Quick answer: The three Evolis printers form a ladder. The Zenius 2 is a compact single-sided direct-to-card printer for small and medium runs (180 colour cards per hour). The Primacy 2 is the high-volume direct-to-card workhorse, single or dual-sided, up to 280 cards per hour, with lamination and security options. The Agilia is Evolis’s 600 dpi retransfer printer for smart cards and high-security IDs. Choose by how many cards you print, whether you need the back of the card, and how secure the card must be.
Zenius 2 vs Primacy 2 vs Agilia: specs side by side
| Spec | Zenius 2 | Primacy 2 | Agilia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print method | Direct-to-card (dye sublimation, resin) | Direct-to-card (dye sublimation, resin) | Retransfer |
| Sides | Single | Single or dual | Single or dual |
| Resolution | 300 dpi | 300 dpi (up to 300×1200 mono) | 600 dpi |
| Coverage | Edge to edge | Edge to edge | Over the edge |
| Colour speed | 180 cards/hour | Up to 280 single, 170 dual | 150 single, 100 dual |
| Monochrome speed | 700 cards/hour | – | – |
| Card input | 50 | 100 or 200 | 200, plus 10-card reject tray |
| Rewritable cards | Yes | Yes | – |
| Encoding | Optional contact and contactless on selected models | Magnetic, contact, contactless | Magnetic, contact, contactless, dual |
| Security | Digital erasing of print data | UV printing, double overlay, lamination module, Kineclipse data scrambling, key lock | UV printing, microtext, guilloches, HD QR codes, digital erasing, Kensington lock slot |
| Best for | Small offices, schools, clubs, visitor passes | HR, universities, government, medium-to-large volume | Smart and access cards, government and secure IDs |
The ladder: when to step up
Start with the Zenius 2
The Zenius 2 is compact, quiet and easy to run. It prints one side of the card at 180 colour or 700 monochrome cards per hour from a 50-card feeder, and it can print and erase rewritable cards, which suits daily visitor and contractor passes. It is the right printer if you issue a few hundred to a couple of thousand single-sided cards a year.
Step up to the Primacy 2 when…
- you need to print the back of the card (terms, barcode, emergency contact, second language);
- you print in batches of hundreds and need speed (280 cards per hour) and a 200-card feeder;
- you want visible security such as UV printing, a double overlay or a lamination module;
- you need magnetic, contact and contactless encoding in one printer.
The Primacy 2 also runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, prints from phones and tablets, and comes with a 3-year print-head warranty.
Step up to the Agilia when…
- your cards are smart or access cards with a chip or antenna, which print unevenly on direct-to-card printers;
- the card must look premium, with 600 dpi and print over the edge;
- you need security printing such as microtext, guilloches and high-definition QR codes;
- cards must last for years, with the image protected under the retransfer film.
The Agilia is slower per card than the Primacy 2 (150 against 280 cards per hour), which is normal for retransfer. For the full technology comparison, read our direct-to-card vs retransfer guide.
Which Evolis printer for your situation?
| Your situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| Small office or school, photo ID on one side | Zenius 2 |
| Reception issuing daily visitor passes on rewritable cards | Zenius 2 or Primacy 2 |
| HR printing staff cards with a printed back | Primacy 2 (dual-sided) |
| University printing thousands of student cards each intake | Primacy 2 with 200-card feeder |
| Cards that need lamination or UV security | Primacy 2 with lamination module |
| Access control with MIFARE or DESFire smart cards | Agilia |
| Government, bank or high-security IDs | Agilia |
Rewritable cards: one card, many visitors
A rewritable card has a heat-sensitive layer that holds a monochrome image until the printer erases it. The Zenius 2 and Primacy 2 can print and erase these cards without a ribbon, so a reception desk can reuse the same visitor card every day. It is a simple way to cut card and ribbon costs for passes that change daily.
Arabic and English on the same card
All three printers print whatever the design software sends. Use software that handles Arabic right-to-left text, such as ID-ALL, and set up bilingual templates once. Finloyd can do this during installation.
Not set on Evolis?
Finloyd also supplies the best-value Fin-CP for everyday cards and the 600 dpi Bravo RTAI retransfer printer with holographic and metallic security options.
Supply and service in Saudi Arabia
Finloyd is an authorized Evolis supplier in Saudi Arabia and has supplied card printers since 2008. Our teams in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar install the printer, set up encoding and card templates, train your staff, and stock genuine Evolis ribbons, films and PVC cards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Evolis Zenius 2 and Primacy 2?
The Zenius 2 is single-sided only, prints 180 colour cards per hour and holds 50 cards. The Primacy 2 can print both sides, reaches 280 cards per hour, takes a 200-card feeder and adds lamination, UV printing and full encoding.
What is the difference between the Primacy 2 and Agilia?
The Primacy 2 is a direct-to-card printer at 300 dpi and up to 280 cards per hour. The Agilia is a retransfer printer at 600 dpi that prints over the edge and evenly over smart-card chips, at up to 150 cards per hour.
Which Evolis printer is best for smart cards?
The Agilia. Retransfer printing goes onto a film first, so the image is even over chips and antennas, and the printer supports contact, contactless and dual encoding.
Which Evolis printers support rewritable cards?
The Zenius 2 and Primacy 2 can print and erase rewritable cards, which suits daily visitor and contractor passes.
Is the Zenius 2 dual-sided?
No. The Zenius 2 prints one side only. For two-sided cards choose the Primacy 2 or Agilia.
Which Evolis printer has the highest resolution?
The Agilia, at 600 dpi. The Zenius 2 and Primacy 2 print at 300 dpi, with the Primacy 2 reaching 300×1200 dpi in monochrome.
Can these printers print Arabic names?
Yes, with design software that supports Arabic right-to-left text, such as ID-ALL. Finloyd sets up bilingual templates during installation.
Where can I buy Evolis card printers in Saudi Arabia?
Finloyd supplies, installs and services the Zenius 2, Primacy 2 and Agilia from Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. Call Jeddah +966 50 844 0075, Riyadh +966 50 003 2928 or Al Khobar +966 55 721 2191.
Not sure which fits? Send us your card design, yearly volume and card type, and we will print a sample on the right Evolis printer. See all ID card printers.
