Fargo HDP5000 Retransfer Plastic Card Printer (Single-Sided)

Fargo HDP5000 single-sided printer for photo ID cards

The Fargo HDP5000 single-sided printer uses 300 dpi retransfer technology to personalise the front of a plastic ID card. It is a choice for layouts that keep the photograph, name and organisation branding on one face. This product is the original HDP5000, rather than the later HDP5000e generation.

Fargo HDP5000 single-sided printer: the original platform

HID marks the original model as discontinued. Before ordering, confirm the supplied unit, availability, condition, compatible computer driver and support terms with ACB. These checks matter when you want to keep an existing workflow or standardise supplies. Avoid treating the HDP5000 and HDP5000e names as interchangeable when choosing accessories or reading specifications.

The image is printed onto HDP film first, then transferred to suitable card stock. This process supports an over-the-edge design and is useful for approved printable technology cards. Prepare good-quality photographs and artwork before production; the printer resolution alone cannot improve an unclear source image.

Choose single-sided output for the right layout

This configuration prints one card face automatically. It suits designs with a blank reverse or suitable generic information already preprinted there. If the reverse needs holder-specific details, compare the dual-sided HDP5000. Alternatively, compare the single-sided HDP6600 for a different 600 dpi retransfer platform.

The original HDP5000 takes approved CR80 cards 0.762–1.27 mm thick. Standard capacities are 100 cards in the input hopper and 200 in the output hopper. An optional dual input hopper is rated for 30–40 mil stock, so its card range must be checked separately. USB 2.0 and Ethernet connections provide local and network setup options.

Select matching ribbon, HDP film and card stock

Both a compatible ribbon and separate transfer film are required for retransfer printing. Choose references for the original HDP5000 and match the ribbon to the artwork. Colour panels and resin-black printing serve different parts of the design. Confirm supply availability with ACB when browsing the Fargo ribbon range.

Compare our blank plastic cards after confirming material, thickness and printable finish. If lamination or encoding is needed, the stock must suit those processes too. A card's dimensions alone do not establish compatibility with every printer setup or access system.

Fargo HDP5000 single-sided printer questions

What production speed should I use for planning?

The original user guide lists normal-mode rates of 103 cards per hour for YMCK and 73 for YMCKK. The 150-card-per-hour headline refers to YMC in performance mode, a different setting. Allow for artwork processing, encoding and additional processes when estimating a completed batch.

Are lamination and encoding included?

These are separately configured options. HDP film is part of the printing process, while a laminator applies additional material. A magnetic or contactless encoder needs to match the card technology and software. Printing an access-card design does not itself write data to its chip.

What should I arrange alongside the printer?

Confirm design software, a supported workstation, ribbon, film, approved cards and model-compatible cleaning supplies. Check HID's original HDP5000 page and manufacturer user guide, then ask ACB about the supplied configuration. If owning equipment is unnecessary for your job, our photo ID card printing service provides another route to finished badges.