Description
The HID FARGO DTC4500e is a high-volume direct-to-card ID printer built for organizations that issue cards every day - medium-to-large businesses, schools, healthcare systems, and government card offices. This configuration, part number 055444 (also listed as 55444), is the single-sided model with a single-side lamination module, an ISO magnetic stripe encoder (dual high- and low-coercivity, tracks 1, 2, and 3), and an integrated OMNIKEY 5122 encoder that reads and writes 13.56 MHz iCLASS, MIFARE, and DESFire contactless credentials plus ISO 7816 contact smart cards. USB 2.0, Ethernet with an internal print server, and a 200-card dual input hopper are standard on every unit.
It prints at 300 dpi, combining dye-sublimation color with resin thermal transfer for sharp text and scannable barcodes. A full-color card takes about 16 seconds, a dual-sided color card about 24, and a monochrome card about 6 - roughly 225 full-color cards per hour. High-yield ECO refill ribbons (700 full-color prints) mean the DTC4500e runs about twice as long between ribbon changes as comparable printers, and the cleaning roller is built into the ribbon cartridge, so it is replaced automatically with every ribbon change. The SmartScreen graphical display walks users through setup, loading, and status.
Security comes standard: AES-256 encryption protects card data in transit, resin scramble renders used ribbon panels unreadable, password protection locks down printer access, and fluorescent (YMCFKO) panel printing adds a covert UV security layer. The lamination module bonds a durable PolyGuard or thermal transfer overlaminate to one side of the finished card, extending card life and making tampering visually obvious. HID recommends 30-40 mil composite cards in the lamination module. Cards are personalized and encoded in a single inline print job, so credentials come out ready to use. HID backs the DTC4500e with a three-year printer and printhead warranty, with unlimited printhead coverage on HID UltraCard stock.