System and method for producing data bearing cards

摘要

An apparatus and method for producing magnetically encoded plastic cards (192) and for removing loose particles from at least one surface of such workpieces before printing, includes a graphics station comprising a cleaning unit (132). A hopper supplies a series of blank plastic cards to a magnetic encoding strip station operatively coupled to the graphics station which places a graphic design on each card (192), a collection mechanism collecting each card after each card has passed through the stations. The cleaning unit (132) operatively coupled to the magnetic encoding station separates loose particles from each card (192) by means of at least a cleaning roller (220) subsequent to encoding the magnetic strip and prior to placing the graphic design on each card (192) such that the encoding of the magnetic strip on each card (192) is maintained.