Primacy 2

USER GUIDE

Evolis © 2022. All rights reserved.

User Guide_PRM2_20220119_ENG_A0
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright and Trademarks 5
Warranty 5
Environmental information 5
Recycling of end-of-life products 5
Icons 5
About your new printer 6
Primacy 2
1. GETTING STARTED 7
Unpacking 7
Description of the printer and its functions 8
Installation  11
Connecting the Printer Power Supply Cable 11
Installing Evolis Premium Suite 12
Connecting to a network 13
Ribbons14
Inserting Cards 15
Removing printed cards 16
Adjusting card thickness  17
Managing the reject box/rear output hopper 18

2. MANAGING PRINT SETTINGS 19

Accessing settings 19
Essential settings 20

3. PRINTING AND INTERACTING WITH THE PRINTER 21

Printing a card 21
On Microsoft Word
®
21
On Cardpresso  21
On TextEdit  21

Using the control panels 22

LED Control panel 22
LCD screen 24
Pop-ups  26
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. ADVANCED FEATURES 27
Available options 27
Installing the 200-cards extension feeder 28
Configuring a Wi-Fi network 29
Using the UV effect with the overlay panel 30
Overlay settings 31
Primacy 2
Double-side printing 31
Activation key 31
Double-side printing with a simplex printer 33

Rewrite (option) 33
Lamination module 34
Description of the lamination module 34
Installation of the lamination module 36
Inserting cards and ribbon 37
Inserting lamination film 38
Removing laminated cards 39
Interacting with the lamination module 39

Encoding options 42
Magnetic stripe encoding 42
Contact smartcard encoding 43
Contactless smartcard encoding 46

Security options 47
Digital Erasing 47
Internal basic locking of printer 47
Security locking 48

Scanning 48
Color profile 49
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
5. MAINTENANCE 50
Regular printer cleaning 51
Printer cleaning 51
Print head cleaning 54

Advanced cleaning 55
Printer cleaning 55
Primacy 2 Print head cleaning 57
Dust filter cleaning 58
Lamination module cleaning 59
Lamination dust filter cleaning 60
Using the leveler 61

6. HELP 62
Diagnostic help 62
Printing a technical test card 62
Printing a graphical test card 62
Identifying installed software versions 62

Troubleshooting 63
Printing problems 63
Freeing jammed cards 66
Replacing the print head 67
Updating the firmware  70
Updating the print driver 71

Technical support 72
Evolis partner network 72
Finding information on myplace.evolis.com 72

7. DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY 73
General 73
United-Kingdom 74
 COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS
Evolis © 2022. All rights reserved.
Users must observe the copyright regulations applicable in their country. This manual must not be photocopied, translated, reproduced or transmitted,
in whole or in part, for any reason and by any electronic or mechanical means whatsoever without the express written consent of Evolis.
All the information contained in this document is subject to change without prior notice.
Evolis cannot be held liable for any errors that may be found in this manual, or for any loss or damage arising accidentally or as a result of dissemination
Primacy 2 or use of this manual.
All Evolis printer models, Evolis Premium Suite® and Evolis High Trust® are trademarks of Evolis. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.

WARRANTY
Refer to the warranty notice for warranty terms and conditions and limitations. It is available on myplace.evolis.com.
Register online at myplace.evolis.com to receive our special offers and general information.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
Evolis is committed to helping the environment by reducing the energy consumption of its products.

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE PRODUCTS

The manufacture of the equipment that you have purchased required the extraction and use of natural resources. It may contain materials that are
hazardous to health and the environment.
To prevent the dispersal of such materials into our environment and reduce the pressure on our natural resources, we recommend that you use
existing collection systems. These systems appropriately re-use or recycle most of the materials in your end-of-life equipment.
For more information on collection, re-use and recycling systems, contact your local or regional waste management body.
For more information, visit our website at myplace.evolis.com or send an email to info@evolis.com.

ICONS
The following icons are used in this manual to highlight important information:

NOTE Information providing further details or depth about specific points in the main text.

Indicates that failing to take the recommended action is liable to damage the printer
!
A video showing the procedure is available on myplace.evolis.com

5
 ABOUT YOUR NEW PRINTER
Thank you for choosing an Evolis printer. Using your new printer, you will be able to create a wide variety of high-quality cards and badges which can
be printed in various thicknesses, colors and styles. This printer uses consumables and accessories available from Evolis.
For further details and view all technical specifications, visit our website at www.evolis.com >Card printers >Printer model >Technical specifications.

Certifications and declarations of conformity:

CE, UKCA, ICES, VCCI, BIS, CCC, KC, EAC, ROHS,
Primacy 2 FCC (Evolis contact: Evolis, Rising Sun Mills, 188 Valley St., Suite 421, RI 02909 Providence, evolisnortham@evolis.com)
Icons on the printer label:

Evaluation for apparatus only based on altitude not exceeding 2000m, therefore it’s the only operating condition applied for the
equipment. There may be some potential safety hazard if the equipment is used at altitude above 2000m.

Evaluation for apparatus only based on temperate climate condition, therefore it’s the only operating condition applied for the equipment.
There may be some potential safety hazard if the equipment is used in tropical climate region.

Reminder to use existing collection facilities.

Dimensions
• Printer (HxWxD) without locking system and with 100-cards feeder: 246,2x 204.95x 381.2mm

Weight
4.11 kg

Connectivity
USB (1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0), Ethernet, Wi-Fi (option)

Environmental Conditions
• Standard operating temperature: 15°C / 30 °C (59°F / 86°F)
• Min / Max operating temperature and humidity rate: 0° / 40° C (32°F / 104°F) and 20% to 65% non-condensing
• Min/max storage temperature: –5°C / +70°C (23°F / 158°F)
• Storage humidity: 20% to 70% without condensation
• Operating ventilation: free air

Electrical Information
• Power supply unit: 100-240 Volts AC, 50-60 Hz, 1.5A
• Printer: 24 Volts DC, 2.5A
6
 1. GETTING STARTED
UNPACKING
Your printer is supplied with several accessories that we ask you to look at closely.
This list may vary depending on your location.
Primacy 2 The printer is shipped in special packaging designed to prevent any damage in transit. If you notice any visible damage, do not hesitate to contact the
shipper and immediately inform your Evolis dealer, who will tell you the procedure to follow.
Evolis takes great care over the quality of its packaging and we ask that you keep this packaging somewhere clean and dry.

The full original packaging (outer box, inner wedges and protective bags) is required in the event that the printer is returned. If the
! printer is returned without its original packaging and components are damaged in transit, these components are no longer covered
by the warranty. You will be charged for new packaging for shipping the printer back to you.

Accessories supplied with your printer:

• Power supply unit – FSP type FSP060-RAAK3
• Mains power cable
• USB cable
• Reject box/Rear output hopper
• Starter cleaning kit
• Quick installation guide with QR code to access the driver
• Card designing software Cardpresso

If any of these components are missing, please contact your Evolis dealer.
! Use only the power supply unit supplied with your Evolis printer.
Use only the USB cable supplied with your Evolis printer.

NOTE The Evolis printer must be placed in a dry location, protected from dust and drafts but well-ventilated. Make sure to keep your printer
on a flat, sturdy surface able to bear its weight.

7
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINTER AND ITS FUNCTIONS
Access to the side panels of the machine and the option module fitting/removal areas is restricted to your retailer/installer or
! to experienced users. Always disconnect the machine from the power supply (unplugged) before performing work on it.

Primacy 2

D
B

A Card input feeder (100 cards)

B Internal output hopper
E
C LCD Screen (option)
D Power button
E LED Control Panel

NOTE If the printer is equipped with an LCD screen, refer to the corresponding user guide for more information.

