HID 94647 Dual-Side Card Printer with Contact Chip and Magnetic Stripe Encoder
Overview
The HID 94647 represents a comprehensive card issuance solution designed for organizations requiring simultaneous dual-side printing with embedded credential encoding. This printer combines high-volume card production capability with integrated contact chip (smart card) encoding and magnetic stripe encoding in a single platform, eliminating the need for separate encoding stations and reducing operational complexity in access control credential deployment.
Purpose-built for security integrators and IT teams managing identity and access credentials, the 94647 streamlines the credential lifecycle from design through secure issuance. The dual-side printing capability ensures efficient use of card stock while supporting complex credential designs that leverage both card surfaces.
Key Features
- Dual-Side Printing: Print simultaneously on both card surfaces in a single pass, reducing production time and card handling
- Contact Chip Encoder: Integrated smart card contact encoder for EMV-compatible and legacy chip card issuance without external hardware
- Magnetic Stripe Encoder: Built-in magnetic stripe encoding for credentials requiring legacy or hybrid magnetic and chip support
- High-Volume Production: Supports sustained credential issuance for enterprise and institutional deployments
- Secure Card Stock Handling: Enclosed design protects blank cards and limits unauthorized access to production materials
- Multi-Credential Support: Compatible with standard ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 card format used across access control, payment, and government applications
Integration and Credential Compatibility
The HID 94647 integrates with standard access control ecosystems and credential management platforms. The contact chip encoder supports industry-standard smart card protocols, enabling compatibility with modern readers and legacy systems. Magnetic stripe encoding ensures support for existing infrastructure while organizations transition to chip-based credentials.
Card design software and templates are compatible with major identity and access management (IAM) platforms, allowing IT teams to design, approve, and issue credentials without external service providers. The printer accepts standard blank card stock in PVC and composite materials, providing flexibility in card selection based on durability and environmental requirements.
Organizations deploying multi-factor or hybrid credentials can leverage both encoding methods on a single card—for example, issuing access badges with embedded smart chips for building entry while maintaining magnetic stripe capability for legacy readers in older facilities or ancillary systems.
Operational Considerations
The HID 94647 requires integration into a secure credential production environment with proper access controls, audit logging, and physical security measures. Dual-side printing and dual encoding capability reduce the number of production steps, which can lower labor costs and decrease the risk window for credential compromise during manufacturing.
Ribbon and card stock consumables are managed through standard replenishment channels. The integrated encoder design eliminates the need for standalone encoding peripherals, reducing desk footprint and simplifying troubleshooting during production runs.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've evaluated the HID 94647 in several enterprise access control deployments where organizations needed to consolidate card production workflows. The dual-side printing combined with integrated contact chip and magnetic stripe encoding creates a streamlined production environment that significantly reduces credential turnaround time compared to systems requiring separate encoding passes or external encoding stations.
Technical Highlights:
- Integrated Encoding: Contact chip and magnetic stripe encoders eliminate the need for external encoding hardware, reducing complexity and potential points of failure in the production pipeline
- Dual-Side Efficiency: Single-pass dual-side printing reduces card handling and speeds credential issuance cycles, critical for organizations with high employee turnover or large contractor populations
Deployment Considerations:
- Position the HID 94647 in a controlled, secured area with restricted physical access and audit logging to maintain chain-of-custody for blank cards and completed credentials
- Integrate credential design approval workflows into your IAM platform before beginning production runs to ensure compliance with security policies and prevent unauthorized credential attributes
- Plan for consumable inventory management—maintain sufficient ribbon and card stock to avoid production delays while accounting for secure disposal of waste materials
This printer is well-suited for organizations transitioning from single-side or non-encoded credentials to modern chip-based access systems while maintaining backward compatibility with magnetic stripe readers still in service. The consolidated design reduces operational overhead and provides a clear upgrade path as your access infrastructure evolves.
