Entrust Sigma DS1 ID Card Printers

Why is the Entrust Sigma DS1 an Entry Level ID Card Printer?

As explored in our Top ID Card Printers of 2024 an Entry level ID card printers are ideal card printers for those new to card issuance, looking to print relatively low volumes and require very few additional features. Entry level ID card printers are often some of the cheapest ID card printers on the market and are usually direct-to-card ID card printers.

While the Entrust Sigma DS1 is one of the more expensive printers in this category it is still recognised as an entry-level ID card printer due to its single side print capability, ease of use and flexibility. However, its unmatched security makes it a more advanced entry-level ID card printer.

Can the Entrust Sigma DS1 print Dual sided?

No. The Entrust Sigma DS1 only prints single sided. If you are looking for a dual-sided ID card printer we would recommend the Entrust Sigma DS2, which boasts the same out of the box experience and flexibility.

What industry is the Entrust Sigma DS1 best suited for?

The Entrust Sigma DS1 card printer is best suited for industries and environments that require secure, on-demand ID card issuance with reliable performance and ease of use. It is ideal for retail, hospitality, enterprise/business environments, education, food retail, and transportation. In these sectors, it can produce employee IDs, visitor badges, membership cards, student cards, loyalty cards, and access control cards, while helping protect sensitive data and support everyday identification needs.

What Security Features does the Entrust Sigma DS1 have?

The Entrust Sigma DS1 card printer includes robust security features designed to protect both the card issuance process and sensitive data. It features secure boot technology to prevent malware or viruses during startup, and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to securely manage the printer’s encryption keys and certificates. Communications between the printer and software are encrypted, and customer data is never stored on the device after printing is complete, ensuring strong data privacy and compliance. The printer also supports anti-tampering features on the cards themselves, helping to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized alterations.

Types of Consumables for the Entrust Sigma DSE

The Entrust Sigma DS1 supports a range of consumables for printing and maintenance. These include:

1. Colour Ribbons

• YMCKT: Standard full-colour ribbon with protective topcoat, available in 250 or 500-card capacities.

• ymcKT: Variant with a slightly different black panel for higher image yield.

• YMCKT-KT / ymcKT-KT: Ribbons with additional black panels, useful for duplex printing.

• YMCKT PET-G Friendly: Ribbon designed for PET-G card stock.

2. Monochrome Ribbons

• Black (Standard): For basic text or barcodes.

• Black (Premium / High Opacity): For very dark, dense black printing.

• White: For white text or graphics, including food-safe white.

• Metallic colours: Such as silver or gold for decorative or premium cards.

• Other colours: Red, green, blue, and others for special designs.

3. Cleaning Supplies

• Cleaning Cards: Used to clean the print path after changing ribbons or during regular maintenance.

• Adhesive Cleaning Rollers: Remove dust and debris from internal rollers.

What are the most popular Entrust ID card printers?

The most popular Entrust ID card printers include Entrust Sigma DS1, Entrust Sigma DS2, Entrust Sigma DSE, and the Entrust Artista CR805 Retransfer. The Sigma DS1 is highly favoured for its reliability in low-to-medium volume environments; it’s secure, compact, and supports all the core encoding options. The Sigma DS2 stands out in the market as a workhorse for medium-to-high-volume needs, with strong security architecture and flexible printing options. The DSE model is popular for its stripped-back, streamlined design that still delivers high quality and dual-sided printing in a very affordable package. For applications where image fidelity, card durability, and edge-to-edge coverage are critical—such as government IDs or high-security credentials—the CR805 retransfer printer is a top choice, thanks to its retransfer technology and support for lamination and encoding. Together, these models cover a wide spectrum of use cases, which is why they remain among Entrust’s best-selling printers.

What is the Entrust ID card printers ideal for?

The Entrust ID card printers, including the Sigma Series, DS1, DS2, DSE, and the CR805 Retransfer printer, are ideal for organisations that need secure, high-quality, and reliable ID card issuance across a variety of applications. The Sigma DSE is perfect for smaller workgroups or businesses requiring dual-sided printing in a compact, efficient footprint, delivering professional badges, membership cards, and access credentials quickly and easily. On the other end, the CR805 Retransfer printer excels in high-security environments where durability and edge-to-edge, high-resolution printing are essential, such as government IDs, corporate smart cards, and healthcare or educational credentials that need long-lasting, tamper-resistant cards. Together, these printers provide flexible solutions for workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, events, and any organisation that demands secure, professional, and scalable identity management.

If you want to uderstand the difference between edge-to-edge or over-the-edge ID card printers, you can read our useful product guide here. What is the difference between edge-to-edge and over-the-edge printing.

What card laminators are available for the Entrust ID card printers?

Entrust offers secure lamination modules for its ID card printers to increase card durability and add security features such as UV, hologram, or protective overlays. For the Sigma Series, the SLM (Simultaneous Laminator Module) and CLM (Card Lamination Module) are compatible with the DS1, DS2, and DS3 printers, supporting single- or dual-sided lamination depending on the model. These modules help protect cards against wear, tampering, and counterfeiting while maintaining professional print quality. The CR805 Retransfer printer also supports a dedicated lamination module, including single-sided options, providing durable, edge-to-edge laminated cards for high-security applications. By combining these lamination upgrades with Entrust’s reliable printing technology, organisations can produce secure, long-lasting ID cards suitable for government, corporate, educational, and healthcare environments.

You can learn more about the benefits of lamianting your card by reading our useful productg guide. What are the benefits of laminating your ID cards.

Which markets is the Entrust ID Card Printers sold?

The Entrust ID card printers, including the Sigma DS1, DS2, and the Artista CR805, are widely adopted across a variety of vertical markets due to their versatility, security, and high-quality printing. In the government and public sector, they are used for national IDs, secure access cards, and visitor credentials. Enterprise and corporate organisations rely on them for employee badges, access control, and internal security. In education, universities and schools use them to issue student and staff ID cards, while in healthcare, they support staff and patient identification with a strong emphasis on data protection. Transport and logistics companies use them for transit passes and secure staff credentials, and membership-based businesses such as clubs or retail organisations issue loyalty or membership cards. The CR805 retransfer printer is particularly popular in high-security environments because it delivers edge-to-edge, high-fidelity laminated cards that are durable and resistant to tampering, making it ideal for long-term, secure credentials.

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.

Ready to order?

Simply add the printer to your basket along with any required consumables, and simply place your order via then check out process.

If you would prefer to order on account please either email info@cards-x.co.uk or call us today on 0333 011 9992

For more information about our event and accreditation solutions and ID badge printers contact our friendly team.