser solution for secure credentials, start with a conversation about your application.
Tell us your expected card volumes, preferred card material and any encoding or security requirements.