Datacard Group has launched a new desktop passport printer, the Datacard PB500.

“Offering a desktop passport printer with ‘close match’ output to our central issuance passport systems allows issuers to have a flexible and scalable passport issuance programme that reduces overall cost of ownership and responds to ICAO recommendations for higher security,” says Josh Jabs, vice president of government marketing for Datacard Group.

According to the company, the PB500 is designed specifically to provide ‘close match’ output in its high-volume passport issuance systems. It adds: “the standalone PB500 passport printer offers a compact footprint for desktop issuance and personalisation and can serve populations in remote areas, or for instant replacement passport programmes.

Datacard says the printer can achieve speeds of up to 80 passports per hour and includes rapid change-out ink cartridges that measurably speed production and reduce costs. In addition, it offers options such as Datacard Clear-RF RFID technology that helps integrators ensure rapid deployment to the field, and a camera that supports print alignment applications.