Fargo DTC4500e Plastic Card Printer (Single-Sided)

Fargo DTC4500e single-sided printer for ID cards

The Fargo DTC4500e single-sided printer suits organisations issuing staff badges, student passes and membership cards with all essential information on the front. Its dual input hopper helps you work through batches without repeatedly loading small stacks. Print a photograph, name, role and branding on approved plastic cards, then issue replacements as your records change.

Keep front-face card production straightforward

This configuration prints one face automatically. It is a practical choice when the reverse is blank or already carries suitable preprinted information. If each card needs a personalised reverse, compare the Fargo DTC4500e dual-sided printer before ordering. Automatic two-sided printing avoids a separate manual turning stage.

The standard dual input hopper holds a combined 200 cards at 0.762 mm thickness, while the output hopper holds 100. USB supports a local connection and Ethernet allows a networked setup. Confirm the workstation, driver and card-design software licence that will be used; a diagnostic utility and a design licence serve different purposes.

Choose cards and ribbon for the intended artwork

The DTC4500e uses direct-to-card dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer. Standard resolution is 300 × 300 dpi; current HID information also lists an optimised 300 × 600 dpi mode. Check the supplied unit and driver for the settings available. Approved CR80 stock and supported CR79 adhesive-backed cards provide different ways to produce a credential.

For everyday photo badges, start with premium blank white PVC cards, subject to the required thickness and finish. A compatible YMCKO ribbon combines colour, resin black and overlay. Select a monochrome ribbon when the design only needs supported single-colour output. Order a DTC4500e-compatible reference from the Fargo ribbon range; ribbons for other Fargo models are not automatically interchangeable.

Plan throughput and maintenance together

HID rates YMCKO batch printing at approximately 16 seconds per card, or 225 cards per hour. This measurement excludes computer image processing and encoding. Allow time for preparing records, loading supplies and checking completed cards rather than using the headline figure as an end-to-end production promise.

Clean the printer according to its user guide and on-screen prompts. The Fargo 86177 cleaning kit corresponds to the 086177 reference HID lists for this model. Keep suitable supplies available when planning regular batches.

Fargo DTC4500e single-sided printer questions

Does this printer need retransfer film?

No. It prints directly onto approved cards using a suitable ribbon. Separate HDP retransfer film belongs to a different printing process. Optional card lamination is also a separate configured process.

Can it print access-control cards?

It can personalise an approved printable card surface. Writing data to a chip or magnetic stripe additionally requires the correct fitted encoder, compatible card technology and suitable software. Discuss these requirements with ACB before choosing cards.

What should I confirm before ordering?

Check the printer configuration, operating system, design licence, ribbon, card stock and any encoding or lamination requirements. Refer to HID's DTC4500e information for the platform specifications. If you prefer finished badges supplied to you, explore our photo ID card printing service or contact ACB for help comparing the options.