When modernizing your agency’s inmate tracking capabilities with GUARDIAN RFID, you can choose how your inmate population is individually identified — using Hard Tags, RFID Wristbands, or RFID Cards. If you go with RFID Cards, otherwise known as ID cards, you are committing to taking control of your agency’s inmate identification by printing inmate ID cards in-house.
To accomplish this, you'll need a few essential tools. In addition to your GUARDIAN RFID ID cards, you will need a card printer to print inmate data on each card. This means purchasing a printer through a third party, such as a PDC Magicard printer, or purchasing a Zebra printer through GUARDIAN RFID, which is our recommended option.
This blog explains how to ensure your in-house printing operations run smoothly over the long term with proper maintenance of a Zebra printer.
GUARDIAN RFID is committed to delivering only the highest quality products, which is why we rely on the Zebra ZXP Series 7 Printer to provide the best ID card option on the market.
“Zebra ZXP Series 7 Printer” sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it is.
This printer delivers near-photographic print quality and rich color depth, thanks to advanced photo-print technology and edge-to-edge card printing, making it a powerful all-in-one solution for all ID card printing needs (hence why it’s going to become your new secret weapon).
When you choose a Zebra printer, not only are you gaining superior printing capabilities, but you are also gaining access to a team that knows how to effectively print ID cards and extend the lifespan of the printer: GUARDIAN RFID’s Support Team.
If an issue were to arise with a Zebra printer, users are encouraged to reach out to GUARDIAN RFID instead of Zebra, as they can troubleshoot any concerns over the phone right at the point of responsibility.
Congratulations! You’ve taken a major step toward improving inmate identification and transforming your facility’s inmate tracking processes. As you begin implementing this new system, you may want to consider the following questions:
GUARDIAN RFID’s Implementation team will be in touch with you regarding the materials being shipped to you, but here are the basics of what to expect:
The ID cards will arrive blank but will already have their RFID chips embedded. Your team will need to program the ID cards by assigning a value to each card. With each ID card having its own unique digital footprint, no inmate can ever be associated with more than one ID card at a time. (You will also be sent test cards without RFID chips so you can test your printer during the setup process.)
You will also receive the Zebra ZXP Series 7 Printer along with a thumb drive with step-by-step instructions, as well as a printed sheet of instructions. This will become your new secret weapon when dozens of new inmates are booked simultaneously and you need to kick your ID printing skills into gear.
Yes, GUARDIAN RFID works as your personal trainers when it comes to learning about the Zebra printer and printing ID cards.
First, after confirming receipt of your equipment, our Implementation team will provide remote assistance to set up your Zebra ZXP Series 7 Printer. Then, during on-site Academy training, our Academy Team will walk your agency through the full ID card printing process.
Step by step, both the Implementation and Academy teams will show your officers how to transfer inmate data from Mission Command directly to the Zebra printer and onto each ID card. Any questions about the printing process following training should be directed to GUARDIAN RFID Support.
With our system, you’ll never have to worry about inconsistent inmate identification. Each ID card is printed using a standardized template that ensures a consistent layout every time. This includes the inmate’s first and last name, mugshot, and booking and permanent ID numbers (if applicable). This consistency allows your staff to quickly locate key information, with each card customized to reflect the inmate’s unique identifiers.
It’s important to note that while GUARDIAN RFID provides consistent data output, we offer ID cards in both portrait and landscape formats. Each card comes with pre-punched holes so you don’t have to worry about accidentally breaking the RFID chip. If you choose not to issue ID clips (the plastic clips that connect the ID card to the uniform), we also have holeless cards as an option.
Whether you’re booking one or 100 inmates, ID cards are printed in whatever quantity you select. Correctional officers already have a limited amount of time to print ID cards, so GUARDIAN RFID built the process to be quick and seamless.
The longevity of your inmates’ ID cards relies on two factors:
When properly cared for, an ID card can last for several years, though its typical useful lifespan is about 18 months. This estimate assumes that inmates handle their ID cards responsibly. If the cards are bent, damaged, or misused, they will need to be replaced more frequently.
The quality of the ID card printer is a significant factor in how long the printed information on ID cards lasts. High-quality printers will help keep the ink in place and limit premature fading. Low-quality printers may help decrease your budget, but they can result in more time and money for reprints.
It’s important to note that the longevity of your ID cards depends on how and where they’re printed. Equally important, however, is that the durability of your ID card printing capabilities relies entirely on the health of your printer. With regular maintenance, your printer will consistently meet the demands of inmate identification quickly and efficiently.
PLEASE NOTE: All the information and images shared below are sourced directly from Zerba Technologies’ ZXP Series 7 Card Printer Support webpage. This page also features organized video clips covering the same content for easy viewing.
First, let’s explore the landscape of the ZXP Series 7 Card Printer’s features so you know where to locate the essential tools.
On the right side of your printer is a screen with three black buttons. This is called the Operator Control Panel (OCP). The OCP is located on the Options Cover, which can be opened by pulling towards you. Under the Options Cover is where you can find the Cleaning Rollers.
Above the OCP is the Feeder Cartridge. Once you open the Feeder Cartridge Door, you will notice the Card Stack Pusher Release Button and its release button.
To the right of the OCP, on the side of the printer, is the Manual Feed Slot; below that is the Reject Bin.
The left side of the printer is the Print Cover, which can be opened by pressing the Print Cover Release Button (yellow) and pulling up and away from you. Under this cover is where you can find the Printhead, Ribbon Drawer, and Ribbon. You will also see a QR code for quick help; HOWEVER, we recommend you call the GUARDIAN RFID Support Hotline (866-382-6339, option 2) if you need assistance with your printer.