8
 Protective cover

Primacy 2 F

N
G

H
L
I M
J
K
F Place for reject box (See "Managing the reject box/rear output hopper",
page 18)
G Location for security locking (option)
H Power cable socket
I Ethernet connector
J USB socket (type A)
K USB socket (type B) O
L Cleaning Roller
M Side panel opening mechanism
N Thermal print head with protective cover
O Card thickness adjustment gauge

9
 P
Q

Primacy 2

R
S

P Printer serial number label

Q Dust filter
R Location for double-sided printing activation key (option)
S Side panel opening mechanism

10
 INSTALLATION
Connecting the Printer Power Supply Cable
The printer must be connected to a properly protected and earthed electrical installation.
! FI: Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoitus koskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.
NO: Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.
Primacy 2 SE: Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.
DK: Printeren skal tilsluttes til en korrekt beskyttet og jordforbundet el-installtion.
• Connect the power cable to the power supply unit, then plug the power supply unit connector into the printer.
• Next, plug the end of the power cable into an earthed power socket.

The printer is powered on: the control panel lights up showing the printer is working
properly.
If the control panel does not light up, please check the installation.

Before attempting maintenance, make sure the power cable is unplugged. For your personal safety, ensure that the cable and power
! supply unit remain easy to access, especially in case of emergency.

NOTE To save energy, the printer automatically switches itself to standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity. The printer switches
to hibernation mode after 30 minutes in standby mode.
The standby settings can be configured in the Evolis Premium Suite. In standard standby mode, sending a print request restarts the
printer and briefly pressing the control button (for 1 second) exits the printer from hibernation mode.

11
 Installing Evolis Premium Suite
Evolis Premium Suite® is an all-in-one driver software solution, which enhances the user experience by making interactions between printer and
computer more intuitive. Its advanced features automate printer configuration.

It includes:
• A supervision of printers: printer status information, remaining ribbon capacity, etc.
• A powerful tool for printer settings
Primacy 2 • A notification center to alert users when their intervention is required
• A printer management and maintenance station
• A series of wizards to guide you through cleaning and encoding operations, etc.
• An encoding station (magnetic encoding, etc.)
• A diagnostic tool

To install the print driver:

1 Go to the link dedicated to the driver (start.evolis.com/primacy2)

2 Download and launch the driver: Evolis Premium Suite®.
3 A program guides you through the entire installation process. It is possible to select Standard or Minimal installation: standard installation is
recommended as it includes notification and supervision features.
4 At the end of the installation process, you need to restart the computer.
5 Connect your computer to the printer trough the USB cable.

Do not connect the USB data cable before the installation of the printer driver is complete.
! Follow the instructions of the wizard carefully.

12
 Connecting to a network
All Evolis printers can be fitted with a TCP/IP network connection. This function is available as standard on Primacy.
Out of the box, the printer comes configured in DHCP mode (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which means that its IP address is supplied by
the network.
In addition to these basic settings, the network administrator has the option of configuring the printer differently in order to comply with the constraints
imposed by the corporate LAN:
• Printer connected in a subnet, in DHCP mode
Primacy 2 • Printer connected to a subnet in fixed IP address mode, with WINS resolution
• Printer connected to a subnet in fixed IP address mode, without WINS resolution
The Ethernet connection wizard available in Evolis Premium Suite® automatically detects all installed Evolis printers.
The user can define the following settings:
• IP address of the printer
• Subnet mask
• Gateway
• WINS server

NOTE Evolis printers fitted with a TCP/IP network interface have an embedded http server.

Changing the printer’s basic settings without prior knowledge of the layout of the LAN in question or without genuine technical
! knowledge may result in a malfunction of the printer, and may even extend to more widespread failure of all or part of the LAN.
Contact your System and Network Administrator before connecting to or changing the settings for your local area network.
For further details, refer to the Network Administrator Manual.

13
 Ribbons
Evolis High Trust® ribbons optimize your printer’s operation and avoid causing damage to it. The use of ribbons from other suppliers may damage the
printer and voids the manufacturer’s warranty for the printer.
For optimum print quality, Evolis recommends that the printer is fully cleaned every time the ribbon is changed. See "Printer cleaning", page 51.

Fitting the ribbon

Primacy 2 NOTE The printer automatically recognizes the ribbon inserted.

1 Open the cover. 2 Insert the ribbon as shown. 3 Close the cover and press until a click is
heard.

NOTE Primacy 2 ribbons are different from Primacy 1 ribbons. They cannot be swapped.

14
 Inserting Cards
NOTE For optimum quality, the cards used must be ISO 7810 certified.
Use only the card types recommended by Evolis.
Do not touch the printable surface of the cards to preserve print quality.
Do not use cards that are damaged, folded, embossed or dropped on the floor.
Keep your cards protected from dust.
Primacy 2

100
x0.76mm

1 Open the card feeder. 2 Insert the cards, a maximum of 100 cards 3 Close the feeder.
of thickness 0.76mm. Ensure the cards are
positioned as illustrated in the diagram.

15
 Removing printed cards
Once the print cycle is complete, cards are delivered into the output hopper below the card feeder.
This output hopper is designed to collect printed and/or encoded cards.
The output hopper has a maximum capacity of 100 x 0.76mm cards.

Primacy 2

100
x0.76mm

NOTE If the locking option is installed, maximum capacity is reduced to around 50 x 0.76mm cards.

16
 Adjusting card thickness
The printer is equipped with a manual card thickness adjustment mechanism which can be reached through the card feeder when open.
The printer accepts cards between 0.25mm and 1.25mm thick (10 to 50mil). The factory setting is 0.76mm.

To adjust card thickness:

Primacy 2

1 Open the card feeder and remove cards if 2 Adjust the thickness of the cards used by 3 Close the feeder
necessary moving the gauge from right to left to the
desired card thickness.

NOTE Card thicknesses is written on the card box:

17
 Managing the reject box/rear output hopper
The printer is fitted with a removable reject box which is positioned behind it.
The reject box can hold 50 cards (0.76mm - 30mil).

Primacy 2

50
x0.76mm

To empty it, open the box and remove the cards in it.
It is recommended to empty the reject box regularly

NOTE The reject box can be used as a hopper to optimise the production flow of cards when continuous ribbons are used.
Preloading cards enables to optimise the production flow. To activate this feature, go to Evolis Premium Suite and click the printer
name>Printer settings>Printing>Resolution and Speed>Enable automatic card preloading.

18
 2. MANAGING PRINT SETTINGS
ACCESSING SETTINGS
Evolis Premium Suite enables changes of specific predefined settings through its user-friendly interface on Windows platforms.

Contact your Evolis dealer for advice and assistance before making any change of setting.
Primacy 2 NOTE

To access this application:

1 Double-click on Evolis Premium Suite shortcut or, from the Start button on the bottom left of your screen in the Windows task bar, select All
programs>Evolis Card Printer>Evolis Premium Suite
2 The application displays all connected Evolis printers. Select the desired printer.
3 Go to Printer Settings to change the settings.

NOTE On Macintosh platforms, refer to Macintosh driver User Guide.

19
 ESSENTIAL SETTINGS
Once the ribbon is installed, the Evolis printer automatically adapts its parameters and settings to suit the ribbon.

Action Setting in Evolis Premium Suite

Go to Ribbon tab and click on Enable duplex printing to use the double-side printing
feature.
Primacy 2

Go to Card tab and select the orientation: Landscape or Portrait

Click on Display advanced settings (on the right part of the window) to make more
precise parameters visible.

Go to Card input/output and select the adequate options

Resolution and Speed tab: change the resolution if needed

Go to Colors tab to manage black dots on the card

Go to Overlay tab to manage the areas of the card to cover with overlay

20
 3. PRINTING AND INTERACTING WITH THE PRINTER
PRINTING A CARD
A large number of applications allow documents to be printed (for example MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint).
Read the following examples to gain familiarity with the layout of a card and configuration of its formatting and printing.
Primacy 2 On Microsoft® Word
1 After having set the Evolis printer as the default:
• Start the MS Word application.
• Select Landscape in the Orientation section.
• Change the size of your document by selecting the type CR80 (or by customising the document with the dimensions 8.6cm x 5.4cm and margins
of 0.1cm).

2 Customise your card by adding the various items that go to make up a card: logo and illustration, identification photo, fixed and variable texts,
barcode, etc.
3 Click on File and then on Print.

