Fargo DTC4500e Plastic Card Printer (Dual-Sided)

Fargo DTC4500e dual-sided printer for front-and-back ID

The Fargo DTC4500e dual-sided printer automatically turns each card to personalise both faces. Keep the photograph and identification details clear on the front, then use the reverse for contact information, a barcode or membership terms. This makes it easier to fit useful information onto a badge without crowding the main design.

Build a complete two-sided card layout

Choose the artwork for each face before selecting the ribbon. A colour front and black-text reverse needs a different print plan from a design with full colour on both faces. Compatible YMCKOK ribbons provide colour, two resin-black panels and an overlay panel; ask ACB to match the ribbon and driver settings to your actual layout.

If only one face needs personalised printing, the single-sided DTC4500e may suit the task. This duplex configuration is useful for repeated batches of staff badges, student identification and membership cards where reverse-side details change for each person.

Use the hopper capacity effectively

The DTC4500e has a combined 200-card dual input hopper and a 100-card output hopper, measured with standard 0.762 mm stock. USB and Ethernet provide local and network connection choices. Check driver support for your computer and confirm the card-design software licence required for your data source.

Direct-to-card dye-sublimation and resin printing applies the design straight onto approved card stock. Standard resolution is 300 × 300 dpi, with an optimised 300 × 600 dpi mode listed in current HID specifications. The supplied unit, driver, card surface and print settings must be considered together when preparing the job.

Order compatible cards, ribbon and cleaning supplies

Approved CR80 cards and supported CR79 adhesive-backed cards are accepted formats. Browse blank white PVC cards for everyday badges, checking thickness and finish. For a technology card, confirm both the printable surface and the chip specification. Adding artwork does not itself programme an access credential.

Choose the exact DTC4500e-compatible ribbon from the Fargo printer ribbon range. Plan for routine cleaning using the user guide and suitable products, including the Fargo 86177 cleaning kit. HID lists this kit under reference 086177.

Fargo DTC4500e dual-sided printer questions

Is dual-sided printing the same as dual-sided lamination?

No. Duplex printing applies your artwork to both faces. Lamination adds a separate protective material through an appropriately configured module. The dual-sided description of this printer does not mean a laminator or encoder is included.

How fast can it produce two-sided cards?

HID's user guide gives approximate batch timings of 16 seconds for YMCKO and 24 seconds for YMCKOK. These are different ribbon modes. Encoding and computer image processing are excluded, so do not interpret 225 YMCKO cards per hour as a promise for every two-sided design.

What is needed for magnetic or smart-card encoding?

The correct encoder must be fitted and work with your card technology, software and access system. Confirm the supplied configuration before ordering. See HID's DTC4500e specifications or ask ACB to help match the setup. For occasional batches without owning equipment, compare our photo ID card printing service.