On the back of the printer, just below the Print Cover, you will find all the bells and whistles that keep it operating: Wireless Antenna Connector, Ethernet Connector, USB Connector, DB9 Connector, Security Lock Slot, Power Switch, and AC Power Connector.
It’s time to put your printer to use! Start by locating the power switch on the back of the printer and ensuring it is turned OFF. Then, connect the AC Power Cord to the printer, and plug it into an AC outlet.
Locate the thumb drive that was sent by GUARDIAN RFID (if the printer was purchased from GUARDIAN RFID), along with any printed instructions that were provided. The thumb drive already has the Drivers conveniently loaded. Follow the instructions on the LCD screen on the printer. If you have any questions during the setup process, we’re happy to help—reach out to our Support team by email or phone (Support@GuardianRFID.com or 866-382-6339, option 2).
Connect a USB cable to the printer and then to the computer you are using.
To clean the printer’s feeder path, navigate to the OCP and select these options in order:
Then, remove all the cards from the Feeder Cartridge and press Next on the OCP. Remove the Feeder Cleaning Card from its envelope and insert it into the top slot, located on the left side of the Feeder Cartridge, and press Next on the OCP.
Press the yellow button on the right side of the Feeder Cartridge to release the pusher plate. Once released, the pusher plate will clamp to the Feeder Cleaning Card. Then, press Clean on the OCP. You will watch the Feeder Cleaning Card move down into the printer.
Wait while the cleaning process completes; the Feeder Cleaning Card will eject through the top slot. Remove the card, flip it, and reinsert it into the top slot. Then, press Clean on the OCP. Wait while the cleaning process completes; the Feeder Cleaning Card will eject through the top slot. When complete, the OCPl will return to the CLEAN PRINTER menu.
Load the cards back into the Feeder Cartridge, and shut the Feeder Cartridge Door.
PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended to clean the Feeder Path after printing roughly 1,000 ID cards, or when the printer’s ink quality is running low.
Cleaning the printer’s card path is just as important as the feeder path! To clean the card path, navigate to the OCP and select these options in order:
Open the Print Cover, open the Ribbon Drawer, remove the Ribbon, then press Next on the OCP. Next, shut the Ribbon Drawer, close the Print Cover, and then press Next on the OCP.
Remove the long Printer Cleaning Card from its protective cover and insert the long Printer Cleaning Card in the single feed slot, then press Clean on the OCP. Wait while the cleaning process completes. The card will eject through the same slot.
Once the Printer Cleaning Card ejects, take it out, flip it over, and reinsert it in the single feed slot, and press Clean on the OCP. Wait while the cleaning process is completed. The card will eject through the same slot. Once ejected, remove the long Printer Cleaning Card.
Lastly, open the Print Cover, open the Ribbon Drawer, and replace the Ribbon. Then, close the Ribbon Drawer, close the Print Cover, and press Next on the OCP. The OPC will return to the CLEAN PRINTER Menu.
PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended to clean the Card Path after printing roughly 1,000 ID cards, or when the printer’s ink quality is running low.
To access the Card Path under the Printhead, you will need to remove the Ribbon Drawer. To do this, start by opening the Print Cover and sliding the Ribbon Drawer out of the printer until it stops. Then, remove the Ribbon.
Note the locking tabs on the drawer slides, and depress both of them simultaneously to free the drawer. Then, slide the Ribbon Drawer out of the printer. Now, the Card Path under the Printhead is accessible.
When done, reinstall the Ribbon Drawer and reinstall the Ribbon. Close the Ribbon Drawer and close the Print Cover.
Press the Print Cover Release button (yellow) to open the Print Cover. Slide out the Ribbon Drawer until it stops. The Ribbon spools are color coded; match the blue spool to the blue tray, and the purple spool to the purple tray to load the Ribbon. Then, close the Ribbon Drawer and close the Print Cover.
Open the Print Cover, and remove the Cartridge Frame on the left side with the two Rollers. Then, take out the old Rollers from the Cartridge Frame. With your new two Rollers handy, insert them into the Cartridge Frame. Next, peel the protective wrap from each Roller.
To put the Cartridge Frame back into the printer, hold it by the extended handle and insert it into its original slot on the left side. Then, remove the Cassette on the right side. Remove the old Roller from the Cassette Frame, insert the new Roller, and peel the protective wrap from the adhesive Roller.
To reinstall the Cassette Frame, hold it by the extended handle and slide it into its original slot on the right side of the printer. Once it is secured, close the Print Cover.
Open the Card Feeder Cartridge Door and slide the Card Stack Pusher to the right until it locks in place. Then, place the Card stack in the Feeder Cartridge in the correct orientation.
Close the Feeder Cartridge Door, and the Card Stack Pusher will be released.
If your printer unexpectedly stops during a print job, look at the OCP for a fault description. If the issue is a card jam, simply open and close the Print Cover or Options Cover. This will reset the printer and move the jammed card to the Reject Bin. If this does not clear the jam or an error is displayed on the OCP, please contact GUARDIAN RFID Support with the error code.
Maximizing the lifespan of your inmate ID cards goes hand in hand with extending the life of your ID card printer—both are essential to getting the most out of your investment. Proper maintenance of your Zebra printer is key to ensuring reliable, high-quality inmate ID card production day in and day out. With consistent cleaning routines and established best practices, your facility can minimize downtime, prevent costly reprints, and ensure the inmate identification process runs smoothly.
Sources:
Zebra Technologies. (n.d.). ZXP Series 7 Card Printer support. Zebra.
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads/printers/card/zxp-series-7.html#Tab-item-0104639465-tab