Entrust Sigma DS2 ID Card Printers

What makes the Entrust Sigma DS2 unique?

Similar to many direct-to-card ID card printers, the Entrust Sigma DS2 offers both single- and dual-sided printing along with a wide range of encoding options. So what sets the Entrust Sigma DS2 apart? Unlike many other direct-to-card ID card printers, the Entrust Sigma DS2 features a colour ribbon that is fully compatible with PETG ID cards. Printing on PETG ID cards is usually challenging with standard DTC ID printers due to colour smearing, but the Entrust Sigma DS2 ribbon allows you to produce expert-quality photo ID directly on PETG cards. In addition, it provides a transparent protective panel to enhance card durability, maintain print quality, and reduce reprint costs, making the Entrust Sigma DS2 a versatile and cost-effective choice for high-quality ID card issuance.

What are the key points for the Entrust Sigma DS2 ID Card Printer?

The Entrust Sigma DS2 ID Card Printer is a reliable and easy‑to‑use solution for high‑quality, on‑demand card issuance. It delivers fast, full‑colour printing with sharp text and vibrant images, making it ideal for employee IDs, visitor badges, membership cards, and access control credentials. Built with enhanced security features, including encrypted communications and secure data handling, the Sigma DS2 helps protect sensitive information throughout the printing process. Its modular design and flexible configuration options allow businesses to add encoding technologies (such as magnetic stripe, contactless, or smart card encoding) to meet specific needs. With dependable performance, low maintenance, and support for a range of card types and finishes, the Sigma DS2 is well‑suited for environments like corporate offices, education, retail, and healthcare where secure, professional‑looking cards are essential.

Who buys the Entrust Sigma DS2 ID Card Printer?

The Entrust Sigma DS2 ID Card Printer is typically purchased by organisations that need secure, high‑quality card issuance on‑site. This includes corporate and enterprise businesses issuing employee IDs and access cards, schools and universities producing student and staff badges, healthcare facilities managing staff and visitor credentials, government agencies requiring reliable identity cards, and retail or hospitality operations using loyalty, membership, or staff access cards. Facilities managers, security teams, and IT departments often choose the Sigma DS2 because it balances performance, flexibility, and data protection, and can be configured with optional encoding for magnetic stripe, smart card or contactless technologies to meet specific use‑case requirements.

What is the Entrust Sigma DS2 best suited for?

The Entrust Sigma DS2 is best suited for organisations that need fast, secure, and professional on-demand ID card issuance. It excels in environments where high-quality, durable credentials are essential, such as corporate offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and retail or hospitality operations. With support for full-colour printing, optional encoding for magnetic stripe, smart card, or contactless technology, and robust security features, the Sigma DS2 is ideal for producing employee IDs, student or staff badges, visitor passes, and membership cards while ensuring sensitive data is protected throughout the printing process.

What Security Features does the Entrust Sigma DS2 have?

The Entrust Sigma DS2 has a number of features that make the Sigma DS2 stand out from other ID Card Printers. The Entrust Sigma DS2’s unmatched security includes:

• Secure Boot – Protecting the system from malware or virus on boot-up
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) – Manages the printer’s TLS/SSL certificates and keys
• Encrypted Data – Data is NEVER stored in the printer after printing is complete. Furthermore, any data sent between software and ID Printer is always encrypted.
• Print Security Features – Luster Printing is possible with the Sigma DS2 when using the YMCKL-KT Ribbon.

Different Ribbon Types for the Entrust Sigma DS2

The Entrust Sigma DS2 supports a variety of ribbons for printing and special effects:

1. Full-Colour (Panel) Ribbons

• YMCKT — standard full-colour ribbon with Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black, and Topcoat, available in 250 or 500-card capacities.
• ymcKT — shorter-panel colour for cost efficiency.
• YMCKT-KT — adds an extra black plus topcoat, useful for duplex printing (colour front, black back).
• KT — black panel plus topcoat ribbon.
• KTT — black with double topcoat.
• YMCKF-KT — includes a UV-fluorescent panel for covert printing plus black and topcoat.
• YMCKL-KT — includes a luster panel for a shiny effect plus black and topcoat.
• ST-KT — silver matte plus black and topcoat.
• GT-KT — gold matte plus black and topcoat.

2. Monochrome Ribbons

• Black (standard)
• Black (High Opacity) for very dark, dense printing
• White (including food-safe)
• Royal Blue, Red, Green, and other single colours
• Scratch-Off Grey for hiding PINs or codes
• Metallic Silver or Gold
• Luster or Gold Matte for decorative or security effects

Entrust Luster Ribbon (YMCKL-KT)

The Entrust Luster ribbon is a specialty colour ribbon for the Entrust Sigma DS series, including the DS2. Its panel configuration is YMCKL-KT: Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black, Luster, Black, and Topcoat. The “L” stands for a luster panel, which is a mica-based, translucent, colour-shifting finish that produces iridescent effects. The topcoat panel protects the card surface and increases durability.

The luster ribbon is ideal for:

• Creating premium or decorative ID cards with an iridescent or metallic look.

• Adding a visual security feature, as the luster effect can act as a subtle authentication measure.

• Producing high-impact cards for VIP members, loyalty programs, executive IDs, or event passes.

• Use in both single- and dual-sided printing applications on Sigma DS series printers.

Use-case examples

• Universities issuing alumni cards with a shimmering luster effect to differentiate them from standard student IDs.

• Hotels printing loyalty or VIP cards with a premium finish and subtle security marking.

• Corporates using the luster panel on the front of access cards, with black resin printing on the back for text or barcodes.

Click here If you want to learn more about Entrusts Luster Ribbon to download a datasheet.

What are the optional upgrades available for the Entrust DS2 ID Card Printer?

The Entrust Sigma DS2 ID Card Printer offers several optional upgrades to expand its capabilities and adapt to different organisational needs. These include magnetic stripe encoding for high- and low-coercivity cards, smart card encoding for both contact and contactless chips, and Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless printing from mobile devices or networked computers. Additionally, it can be configured with multi-hopper setups, increasing card capacity for larger batch printing. These options make the Sigma DS2 highly flexible, allowing businesses to produce secure, professional, and customised ID cards efficiently in a variety of environments.

What other Entrust printer models are available an what is the difference between them?

The Entrust Sigma DSE is the entry-level version of Entrust’s Sigma ID card printer series, designed to provide reliable, high-quality card printing for organisations with basic or moderate printing needs. It is an ideal choice for schools, small businesses, and visitor management programs where simplicity, affordability, and professional results are priorities. For organisations with higher volume requirements or more advanced features, Entrust also offers the Sigma DS1 and Sigma DS2 models. The DS1 is suited for single-sided printing with enhanced speed and capacity, while the DS2 adds dual-sided printing, faster throughput, and optional smart card or magnetic stripe encoding for organisations that need more advanced functionality. Together, the DSE, DS1, and DS2 provide a range of options to meet different levels of card printing demands and budget considerations.

With fast output, intuitive controls, and strong security, the Entrust Sigma DSE is the perfect choice for entry-level to mid-volume ID card printing. Whether you’re printing a few badges a day or managing a small batch regularly, the DSE offers professional results with minimal fuss.

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

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