On Cardpresso
1 Open Cardpresso application and select CR80 card type.
2 The card design window is displayed. You are ready to customise your card by adding the various items that go to make up a card: logo and
illustration, identification photo, fixed and variable texts, barcode, etc.
3 Click on File>Print, select Primacy 2 printer and click on Print.

NOTE For more information, refer to the knowledge base on myplace.evolis.com or Cardpresso embedded Help.

On TextEdit
1 Open TextEdit application
2 Go to File> Page Setup>Paper Size>Manage Custom Sizes
3 Click on + and add a new format as follows: width : 55mm, height : 86mm, top : 0mm, left : 0mm, right : 0mm, bottom : 0mm
4 Save the new format with the name Card and click on OK
5 Close Text Edit
6 Go to System Preferences and select Printers and Scanners. On Default paper size, select Card
7 Go back to TextEdit and design your card.
8 Click on File>Print and select Primacy 2 printer.

21
 USING THE CONTROL PANELS
LED Control panel

OFF

Primacy 2 PRINTER READY

• The printer is ready
to receive data.

STEADY LIGHT

PROCESSING
• The printer is receiving
FLASHING data.

RIBBON PRINTER COVER OPEN

• No ribbon in the printer. • The printer cover is open.
• End of ribbon. Close the cover again. The printer starts up.
• The ribbon is not correctly fitted.
MECHANICAL ERROR
• The ribbon is torn.
• Card jammed in the printer.
• The ribbon is not recognised.
• Mechanical component fault.
Check the condition of the ribbon in the printer. If you have a
Open the cover and hold down the power button in
print job in progress, this restarts with a new card.
order to eject the jammed card.
CARDS If the problem persists, contact your Evolis dealer for
• No cards in the card feeder. assistance.

Put cards back into the feeder – the process starts again.
• Card loading error.
Check cards have been loaded. For any other problems
contact your Evolis dealer.

22
 REGULAR CLEANING CLEANING
(after 1,000 cards have been inserted) (after 1,200 cards have been inserted)
• The printer must be cleaned. • The printer must be cleaned to avoid the risk of the
(See "Regular printer cleaning", page 51) warranty being voided.

ADVANCED CLEANING
• The printer requires advanced cleaning.
Primacy 2 (See "Advanced cleaning", page 55)

COOLING MODE FIRMWARE UPDATE

• The cooling system has been activated. • The printer is updating its firmware.
The printer pauses for a few seconds and restarts once it has The printer restarts following the update.
returned to its normal operating temperature.

Wi-Fi IS ON (option)
• The wireless (Wi-Fi) connection is enabled.
The printer is ready to be used.

23
 LCD screen
LCD screen is touch-sensitive: it enables easy interaction with the printer.

Primacy 2

Useful messages on the printer processes are displayed.

They enable you to take actions and perform a good supervision of the printing jobs.

There are various types of statuses:

• Green: the printer is ready to print or in the process of printing, encoding, cleaning, etc.

• Orange or red: processes cannot be performed due to a small or serious issue

24
 Scan the flash code to access information on myplace.evolis.com to solve the issue.
• Red: processes cannot be performed due to a serious issue. The user action is needed:
Scan the flash code to access help

Launch the process again

Primacy 2

Cancel the process

NOTE For more information, refer to the LCD screen user guide.

25
 Pop-ups
Evolis Premium Suite offers a service allowing the printer to communicate with the user through notifications.
There are several types of notifications:
• Messages about the maintenance of the printer.
• Messages and alerts associated with the ribbons, their compatibility with your printer or the nature of your print requests.
• Warnings about problems which have stopped the printer.
Primacy 2
When the Evolis Premium Suite is active, a small icon is displayed in the bar on the bottom right of your computer screen.
The color of the icon varies according to the status of the printer:
• Green: Printer ready
• Orange: Information message issued – printing stopped
• Red: Warning message issued – printing stopped
• Grey: Printer in hibernation mode, disconnected or communication is interrupted.
When a notification is issued, it is displayed in a window of the following type:

Cancel the printing task

Notifications can be disabled. Click on User Preferences then untick the Enable notifications button.

NOTE Interrupting the pop-ups service is only recommended if there is a conflict with other applications installed on the computer. The
pop-ups service is the best way to properly monitor the printer from your workstation.
Get additional help on myplace.evolis.com.

26
 4. ADVANCED FEATURES
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
Options may be already integrated in the printer or provided separately. In this case, their shipped kits contain all instructions for installation.
Refer to the driver User Guides for all settings linked to these two possibilities.
Primacy 2

Basic internal locking Encoding stations Duplex activation

(double-sided printing)

200-cards extension feeder Wi-Fi network Scanning Kineclipse

Lamination module

27
 INSTALLING THE 200-CARDS EXTENSION FEEDER
An extension for the feeder can be installed on Primacy 2.
The standard version of Primacy 2 has a feeder that can hold 100 cards. When the extension is installed, the feeder can hold 200 cards.

Remove all cards from the feeder before performing the installation.
! Unplug the printer before performing the installation.
Primacy 2 Keep the feeder weight. It is needed to go back to the standard version.

1 Fully open the feeder. 2 Open the cover. 3 Remove the feeder weight as shown.
Insert the block to hold the upper feeder in
place as shown and then close the cover.

4 Insert the extension until you hear a click 5 Insert cards in the feeder. 6 The 200-cards extension is installed and the
Put the weight on top of the cards. printer is ready to be used
Close the door of the feeder.
Plug the printer.

28
 CONFIGURING A WI-FI NETWORK
The frequency of Wi-Fi network must be compatible with the printer Wi-Fi card: LCD LED
• Connect1: 2.4 GHz
• UBox: 2.5 GHz/5 GHz

Primacy 2 1 To configure the printer in Wi-Fi, contact the Support team.

2 Check the availability of a Wi-Fi network

Wi-Fi icon

29
 USING THE UV EFFECT WITH THE OVERLAY PANEL
The O (= overlay) panel(s) of the YMCKO, 1/2 YMCKO, YMCKOK, and YMCKOO ribbons include fluorescent pigments.
UV-light reflective features, such as logos, texts and photos can be inserted in overlay layers.
This addition of layer adds an extra level of security to your cards:

• With the standard color ribbons (YMCKO, 1/2YMCKO, YMCKOK, 1/2YMCKOKO) combined to lamination
Primacy 2
Lamination is mandatory to protect color printing.
!
• With the YMCKOO ribbon (no lamination required)

The UV effect settings are only activated when the adequate ribbon is inserted into the printer.
!
To insert UV-light reflective element on your card:

1 From Evolis Premium Suite, go to Printer Settings and select Printing>Overlay>UV effect.
2 Select the file to apply.
• Among generic designs proposed in the list
• Your own custom design

Fixed Data Dynamic Data

Data inserted are the same on all cards (e.g., a company logotype). The Data inserted are different on each card (e.g. a picture).
insertion is performed through the EPS The insertion is performed in Cardpresso software (>XL version)

Example of UV effect bitmap file Rendering on the card.

3 Apply lamination on the card if necessary.

30
 Overlay settings
Overlay settings can be adjusted in the Evolis Premium Suite.
• The overlay can be applied on the whole surface of the card
• The overlay can be disabled (when lamination is applied for example)
• The overlay can be applied only on some areas of the card
• Two layers of overlay can be applied (with the YMCKOO ribbons).
Primacy 2
NOTE Two layers of overlay increase protection against wear and tear​
The abrasion resistance is 3 times better with the YMCKOO ribbon compared to standard YMCKO ribbon protection

DOUBLE-SIDE PRINTING
Activation key
A simplex printer (prints only on one side) can be upgraded into a duplex printer (prints on both sides).
To obtain the activation key for that upgrade, contact your Evolis dealer.
Proceed as follows:

1 Turn the printer on 2 Open the printer cover. 3 Remove the ribbon 4 Insert the key as shown

31
Primacy 2

5 Close the cover 6 The ON/OFF button flashes 7 Open the cover and remove the 8 Insert the ribbon
until the end of the process. activation key
The LED or LCD panel gives
information about the process.
The printer restarts at the end
of the update.

