In direct-to-card printing, the printing process is normally smooth from start to finish. However, you may occasionally experience a card jam or misfeed, where a card becomes stuck inside the printer or does not move through the printer correctly.

⚠️ WARNING: DON'T PULL THE CARD!

Do not forcefully pull a stuck card from the printer. Doing so may damage the card, rollers, or other internal components.

Possible Causes

A card jam or misfeed may be caused by:

• Dirt and debris buildup — Dirty rollers can cause the card to slip and prevent it from moving correctly.

• Incorrect card thickness — Cards that are too thick or do not meet the printer's required specifications may not feed properly.

Note: One of the most common causes is dirty rollers. When the rollers are dirty, the card may slip and fail to fully enter the flipper at the correct time.

How to Resolve a Card Jam

Step 1 — Check the Error Code

Check the error code displayed on the printer's operation panel or LCD screen.

The error code can help you determine which part of the printer may be affected by the stuck card.

Step 2 — Restart the Printer Initialization

Open the printer cover and then close it again.

This will cause the printer to initialize, and in some cases, the printer will automatically eject the stuck card.

Step 3 — Use the "Move Card" Function

If the card does not eject automatically:

1. Open the printer cover again.

2. Press the Menu button.

3. Select Move Card.

4. Follow the printer's instructions to remove the card manually.

Step 4 — Gently Move the Card

If the card is still stuck, gently turn or move the card with your fingers.

Moving the card can also rotate the internal rollers, which may help the card move through the printer and become unstuck.

Important: Do not use excessive force. If the card does not move easily, stop and contact technical support for assistance.

How to Prevent Card Jams

1. Keep Your Printer Software Updated

Make sure your card printer has the latest printer driver and firmware installed.

Keeping the printer software up to date can help maintain proper printer operation.

2. Clean Your Printer Regularly

Regular printer cleaning helps remove dust and debris that can build up inside the printer.

Dirty rollers can cause cards to slip and misfeed, while accumulated dirt can also affect other printer components, including the printhead.

3. Use the Correct Card Thickness

Always use cards that meet the recommended thickness and specifications for your printer model.

Still Having Problems?

If the card continues to jam or misfeed after following these steps, do not force the card out.

Contact our Technical Support Team for further assistance. We can help identify the cause of the problem and guide you through the proper procedure for safely removing the card.