Description
HID FARGO DTC4500e 55106 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer with Integrated Smart Card & Proximity Encoding
The HID FARGO DTC4500e 55106 is a professional, high-capacity dual-sided ID card printer with integrated HID proximity and smart card encoding. Combining full-color card printing, automatic two-sided operation, USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity, this advanced printer/encoder is designed for secure employee badges, access control credentials, campus identification and enterprise card issuance.
Unlike a standard ID badge printer, the FARGO 55106 includes an OMNIKEY CardMan 5121/5125 encoding configuration supporting HID Prox, iCLASS, MIFARE/DESFire and contact smart cards. Its dual-input card hopper accommodates up to 200 cards, making it an excellent choice for organizations that need professional identification and credential personalization in one workflow.
- Automatic dual-sided direct-to-card printing
- Integrated HID Prox, iCLASS, MIFARE/DESFire and contact smart card encoder
- OMNIKEY CardMan 5121 and 5125 encoding configuration
- USB 2.0 and Ethernet network connectivity
- Standard non-locking dual-input card hopper
- 200-card total input and 100-card output capacity
- SmartScreen graphical printer display
- Manufacturer limited warranty, with 3-year coverage available through qualifying registration
Important: Part number 55106 does not include locking card hoppers or a magnetic stripe encoder. Encoding software, compatible credential technology and programming permissions must be verified for the intended application. Ribbons, cards and optional accessories are not included unless specifically stated.
Key Features & Benefits
- Dual-Sided Printing: Automatically print professional full-color and monochrome information on both sides.
- Integrated Credential Encoding: Supports compatible HID Prox, iCLASS, MIFARE/DESFire and contact smart cards.
- OMNIKEY Encoding: Integrated CardMan 5121/5125 configuration for compatible credential applications.
- High-Capacity Printing: Standard dual-input hopper accommodates up to 200 cards.
- USB & Ethernet: Local workstation and network printing options.
- Professional Resolution: 300 x 300 dpi with optimized 300 x 600 dpi printing.
- Fast Production: Up to 225 YMCKO single-sided cards per hour; dual-sided output varies.
- Security Capabilities: AES-256 encryption, password protection and resin scramble data protection.
- SmartScreen Display: Convenient printer status and operational guidance.
- Expandable Platform: Compatible optional lamination and other supported modules.
- FARGO Workbench: Printer diagnostics, maintenance and color adjustment tools.
Recommended Applications
- Access Control Systems: Print and personalize compatible HID proximity and smart card credentials.
- Corporate Security: Employee identification, access cards and contractor credentials.
- Educational Facilities: Student IDs, faculty identification and campus access cards.
- Healthcare Organizations: Staff photo identification and departmental credentials.
- Government & Municipal: Personnel identification and secure credential issuance.
- Multi-Site Organizations: Standardized network-connected badge production.
- Membership Programs: Dual-sided cards with personalized data and identification information.
- Credential Replacement: Production of replacement cards using authorized formats and compatible technology.
The integrated encoder enables compatible credentials to be personalized electronically while the printer produces visible identification information. This can streamline secure card issuance compared with using separate printing and encoding equipment.
Integrated HID Proximity & Smart Card Encoding
The HID FARGO 55106 is equipped with an integrated encoding configuration designed for multiple contact and contactless credential technologies.
- HID Prox 125 kHz: Supports compatible HID proximity credential operations.
- HID iCLASS: Supports compatible 13.56 MHz iCLASS credential applications.
- MIFARE: Supports applicable MIFARE Classic and MIFARE DESFire credential technologies.
- Contact Smart Cards: Supports compatible ISO 7816 contact chip card operations.
Integrated encoder hardware does not guarantee compatibility with every proprietary card format or access control system. Encoding functionality depends on the card technology, software, credentials, security keys and authorized programming configuration. Confirm the required encoding workflow before purchasing.
FARGO DTC4500e 55106 Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | HID Global / FARGO |
| Part Number | 55106 / 055106 |
| Model | DTC4500e |
| Print Technology | Dye-sublimation / resin thermal transfer |
| Printing | Automatic dual-sided |
| Resolution | 300 x 300 dpi; up to 300 x 600 dpi optimized |
| Print Speed | Approx. 16 seconds YMCKO; 24 seconds YMCKOK, excluding encoding time |
| Encoder | Integrated HID Prox, iCLASS, MIFARE/DESFire and contact smart card encoder |
| Encoder Hardware | OMNIKEY CardMan 5121 / 5125 configuration |
| Magnetic Stripe | Not included |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 and Ethernet |
| Input Hopper | 200 cards, dual-input, non-locking |
| Output Hopper | 100 cards |
| Card Size | CR80, 3.375 x 2.125 inches (85.6 x 54 mm); compatible CR79 adhesive cards |
| Card Materials | Compatible PVC and composite cards |
| Printer & Printhead Warranty | 3 years with qualifying registration; 2 years standard per HID datasheet |
Compare HID FARGO DTC4500e Printer Configurations
Compare the 55106 against other DTC4500e options to identify the correct combination of printing, encoding and physical card security.
| Feature | 55100 | 55106 | 55120 | 55126 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dual-Sided Printing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated Prox/Smart Encoder | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Locking Hoppers | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| USB / Ethernet | Both | Both | Both | Both |
| Input Capacity | 200 cards | 200 cards | 200 cards | 200 cards |
HID FARGO DTC4500e Printer Warranty
The FARGO DTC4500e printer and printhead qualify for a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty upon completion of HID's qualifying online printer registration. HID's published product datasheet identifies 2-year standard coverage when registration is not completed.
Warranty eligibility, registration requirements and exclusions are governed by HID's official terms. View HID Manufacturer Warranty Policy.
Manufacturer Documentation & Technical Resources
- HID FARGO DTC4500e Official Product Specifications – Printing capabilities, encoding options, warranty and manufacturer resources.
- HID Manufacturer Document Library – Locate the DTC4500e printer datasheet, user guide and other supporting documents.
- HID Printer Warranty Policy – Official warranty terms and registration information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HID FARGO 55106 include smart card encoding?
Yes. It includes an integrated HID Prox, iCLASS, MIFARE/DESFire and contact smart card encoder configuration. Supported encoding operations depend on credential and software compatibility.
Does the 55106 have locking card hoppers?
No. Part number 55106 includes standard non-locking dual-input card hoppers. The 55126 configuration combines compatible integrated encoding with locking hoppers.
Does the printer automatically print on both sides?
Yes. The 55106 includes factory-installed automatic dual-sided printing.
What ribbon should I use for dual-sided ID cards?
FARGO 45231 YMCKOK is a suitable option for full-color front printing and black reverse-side printing, with a rated yield of 600 card-printing sets.
Can the 55106 encode any HID proximity card format?
No. Encoding depends on the credential family, authorized access to programming information, compatible software and required security keys. The integrated encoder should not be assumed to duplicate proprietary card formats.
Does this printer include magnetic stripe encoding?
No. The 55106 includes proximity and smart card encoding, but not a magnetic stripe encoder.
What is the manufacturer warranty?
HID's datasheet specifies 3-year limited printer and printhead coverage with qualifying online registration, or 2 years standard without registration.
For organizations that require both high-quality employee photo identification and compatible electronic credential personalization, the HID FARGO DTC4500e 55106 dual-sided ID card printer with integrated smart card and proximity encoding offers a versatile solution. Shop ID Enhancements for genuine FARGO consumables, compatible printable credentials and accessories for your secure identification program.