9 Close the cover If necessary, a wizard is available in Evolis Premium Suite to perform the
activation

32
 Double-side printing with a simplex printer
In case the double-side printing feature is not activated on your printer, proceed manually as follows:

Primacy 2

1 2 3
REWRITE (OPTION)
The rewrite feature enables to erase and print, on rewritable cards only.
Thanks to the inner color layer of the rewritable card, there is no need to use the ribbon for
the rewrite feature.

1 Remove the ribbon and close the printer cover.

2 Open the feeder and insert rewritable cards.
If other cards are already inserted, remove them from the feeder.

3 From Evolis Premium Suite, go to Printer Settings>Printing>Rewrite.

PVC body that may be blank
4 Select Rewrite>Rewrite option, then the type of card: or pre-printed

Thermo-sensitive layer that

contains ink which can be
either revealed or hidden,
depending on the setting
defined

5 Select the printing mode:

• Erase /rewrite (previous data on the card are erased before printing): the full surface of
the card
• Customized rewritable areas: click on the white card area to define the rewritable area
only. A file can be selected as a background to help and define the rewriteable area.
• Write only: there is no erase of the card before printing

33
 LAMINATION MODULE
Access to the side panels of the machine and the option module fitting/removal areas is restricted to your retailer/installer or
! to experienced users. Always disconnect the machine from the power supply (unplugged) before performing any work on it.

Description of the lamination module

Primacy 2
F Output Hopper
B
A Lamination Module
C B Primacy 2 Printer
C Control Panel
D Space for output hopper

A
Cards and ribbon

Cleaning

Lamination Module or
D Printer
See “Interacting with
the lamination module”,
page 39.
Printer LEDs
Lamination Module LEDs

34
 E

Primacy 2 F

L
M
N
E Location for security locking
I
F Platform for lamination module installation
G Heating head
H Axles
I Jam-clearing wheel
J Card leveler
K Dust filter
L Power cable socket
M Serial number label

H
J

35
 Installation of the lamination module

Install the printer and the lamination module on a flat surface.

!

Primacy 2

1 Place the printer on the installation platform 2 Connect the printer power supply and 3 Connect the lamination module power
("Printer" side) USB cable. See “Connecting the Printer supply cable.
Power Supply Cable”, page 11 and See
“Installing”, page 12

4 Place the lamination module on the 5 Make sure that infra-red connectors are
installation platform ("Laminator" side) facing each other and the two modules are
aligned.

36
 Once the printer and lamination module are connected, follow the instructions to power the machine on.

1 Plug the lamination module to an earthed power socket

2 Plug the printer to an earthed power socket
3 Connect the printer USB cable to the computer
The system is powered on: the Primacy Lamination control panel lights up showing that the machine is working properly.

NOTE To save energy, the printer and the lamination module automatically switch to standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity. They

Primacy 2 switch to hibernation mode after 30 minutes in standby mode.

The standby settings can be configured in the Evolis Premium Suite. In standard standby mode, sending a print request restarts
the printer and briefly pressing the control button (for 1 second) takes the printer out of hibernation mode.

Make sure the card thickness gauge is well adjusted on the printer. See “Adjusting card thickness”, page 17.

Inserting cards and ribbon

See “Ribbons”, page 14 and See “Inserting Cards”, page 15.

37
 Inserting lamination film

Primacy 2

1 Push the door button to open the lamination module door

2 Insert the lamination film until you hear a click on each roll

3 Close the lamination module door

38
 Removing laminated cards
Once the print and lamination cycle is complete, the cards are issued into the output hopper at the rear side
of the lamination module. This output hopper is designed to collect the printed cards that are laminated and/
or encoded.
The capacity of the output hopper is 100 cards maximum with 0.76mm (30mil) thickness.

Primacy 2

Interacting with the lamination module

Although the lamination module was designed to operate independently and keep user involvement to a minimum, it may prove useful to be aware
of the main warning messages.

LEGEND

Control button
OFF

Cards and ribbon

Cards and film Printing module
Lamination module

Cleaning STEADY LIGHT

Cleaning Printing module
Lamination module

Information
Information Printing module
Lamination module

FLASHING

39
 NOTE The printer may be equipped with an LCD screen instead of the control panel. Refer to the LCD screen user guide for more information.

PRINTER AND LAMINATION MODULE READY PROCESSING

• The printer is ready to receive data. • The printer is receiving data.
• The lamination module is ready. • Lamination in process.

Primacy 2

RIBBON PRINTER COVER OPEN

• No ribbon in the printer. • The printer cover is open.
• End of ribbon. Close the cover again. The printer restarts.
• The ribbon is not correctly fitted.
MECHANICAL ERROR
• The ribbon is torn.
• Card jammed in the printer.
• The ribbon is not recognized.
• Mechanical component fault.
Check the condition of the ribbon in the
Open the cover and hold down the control button to eject
printer. If there is a print job in progress, it
the jammed card.
restarts with a new card.
If the problem persists, contact your Evolis dealer for
CARDS assistance.
• No cards in the card feeder.
Reload cards into the feeder – the process
starts again.
• Error loading cards.
Check the cards are loaded. For any other
problems, contact your Evolis dealer.
FILM LAMINATION MODULE DOOR
• No film in the lamination module. • The door of the lamination module is open.
• No more film. Close the door. The lamination restarts.
• The film is not correctly fitted.
MECHANICAL ERROR
• The film is torn.
• Card jammed in the lamination module.
• The film is not recognized.
• Mechanical component fault.
Check the condition of the film in the printer.
If the problem persists, contact your Evolis dealer for
assistance.

40
 REGULAR CLEANING OF THE PRINTER CLEANING OF THE PRINTER
(after 1,000 cards inserted) (after 1,200 cards inserted)
• The printer must be cleaned. • The printer must be cleaned to avoid the risk of the warranty
See “Regular printer cleaning”, page 51 being voided.

ADVANCED CLEANING OF THE PRINTER

• The printer requires advanced cleaning.
See “Advanced cleaning”, page 55
Primacy 2
WAITING FOR CARD INSERTION OR REMOVAL COOLING MODE
• The printer is waiting for a card to be inserted • The cooling system has been activated.
or removed. The printer pauses for a few seconds and restarts once it
Insert a card or remove the card from the is back at its normal operating temperature.
manual feeder.

FIRMWARE UPDATE OF THE PRINTER REGULATING TEMPERATURE

• The printer is updating its firmware. • The lamination module heats up for a few seconds and is
The printer is operational again after the reactivated when the required temperature is reached.
update.

ADVANCED CLEANING OF THE LAMINATOR FIRMWARE UPDATE OF THE LAMINATOR

• The lamination module requires advanced • The lamination module is updating its firmware.
cleaning. The printer is operational again after the update.
See “Lamination module cleaning”, page
59

41
 ENCODING OPTIONS
Encoding systems are used to customize magnetic stripes, and contact and contactless smartcards.
It is possible to install up to three types of encoder in the printer (magnetic stripe, contact and contactless smartcards) on your premises.

Magnetic stripe encoding

A printer fitted with a magnetic encoder works exactly the same way as a basic card printer.
Primacy 2 The Evolis encoder encodes the magnetic stripes in a single pass then runs a data check.
Although able to be configured as high coercivity (HiCo) or low coercivity (LoCo) by a simple click in the EPS properties, Evolis magnetic encoders come
factory-set for high coercivity (HiCo).

Location of the magnetic encoder

The magnetic encoder is a module installed either in the factory or on site by your Evolis dealer. The read-and-write head is located under the path
taken by the cards and before the print head. The encoding sequence for a card is always carried out before the printing.

