Choosing the Right Entrust Sigma Printer: A Market‑Focused Guide
Identity card printing requirements can vary widely — from simple visitor badges at a small business to secure government credentials printed on demand. Entrust’s Sigma series offers a range of solutions tailored to different scales and use cases. All models use high-quality dye-sublimation/resin printing at 300 dpi and share a commitment to secure, reliable card issuance, but they differ in performance, expandability, and target markets.
What our video below of the full Entrust Sigma ID Card Printer range, including the Entrust Sigma DS1, DS2 and DS3, but not including the new Entrust DSE entry level ID card printer which has recently been released.
Entrust Sigma DSE Duplex ID Card Printer – The Affordable Dual‑Sided Starter
The Sigma DSE is Entrust’s entry-level direct-to-card printer that brings dual-sided capability and core printing performance in a streamlined form. Unlike the core Sigma DS1/DS2/DS3 line, the DSE is positioned as an essential printing solution with broad utility across industries such as education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and transportation. It supports both single and dual-sided printing at solid speeds and holds standard card capacity for low-to-medium volume jobs.
Why choose the DSE:
✔ Cost-effective option for organisations that need dual-sided cards without excess complexity.
✔ Great for visitor badges, events, membership cards, and temporary IDs.
✔ Suitable for smaller institutions or departments that want a robust card printer without heavy throughput or modular expansions.
Optional upgrades:
- Magnetic stripe encoding (ISO 7811) for swipe-style credentials
- Smart card encoding (contact and contactless) for access control or multi-application use
- Wi‑Fi connectivity for flexible placement and mobile printing
Markets
Schools, small businesses, event organisers, and healthcare facilities where moderate volumes and basic encoding needs are typical.
Entrust Sigma DS1 ID Card Printer – Simple and Effective Single‑Sided Printing
The Sigma DS1 is the most basic model in the Sigma line, focusing on single-sided printing. With strong 300 dpi colour output and reliable performance, it is ideal when you need straightforward card issuance without dual-sided output or intensive features.
Why choose the DS1
✔ Best for organisations that print single-sided IDs exclusively — whether employee, student, or guest badges
✔ Easy to use and manage with minimal training required
✔ Lower investment compared with higher-end models
Optional upgrades
- Magnetic stripe encoding for card swipe systems
- Smart card encoding for basic contact/contactless integration
- Wi‑Fi connectivity to reduce cabling and simplify deployment
Markets:
Small businesses, boutique gyms, clubs, or departments with low volume and simple design needs.
Entrust Sigma DS2 ID Card Printer – Mid‑Range Powerhouse
The Sigma DS2 brings dual-sided printing out of the box and faster print speeds than the DS1, making it a reliable mid-range choice for organisations with moderate ID issuance needs. It also includes better connectivity options (USB and Ethernet), and its performance makes it a versatile solution for many environments.
Why choose the DS2:
✔ Excellent balance of speed, functionality, and price
✔ Dual-sided printing for more complex card layouts
✔ Up to ~225 colour cards per hour — good for medium workloads
Optional upgrades:
- Magnetic stripe and smart card encoding for advanced credential issuance
- Ethernet/Wi‑Fi networking for shared office environments
- Inline card lamination module to enhance durability and security for high-use cards
Markets:
Universities, corporate offices, security departments, healthcare systems, and retailers where dual-sided cards are standard and volume is moderate.
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Entrust Sigma DS3 ID Card Printer – The Most Advanced and Flexible
At the top of the line, the Sigma DS3 is designed for high-volume, highly secure environments and offers the most expandability among the Sigma series. It builds on the DS2 with faster throughput, advanced modularity, and a host of enhancements that make it ideal for organisations that expect their ID issuance needs to grow or change over time.
Why choose the DS3:
✔ Fastest printing and the highest throughput — ideal for busy issuance desks
✔ Modular design supports future expansion, making it a future-proof choice
✔ Strong security features and mobile-friendly printer dashboard
Optional upgrades:
- Multi-hopper module that expands capacity for batch printing or multiple card types
- Lamination modules (single or dual-sided) for extremely durable, high-security cards
- Tactile impression modules for embossed or security-enhanced designs
- Magnetic stripe and smart card encoders for access control and multi-application cards
- Wi‑Fi and advanced networking for scalable deployments
Markets:
Government, enterprise, transport authorities, and large universities or healthcare systems where high throughput, modular growth, and strong security are priorities.
Which Printer Fits Your Needs?
| Model | Best For | Volume | Expandability |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSE | Affordable dual-sided | Low–Medium | Moderate |
| DS1 | Simple, single-side | Low | Basic |
| DS2 | Versatile mid-range | Medium | Good |
| DS3 | High volume & secure | High | Excellent |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Entrust Sigma printer depends on your organisation’s scale, performance needs, and future growth plans. For basic badge printing, entry-level models like the Sigma DSE or DS1 provide solid value. Organisations needing dual-sided output and more throughput often find the DS2 hits the sweet spot. If your environment demands scalability, advanced security, and high card volumes, the DS3 offers the most flexible and powerful path forward with options such as laminators, multi-hoppers, tactile impressions, and encoding upgrades to tailor the printer to your requirements.
Who are Entrust?
Entrust is a global leader in digital security and identity solutions, specialising in secure credential issuance, identity management, and payment technologies. Founded in 1969 as Entrust Technologies, the company initially focused on cryptography and digital certificates, helping organisations protect sensitive data in the early days of online computing. Over the decades, Entrust expanded into physical and digital identity solutions, including secure ID cards, passports, and access control systems, becoming a trusted partner for governments, corporations, and educational institutions worldwide. The company is headquartered in Shakopee, Minnesota, and has built a strong international presence, offering products and services in over 150 countries. Today, Entrust combines decades of expertise in security with modern innovations such as cloud-based credential issuance, mobile identity solutions, and the Sigma Series of ID card printers, which exemplify their commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable identity management solutions for a wide range of industries.
Why choose cards-x?
Cards-X brings over 25 years of experience in the ID card industry, providing expert solutions and support for organisations of all sizes. With a deep understanding of ID card printing, access control, and secure credentialing, Cards-X has built a reputation for delivering reliable products, professional advice, and tailored services to meet the unique needs of each customer. Their long-standing presence in the market reflects a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
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If you would prefer to order on account please either email info@cards-x.co.uk or call us today on 0333 011 9992
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