To install the magnetic encoding station:

1 Refer to the instructions provided in the kit

2 Use the installation wizard that is available in Evolis Premium Suite>Assistance & Maintenance>Maintenance>Printer Options

Use only magnetic stripe cards that comply with ISO 7810 and ISO 7811 standards.
! The magnetic stripe must be moulded into the card to work properly.
Never use cards with a glued-on magnetic stripe.
When first installing the Evolis Premium Suite, the magnetic encoder functions need to be configured.
Access the settings through Printer settings>Encoding>Magnetic.
Configure stripes to select the desired format for each stripe, according to the following table.
ISO 7811 magnetic encoding standards

42
 Number of
Stripe number Separator Density Character set
characters
1
Dots per inch

Alphanumeric
2
Except for the “?” character
STRIPE 1 ^ 210 ppp1 793 3
Including the Start, Stop and
(ASCII 32-95)2
LRC characters. These characters
Numeric are handled automatically by the
Primacy 2 STRIPE 2 = 75 ppp1
(ASCII 48-62)2
403 magnetic encoder

Numeric
STRIPE 3 = 210 ppp1 1073
(ASCII 48-62)2
• Coercivity sets the magnetic encoding to high (HiCo) or low (LoCo) coercivity. A magnetic stripe that is encoded with high coercivity is more resistant
to external disturbance than a magnetic stripe encoded using low coercivity.
• Encoding via an application is used to encode magnetic stripe cards from applications such as Word for example. A text field enclosed within “|” and
“|” characters (or some other character which the user can define) will be interpreted as an encoding command by print driver.
• Select Assistance&Maintenance>Tools and Diagnostic>Support tools>Encoding to directly encode one or more magnetic stripes: select each
track and enter the data to be encoded according to the configuration of the stripes. Click on the Encode track(s) button to run the encoding cycle.

Cleaning the magnetic encoder

The magnetic encoder head requires regular maintenance in order to ensure the integrity of the data encoded onto cards.
Cleaning of the magnetic encoder is performed when the printer runs an advanced cleaning sequence with T-cards.
Repeatedly running the cleaning card through the printer cleans the card feed rollers, the cleaning rollers, the print head and the magnetic encoder
read-write head.
If, in between two regular printer cleaning runs, the read-write process fails with more than one card, it is recommended to run an advanced printer
cleaning sequence manually.

Contact smartcard encoding

A printer fitted with a smartcard contact station works in exactly the same way as a basic card printer. The Evolis smartcard contact station is used to
program chips to ISO 7816-2 standards.
The Evolis product catalogue also includes printers equipped with a chip contact station and a built-in encoder. These encoders are connected to the
PC via a USB interface, which does not allow the user to encode with an Ethernet connection.

Contact station location

The contact station is a module installed either in the factory or on site by your Evolis dealer. It is located over the path taken by the cards and after
the print head. To contact the smartcard, the contact station descends mechanically against the smartcard. The programming sequence for a chip is
always carried out before the card is printed.

43
 Use only smartcards compliant with the ISO 7816-2 standard.
! Printing over the chip may cause permanent damage to the chip.

Card positioning

Smartcards must be placed in the card feeder with the contact chip facing upwards.

Primacy 2

Contact station interface

Printers fitted only with a smartcard contact station (without integrated

encoder) are fitted with a female DB-9 connector on the back of a printer.
This connector, directly connected to the contact station inside the
printer, is also connected to an external coupler to program the chip.

44
 DB-9 connector pins Smartcard contact points

1 C1 (V c.c.)

2 C2 (reset)

3 C3 (clock)

4 C4 (reserved)
Primacy 2 5 C5 (ground)

6 C6 (Vpp)

7 C7 (I/O)

8 C8 (reserved)

9 Card present signal

NOTE Refer to the Programming Guide for the Evolis printer to get more information on programming a smartcard and the Option
installation manual for configuration of the card present signal.
A smartcard can be encoded with the CardPresso software or Evolis Premium SDK and the SDK of the encoder.

45
 Contactless smartcard encoding
Evolis printers may be equipped with an encoding device for contactless smartcards (RFID). This consists of an encoding module and a built-in antenna.
A module such as this must be installed by a specialist. The Evolis product catalogue includes printers equipped with a built-in encoder for contactless
chips.
This encoder is connected to the PC via a USB interface. Encoding cannot be performed with an Ethernet connection.
There is a very wide variety of contactless smartcards, and each card has specific technical properties associated with an equally specific type of
encoder. Contact your Evolis dealer for further information.
Primacy 2
Location of the antenna (or the encoder with built-in antenna)
By means of a specific command, the card is positioned close to the antenna such that the card lies within its radio range.
Reading data from or writing data to the card can then start.
The programming sequence for a chip is always carried out before the card is printed.

Card positioning
There are no restrictions on card positioning when programming in contactless mode (except for cards comprising other encoding technologies:
magnetic and/or contact smartcards).
However, the miniaturisation of components is bringing about the emergence of cards fitted with mini-antennae.
If this is the case, please see your card supplier for further information about where such mini-antennae are located within the card, so as to position
the card as close as possible to the encoder’s antenna. Doing so will ensure optimum encoding of the cards.

Computer connection
If your encoder is supplied with an USB interface, it will either be connected to the printer’s internal USB Hub, or equipped with a USB cable to connect
to your computer directly.
In the first case, your printer’s USB cable is used to drive firstly the printer and secondly the encoder from the computer.

NOTE Refer to the Programming Guide for the Evolis printer to get more information on programming a contactless smartcard.
A smartcard can be encoded with the CardPresso software or Evolis Premium SDK and the SDK of the encoder.

46
 SECURITY OPTIONS
Digital Erasing
This feature is used to erase data of printing jobs from the printer memory.
It is used for security reasons.

1 Before launching a printing job, go to Printer Settings>Security and

Primacy 2 activate Data used for printing checkbox.
2 Launch the printing job.
When the feature is activated, data of all future jobs is erased from the
printer memory.

Kineclipse
This feature is used to erase data that is visible on the monochrome and overlay
panels of the ribbon.

1 Before launching a printing job, go to Evolis Premium Suite>Printer Settings and activate Hide the data
printed on the ribbon.
2 Launch the printing job.

Internal basic locking of printer

This option enables to forbid the access to the following elements:
• Card feeder: 100-card or 200-card extension
• Ribbons (and access to the printer sides)
• Reject box capacity is limited to 50 cards

Turn the key on the right to lock Turn the key on the left to unlock

NOTE 2 keys are provided in the option package

NOTE Scanning, digital erasing, kineclipse and locking options are integrated in the printer. There is no need for on-premises installation.

47
 Security locking
This option enables to attach the printer with a physical cable.

Primacy 2

SCANNING
Scanning a printed card (on both sides) is used for the following purposes:
• Have a record of printed cards,
• Tracking and fraud questions (e.g.: making sure that cards are not printed for personal or wrong purposes),
• Proofs of printings (may be useful in case of litigation), etc.
• Optical character recognition capacity to extract textual data (e.g. a barcode) and perform associated actions: automatic creation of user accounts,
comparison and check of data and/or identity of the card owner, adding of security elements (ex: UV printing of the OCR value read on the overlay
panel). Images that can be retrieved are in PNG, JPG and BMP formats.
• Checking the QR code printed on the card
• Checking of the card rewrite (for certification reasons)

Some scanning parameters may be changed:

• Resolution,
• Picture format,
• Scan mode (color, monochrome).

NOTE The scanning option and the contact smartcard encoding station are not compatible.

48
 COLOR PROFILE
Color profile makes the printing as close as possible to the on-screen colors.

It is necessary to calibrate the computer before using Evolis color profile.

! The procedure is different according to the Operating System and the computer brand.

Primacy 2 On a Windows computer

By default, Evolis color profile is embarked in Evolis Premium Suite.
To deactivate Evolis color profile, go to Evolis Premium Suite>Printer settings>Printing>Colors>Color settings and click on Do not apply.

On a Macintosh computer

1 Go to Applications>Utilities>ColorSync Utility.
2 From the list on the left, click on the printer.
3 Click on Current Profile and select Other to assign the profile.

4 Search for the profile in the following path: System>Library>ColorSync>Profiles>evolis_profile

5 The profile is now assigned to the printer.

49
 5. MAINTENANCE
Evolis printers are designed to last long and require minimal regular maintenance. Follow the following instructions to ensure that the printer operates
correctly.

The manufacturer’s warranty is subject to strict adherence to the regular servicing and maintenance instructions, and in particular
! the printer cleaning cycles.

Primacy 2
Any failure to follow the maintenance and servicing procedures described in this section voids the print head warranty.
Evolis declines any liability where there has been a failure to perform required maintenance on the printer.
The print head is a wearing part and an extremely sensitive printer component. Its life span can be seriously curtailed by the presence of dust, liquids or
solids in the printer’s immediate environment, on the print head or on the cards. Users must take all necessary precautions to insert only clean cards,
free of dust deposits or foreign bodies, into the printer.
The frequency and quality of cleaning are decisive factors enabling users to extend the print head’s life span and to ensure excellent print quality.
Particular care must be taken with cleaning.
Users must comply with the servicing and maintenance instructions as fully described in this section.
The Evolis High Trust® consumables have been exclusively designed to work with the Evolis card printers. Tested and validated by the Evolis R&D and
Quality departments, these consumables bring you printing quality and reliability, maximizing the life span of the print head. The use of consumables
other than Evolis High Trust® may lead to a bad printing quality and a dysfunction of the card printer.
The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover physical damage or quality problems caused by using non-Evolis approved ribbons.
Evolis provides replacement parts and consumables that you can refer to by visiting the website at myplace.evolis.com.

50
 REGULAR PRINTER CLEANING
Printer cleaning

NOTE Recommended cleaning cycle: whenever the ribbon is changed.

Mandatory cleaning cycle: when the cleaning warning is triggered.

Primacy 2 Servicing accessory: adhesive cleaning card.

The cleaning warning system of the printer is triggered after a certain number of inserted cards.
! Proceed with the regular cleaning of the printer as soon as the warning is triggered.
The print head warranty is directly linked to regular cleaning of the printer. If the regular cleaning is not performed and if the
warning light remains ON, the print head warranty is automatically voided due to a failure to comply with contractual maintenance
obligations.

Number of cards remaining before

Cleaning required after: Warranty invalid after
Printer warranty voided:
(warning light flashing) (warning light steady)
(warning light flashing)
Primacy 2 1000 cards 200 cards 1200 cards

For more information, refer to the Cleaning kit safety datasheet.

Follow the procedure to ensure regular cleaning is performed properly:
Repeatedly running the adhesive card through the printer cleans the cleaning roller in order to maintain print quality and increases the service life of
the print head.

51
Primacy 2

1 Open the printer cover 2 Remove the ribbon 3 Close the cover and press until a click is
heard.

4 Open the card feeder. 5 Remove the cards and using the lever, set the card thickness to the MAX position.

52
Primacy 2

6 Double-click on the power button on the 7 Remove the film from the adhesive card 1 and insert the adhesive card into the feeder,
control panel. adhesive side up 2 . The cleaning starts.

NOTE When the cleaning is over, the used adhesive card is ejected into the output hopper.
Before using the printer, remember to reset the gauge to the desired card thickness.
Cleaning can also be launched from the Evolis Premium Suite properties by clicking on Start cleaning.

53
 Print head cleaning

NOTE Recommended cleaning cycle: every time the ribbon is changed.

Servicing accessory: cleaning swab impregnated with isopropyl alcohol.

To maintain the original print quality and to absorb surplus ink on the print head, we recommend that the print head is cleaned regularly using the
cotton buds supplied by Evolis. Protect the print head and its components from any discharge of static electricity.

Primacy 2 Unplug the printer from its power supply before cleaning the print head.
! Follow the cleaning cycles.
Avoid any contact between the print head and any metal or sharp objects. This could permanently damage the print head.
Avoid touching the print head directly with your fingers, as this could affect print quality or permanently damage the print head.

1 Take an Evolis cleaning 2 Unplug the power supply, open the cover, and find the 3 Pull the protective cover 4 Close the cover.
swab and press the print head. up and gently rub the Reconnect the printer.
middle of the tube until cotton bud from left
the end of the cotton to right along the print
bud is impregnated head for a few seconds.
with alcohol.

NOTE Wait for 2 minutes after cleaning before using your printer.

54
 ADVANCED CLEANING
For a more in-depth clean, we recommend carrying out an advanced clean every five regular cleaning cycles.
Evolis provides an Evolis High Trust® maintenance kit consisting of 2 adhesive cards, 2 impregnated T-cards, a cleaning pen and a box of wipes. The
T-card is used to clean the card feed rollers and the magnetic encoder head.
To ensure advanced cleaning is performed properly, follow the instructions.

Primacy 2 Printer cleaning

NOTE Recommended cleaning cycle: every 5 regular cleaning cycles.

When the cleaning is over, the used adhesive card is ejected into the output hopper.
If a YMCKOO ribbon is used, clean the rollers with 1 or 2 cleaning swabs every 1000 cards.
Servicing accessory:
• Impregnated T-card
• Adhesive card.

NOTE Wait for 2 minutes after cleaning before using your printer.

The T-card must be used just after the bag is opened.

!

1 Open the printer cover. 2 Remove the ribbon. 3 Close the cover and press 4 Open the card feeder on the
until a click is heard. printer.

55
Primacy 2

5 Remove the cards and set the card thickness to the MAX position. 6 Double-click the cleaning button on the control panel before
inserting the cleaning card

7 Take the T-card and insert it into 8 Remove the T-card. 9 Remove the film from the adhesive card 1 and insert the adhesive
the feeder as shown. Cleaning card into the feeder, adhesive side up 2 . The cleaning starts.
starts.

56
 Print head cleaning

NOTE Recommended cleaning cycle: every 5 regular cleaning cycles.

Servicing accessory: cleaning pen

Unplug the printer from its power supply before cleaning the print head.
! Follow the cleaning cycles carefully.
Primacy 2 Avoid any contact between the print head and any metal or sharp objects. It could damage the print head.
Avoid touching the print head directly with your fingers, as this could affect print quality or permanently damage the print head.

1 Remove the cap of the 2 Unplug the power supply, open the cover, and find the 3 Pull the protective cover 4 Close the cover.
cleaning pen. print head. up and gently rub the Reconnect the printer.
pen from left to right
along the print head for
a few seconds.

NOTE Wait for 2 minutes after cleaning before using your printer.

57
 Dust filter cleaning

NOTE Recommended cleaning cycle: every 5 regular cleaning cycles.

Servicing accessory: cleaning wipes.

Primacy 2

1 Open the printer cover. Locate the dust filter. 2 Locate the dust filter. 3 Take a cleaning wipe supplied by Evolis.
Remove the filter by pulling it upwards and
slide it out to release it fully.

4 Clean the filter by rubbing the wipe over 5 Put the filter back. Insert it in its slot (notch 6 Close the cover.
both sides. towards you) and lower it until a click is
heard.

58
 Lamination module cleaning

NOTE Recommended cleaning cycle: once a year or every 10,000 cards, depending on the work environment.
Servicing accessory: special adhesive cleaning card.

Follow the procedure to perform a lamination module cleaning.

Primacy 2

1 Remove lamination film from the lamination unit 5 Once the cleaning cycle is complete, the used card is ejected from
2 Launch the lamination module cleaning wizard on the the printer.
Evolis Premium Suite. 6 Put the lamination film back. (See «Inserting lamination film», page
3 Remove the two protective films on both sides of the special adhsive 38.
card. 7 Close the door of the lamination unit. The printer is ready to oprate
4 Insert the adhesive card into the opening above the output hopper at again.
the rear side of the module. The card goes inside the printer.

59
 Lamination dust filter cleaning

NOTE Recommended cleaning cycle: every 5 regular cleaning cycles.

Servicing accessory: cleaning wipes.

Primacy 2

1 Unplug the lamination module and disconnect it from the printer. 4 Take a cleaning wipe supplied by Evolis.
2 The dust filter is located below the lamination unit.
3 Remove the filter by pulling it and slide it out to release it fully.

5 Clean the filter by rubbing the wipe over 6 Put the filter back. Insert it in its slot (notch towards you) and push it until a click is heard.
both sides. 7 Reconnect the lamination module to the printer and plug it back.

60
 Using the leveler
Use the levelers of the lamination module to correct any natural bending of the card caused by the lamination process. Cards can be more or less
misshapen depending on the type of card and film used.
Two block support positions for the card (A and B) are available to ensure the cards are perfectly flat.
Follow the procedure below:

Primacy 2

1 Open the door of the lamination 2 Loosen the two wheels as 3 Depending on the type of card and 4 Tighten the two wheels
module. shown. film used, place the block support on and close the door of the
position A or B (see the table below). lamination module.

PVC Cards PET-F Cards PC Cards

Single-sided B A B
1 mil transparent patch
Double-sided B B B
Single-sided A A B
1 mil holographic patch
Double-sided B B B
Single-sided A A B
0.5 mil transparent patch
Double-sided A A B
Single-sided A A B
0.6 mil holographic patch
Double-sided A A B
Single-sided A A B
Varnish
Double-sided B B B
Single-sided A A B
Holographic varnish
Double-sided B B B

61
 6. HELP
DIAGNOSTIC HELP
This section contains all information that could be needed to perform a few simple checks that your Evolis dealer may require.

Printing a technical test card

Primacy 2
The technical test card must be printed when the machine is received to ensure your printer operates correctly. This card shows various items of
technical information concerning the machine (serial number, firmware, cleaning operations, print head, etc.). Your dealer may ask for those items of
technical information.

1 Wait for any current print jobs to finish.

2 Make sure that there is a ribbon and a card in the printer.
3 Press the power button for four to five seconds until it goes out.
4 Press and hold down the power button again.
5 The power button light comes on.
6 Release the power button once the light flashes.
7 The test card is printed (in color if a color ribbon is fitted in the printer, in monochrome if a monochrome ribbon is fitted, and on both sides if the
double-sided printing function is activated).
8 The printed card is ejected into the output hopper.

Printing a graphical test card

The graphic test card is used to check the print quality in color or monochrome, the offsets and the synchronization of the ribbon.
To print the graphic test card, make sure there are a ribbon and a card in the printer.

Printing of the graphical and technical test cards can be launched from the menu displayed on the top-right part of
the Evolis Premium Suite.

Identifying installed software versions

Identify the system versions installed (driver, firmware of printer and LCD):

1 In Evolis Premium Suite, go to Assistance&Maintenance>Product information>Software version.

2 Click on Software versions.

62
 TROUBLESHOOTING
Printing problems
Nothing prints
1 Check the print driver
• Make sure that there is a print driver for your printer in the Windows configuration.
Primacy 2 • Make sure that the printer is selected as the default printer.

2 Check the printer’s power supply

• Make sure that the power cable is correctly connected to the printer and to a working electrical socket.
• Make sure that the printer is on and that the power button is lit.
• Make sure the power supply unit supplied with the printer is being used.

3 Check the USB cable

• Make sure that the USB cable is well plugged on both ports of the printer.

4 Check the ribbon

• Make sure that the ribbon is fitted correctly and that the cover is closed.

5 Check the cards

• Make sure that there are cards in the card feeder.
• Make sure that no cards are jammed in the printer.

6 Print a test card

• See “Printing a technical test card”, page 62.
Blank card ejected

1 Check the ribbon

• Make sure that the ribbon is not finished or damaged. Replace it or re-install it if necessary.

2 The print head may be damaged

• Print a test card.
If the test card does not print, contact an Evolis dealer for technical support or visit myplace.evolis.com

63
 Poor print quality

Small blemishes on the card

• The card surface may be dirty.
Check that your cards are perfectly clean.
Use new cards.
• Cleaning roller or print head clogged.
Primacy 2 Run a cleaning cycle.

Horizontal white lines

• The ribbon is not correctly fitted.
Check that there are no wrinkles on the ribbon surface.
• The print head is dirty or damaged.
Clean or replace the print head.

Blurred image
• The ribbon is not correctly fitted.
Check that the ribbon is correctly positioned in the printer.
• Poor ribbon synchronization.
Open and close the printer cover to synchronize the ribbon.
• Dirty printer or cleaning roller.
Clean the printer.
• Use of incompatible cards.
Check that the cards used match the specifications.

64
 Partial or incorrect printing
1 Check the interface cable
• If irregular characters are printed, make sure the USB cable supplied with the printer is being used.
• Try using another cable of the same type.

2 Check that the printer is clean

• Clean the printer, especially the cleaning roller.
• See “5. Maintenance”, page 50.
Primacy 2
3 Check that the cards are clean
• Store the cards protected from dust.

4 Check the ribbon

• Make sure that the ribbon is fitted correctly.
• Make sure that the ribbon moves correctly.

5 Check the print head

• If horizontal straight lines appear on printed cards, the print head may be dirty or damaged.
See “5. Maintenance”, page 50 and See “6. Help”, page 62.
If the problem persists, contact your Evolis dealer or visit myplace.evolis.com.

NOTE We recommend that you obtain your cards from an Evolis dealer.
Use of cards obtained elsewhere is liable to adversely affect print quality and/or damage the print head.

65
 Freeing jammed cards
Control panel displays:

MECHANICAL ERROR

Primacy 2 • A card is jammed in the printer. Print jobs are interrupted.

The printer light and the control button are ON.

Do not turn your printer off, as this cancels pending print jobs in the printer’s memory.
!
Remove the card as follows:
1 Open the printer cover and remove the ribbon.
2 Press the power button to activate the card feed rollers. If the card is still stuck inside the printer, slide it manually towards the printer output. If
there is more than one card, always push the top one first.
3 Replace the ribbon, then close the printer cover.

To prevent card jams:

1 Make sure that the card thickness gauge is correctly adjusted.
2 Make sure that the thickness of the cards used matches the specifications.
3 Make sure that the cards are flat. Keep them in a horizontal position.
4 Make sure that the cards are not stuck together. Shuffle the cards before loading them.

66
 Replacing the print head
The print head is a sensitive component of the printer. It determines the print quality. A regular cleaning and an environment free from dust or other
particles ensure a lengthy useful life. See “Print head cleaning”, page 54 to clean the print head.
In case the user needs to replace the print head, Evolis designed a unique device that requires no tools for the replacement.
Before replacing the print head, contact your Evolis dealer. The dealer can give advise and supply a new print head if necessary.

NOTE For more information on print head warranties, refer to the Evolis warranty available on myplace.evolis.com.
Primacy 2
Unplug the printer before replacing the print head.
! Avoid touching print heads with bare hands.
Follow the instructions carefully.

Removing the defective print head

1 Open the printer cover. 2 Locate the print head. 3 Press on the plastic part behind the print head
1 .
(pressure plate)
4 Pull on the print head with the other hand as
2.
shown to free the lugs from the holding fork
5 Remove the lugs from their slots.

6 Tilt the head carefully downwards and disconnect the connector linked to the cable.
Avoid forcing the mechanism.

67
 Installing the new print head

Primacy 2

7 Note the code (PKN number) on the white 8 Take the new print head and insert it 9 Connect the cable into its socket, making
label of the print head. This code is needed vertically (white connector upwards), raising sure it is the right way round. Do not use
later in the procedure. it in the two guides so as to trap the lugs of any force, as this part is relatively fragile.
the fork in their slots
1 . Then lower it by Press down on each side of the connector to
pressing on the two forks
2 , a click will be ensure a good connection is made
heard.

10 The new print head is installed. 11 Close the cover. The print head is now fitted.

68
 Configuring the new print head

12 Power on the printer and make sure that it is properly connected to a computer on which the Evolis Premium Suite is installed.
13 From Evolis Premium Suite, go to Assistance and Maintenance>Maintenance>Print head replacement.
14 Enter the PKN number of the print head kit in Enter PKN No. (noted in step 7). Then Validate PKN.

Primacy 2

If the PKN number is not entered correctly, printer malfunctions may occur and the warranty may be voided.
!

Cleaning the printer

The “CLEANING” light is ON on the LED panel.

Once the cleaning of the print head is done, the printer is ready to be used.

Cleaning is absolutely necessary after changing the print head. No print jobs can be run until the cleaning operation has finished.
! See “Print head cleaning”, page 54.

69
 Updating the firmware
An update of the firmware that is not properly performed may result in a malfunctioning printer.
! Before updating the firmware, contact your Evolis dealer.
Firmware updates are only required in case of an issue or a malfunction clearly identified by your Evolis dealer.
Interrupting the transfer between computer and printer during the download phase (powering off the printer or computer,
unplugging a cable) would make it impossible to restart the printer. If such an incident occurs, contact your Evolis dealer to replace
Primacy 2 the printer’s processing board.

On Windows
The update of the firmware is performed with the Evolis Premium Suite.

1 Download the file (.firm) from myplace.evolis.com.

2 Open Evolis Premium Suite and double-click on the name of the printer. Go to Assistance and Maintenance>Software updates>Printer
firmware>Start the updates wizard.
3 Follow the instructions and select the file .firm that was just downloaded.
4 The operation may take up to 1 minute. When the firmware is installed, the printer restarts. The update is complete and the printer is ready for use.
5 If the printer is not showing a Ready status, this means that the update was not performed correctly or, that the printer is not working properly.
Check the connection cables and run a new update.

On Macintosh

1 Download the file (.firm) from myplace.evolis.com.

2 Go to Menus & preferences, Printers and scanners, and select your printer. Go to Options & supplies, Utility and click Open printer utility. The
Evolis Card Printer window opens. All you need to do now is click on Upgrade.
3 Select the folder where you extracted the downloaded file and open the firmware file (.firm).
4 When prompted by the programme, follow the instructions in order to select the printer and start the operation. The firmware transfer is in
progress.
5 After about thirty seconds, the firmware is transferred to the printer and the operation is complete.
6 Check the firmware version by clicking on Identify.
7 If the printer is not showing a Ready status, this means that the update was not performed correctly or, that the printer is not working properly.
Check the connection cables and run a new update.

NOTE In case of problems during the update of the firmware on Windows or Macintosh, contact your Evolis dealer who can provide a new
installation file for the firmware.

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 Updating the print driver
Updating the print driver is a task that is required in order to fix malfunctions or gain the benefit of new options.

Before any update, contact your Evolis dealer for advice or guidance on performing the update.
!
1 Download the file from myplace.evolis.com.

Primacy 2 2 Then click on the file for the corresponding print driver.
3 Accept the download then save the file in a directory on your hard drive.
4 Extract the .zip file of the print driver.
5 Then double-click on the file (setup.exe for Windows or .pkg for Mac) to start the installation program.

NOTE The print driver can also be updated in the Evolis Premium Suite.

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 TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you are having difficulties in configuring and using your printer, read this manual carefully.
If you do not manage to solve your problem, you can obtain further information and help from the Evolis partner network.

Evolis partner network

For unresolved technical problems, contact your Evolis dealer.
Primacy 2 If you do not know any Evolis dealers, contact us to have the contact information of the nearest Evolis dealer. When calling an Evolis dealer, make sure
to be close to a computer and to provide the following information:
• Printer model and serial number
• The version of your mobile operating system.
• A description of the incident
• A description of what was performed to try and resolve the incident
In addition, to enable you to find answers to your questions 24/7, myplace.evolis.com includes a number of aspects related to day-to-day use of the
printer.

Finding information on myplace.evolis.com

If additional technical help is needed, information on using and troubleshooting Evolis printers is available on myplace.evolis.com.

• Latest versions of firmware,

• Print drivers
• User manuals
• Videos about using and maintaining Evolis printers
• A knowledge base to find answers to your questions

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 7. DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY
In this section, you will find the certifications for your Evolis printer.

GENERAL
Concerning Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility of Radio Equipment FCC Statement (For U.S.A.)
Primacy 2 (RED 2014/53/EU, LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU Directives) and (RoHS3)
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interferences Statement
2015/863/EU:
Manufacturer name: Evolis Primacy 2 model conforms to the following specifications: FCC Part 15, Subpart
Manufacturer address: 14, avenue de la Fontaine A, Section 15.107(a) and Section 15.109(a) Class B digital device.

Z.I. Angers Beaucouzé

49070 Beaucouzé, France Supplemental information:
Equipment name: Primacy 2 This equipment has been tested and finds to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
Year of manufacture: 2022 against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
I, the undersigned,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
Laurent Godard, interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this requirement does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determine by turning the equipment off
Declare under my own responsibility that the product here above described and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference’s by one or more of the following
complies with the essential applicable requirements, (particularly with those of measures:
the RED 2014/53/EU, LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU Directives and (RoHS3) - Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
2015/863/EU as follows:
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
Article 3.1 a: (electromagnetic compatibility protection requirement) connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Safety standard applied EN62368-1: 2014 Use of a shielded cable is required to comply within Class B limits of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
EN50364: 2010 Pursuant to Part 15.21 of the FCC Rules, any changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by Evolis may cause, harmful interference and void the FCC authorization to
Article 3.1 b: (electromagnetic compatibility protection requirements) operate this equipment.
It is recommended to respect a distance of 20 cm between user and RFID module when the
EMC standard applied EN55032: 2012 module is powered.
EN55024: 2010 This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
EN61000-3-2: 2014 to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
EN61000-3-3: 2013
EN301489-3: 2013 (VI.6.1)
VCCI (For Japan)
Article 3.2: (Good use of the radio frequency spectrum to avoid undesirable interferences)
This is a Class B product based on the standard of the Voluntary Control Council for Interference
EMC standard applied EN300330-2 V1.6.1 from Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this is used near a radio or television receiver in
a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference. Install and use the equipment according
Full name: Laurent Godard to the instruction manual.
Position: R&D Director
Date: January 4th 2022
Signature:
EUROPE - Norway Only: This product is designed for IT power system with phase-to-phase voltage
230 V. Earth grounding is via the polarised, 3-wire power cord.
FI: “Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoitus koskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan”
SE: “Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag”
NO: “Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt”
DK : „Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontact med jord, som giver forbindelse til
stikproppens jord“.

73
 UNITED-KINGDOM
Concerning Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility of Radio Equipment FCC Statement (For U.S.A.)
(RED 2014/53/EU, LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU Directives) and (RoHS2)
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interferences Statement
2011/65/EU:
Manufacturer name: Evolis Primacy 2 model conforms to the following specifications: FCC Part 15, Subpart
Manufacturer address: 14, avenue de la Fontaine A, Section 15.107(a) and Section 15.109(a) Class B digital device.

Primacy 2 Z.I. Angers Beaucouzé

49070 Beaucouzé, France Supplemental information:
Equipment name: Primacy 2 This equipment has been tested and finds to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
Year of manufacture: 2022 against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
I, the undersigned,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
Laurent Godard, interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this requirement does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determine by turning the equipment off
Declare under my own responsibility that the product here above described and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference’s by one or more of the following
complies with the essential applicable requirements, (particularly with those of measures:
the RED 2014/53/EU, LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU directives and (RoHS2) - Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
2011/65/UE as follows:
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
Article 3.1 a: (electromagnetic compatibility protection requirement) connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Safety standard applied BS-EN62368-1 : 2014 Use of a shielded cable is required to comply within Class B limits of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
BS-EN50364:2010 Pursuant to Part 15.21 of the FCC Rules, any changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by Evolis may cause, harmful interference and void the FCC authorization to
Article 3.1 b: (electromagnetic compatibility protection requirements) operate this equipment.
It is recommended to respect a distance of 20 cm between user and RFID module when the
EMC standard applied BS -EN55032: 2012 module is powered.
BS -EN55024: 2010 This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
BS -EN61000-3-2 ; 2014 to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
BS -EN61000-3-3 : 2013
BS -EN301489-3 : 2013 (VI.6.1.)
VCCI (For Japan)
Article 3.2: (Good use of the radio frequency spectrum to avoid undesirable interferences)
This is a Class B product based on the standard of the Voluntary Control Council for Interference
EMC standard applied BS-EN300330-2 V1.6.1 from Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this is used near a radio or television receiver in
a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference. Install and use the equipment according
Full name: Laurent Godard to the instruction manual.
Position: R&D Director
Date: January 4th 2022
Signature:
EUROPE - Norway Only: This product is designed for IT power system with phase-to-phase voltage
230 V. Earth grounding is via the polarised, 3-wire power cord.
FI: “Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoitus koskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan”
SE: “Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag”
NO: “Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt”
DK : „Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontact med jord, som giver forbindelse til
stikproppens jord“.

74