Description
Fargo by HID DTC1500 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer – USB, Ethernet & Internal Print Server
Secure, professional dual-sided ID card printing with built-in network connectivity, advanced security features and the performance organizations need for everyday credential issuance.
Professional Dual-Sided ID Card Printing
The Fargo by HID DTC1500 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer is designed for organizations that need reliable, secure and efficient production of professional identification cards and credentials. This dual-sided configuration automatically prints both the front and back of a card, eliminating the need to manually flip cards during production.
Using direct-to-card dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer technology, the Fargo DTC1500 produces crisp text, detailed graphics, photographs, logos and barcodes on standard plastic cards. The printer supports resolutions up to 300 x 600 dpi and can produce full-color YMCKO cards at speeds of up to approximately 225 cards per hour.
With USB 2.0, Ethernet connectivity and an internal print server, this base model can be connected directly to a workstation or integrated into a networked ID card issuance environment.
DTC1500 Highlights
- Dual-sided printing for automatic front-and-back card personalization
- Direct-to-card dye-sublimation / resin thermal transfer printing
- Up to 300 x 600 dpi print resolution
- Up to approximately 225 full-color cards per hour with YMCKO ribbon
- USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity
- Built-in internal print server
- 100-card input hopper
- Up to 100-card output capacity
- Supports standard CR80 cards
- Supports CR79 adhesive-back cards
- Built-in card security capabilities
- FARGO Workbench diagnostic and maintenance utility
Why Choose the Dual-Sided Fargo DTC1500?
Dual-sided ID cards provide significantly more room for credential information without overcrowding the front of the badge. Organizations can reserve the front for a photograph, employee name, title and company branding while using the reverse side for additional information.
Place employee identification and photographs on the front with company information, emergency instructions or policies on the reverse.
Print student information on the front and school contact information, schedules, policies or other useful information on the back.
Use both card surfaces for visual identification, barcodes, credential numbers and other information required by your card program.
Built-In Security for ID Card Programs
The Fargo DTC1500 was developed with credential security in mind. Its security capabilities help organizations protect cardholder information while making printed credentials more difficult to duplicate or alter.
- Custom watermark overlay capability adds a visual security element to printed cards.
- Resin scramble data protection helps protect information remaining on used print ribbon panels.
- Password-protected printer operation helps restrict unauthorized printer access.
- AES-256 encryption helps protect data sent to the printer over a secure network.
USB & Ethernet Connectivity
The DTC1500 provides both USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity. Connect the printer directly to a dedicated ID card workstation through USB or use its Ethernet connection and internal print server for network-based card issuance. Network connectivity is especially valuable for organizations with centralized credential production or multiple authorized card-issuing workstations.
Designed for Everyday Card Production
A 100-card input hopper and up to 100-card output capacity make the DTC1500 well suited for ongoing credential issuance. Its combination of speed, automatic duplex printing and high-capacity Fargo ribbon options helps reduce operator intervention during larger print jobs.
Compatible Fargo DTC1500 Ribbons & Cleaning Supplies
Keep your Fargo DTC1500 ID card printer operating at its best with compatible Fargo ribbons, overlaminate and cleaning supplies. Select the appropriate supply for your card design and printing requirements.
- Fargo 86177 – Cleaning Kit with 4 Cleaning Swabs & 10 Cleaning Cards
- Fargo 82615 – Clear Thermal Transfer Overlaminate, 500 Count
- Fargo 45612 – YMCKK Full-Color Ribbon with Two Resin Black Panels, 500 Images
- Fargo 45630 – YMCKO Full-Color Ribbon with Resin Black & Clear Overlay, 700 Images
- Fargo 45613 – YMCKO Half-Panel Ribbon with Two Resin Black Panels & Clear Overlay, 650 Images
- Fargo 45631 – YMCKO Full-Color Ribbon with Two Resin Black Panels & Clear Overlay, 600 Images
- Fargo 45614 – YMCKOK Half-Panel Ribbon with Two Resin Black Panels & Clear Overlay, 650 Images
Which Fargo DTC1500 Ribbon Should I Choose?
The best ribbon depends on how much color you need and whether you are printing on one or both sides of the card. Use this quick comparison to help select the right Fargo DTC1500 ribbon for your application.
| Ribbon | Best For | How It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| 45630 – YMCKO MOST POPULAR |
Standard full-color photo IDs | Full-color printing using Yellow, Magenta and Cyan panels, plus a resin black panel for crisp text and barcodes and a clear overlay panel to help protect the printed surface. |
| 45631 – YMCKOK | Color front + black back | A strong choice for dual-sided ID cards. Print a full-color photo and design on the front, then use the second black panel for text, barcodes or other black information on the back. |
| 45612 – YMCKK | Color + additional resin black | Provides full-color panels plus two resin black panels. Useful when your card design requires additional crisp black text, numbers or barcodes and does not require a clear overlay panel. |
| 45613 – Half-Panel | Smaller color photos or graphics | Designed for cards where only part of the card requires full color, such as a photo or logo area. Half-panel color can be a more economical option than using full-size color panels for every card. |
| 45614 – Half-Panel YMCKOK | Economical dual-sided IDs | Best when only part of the front requires color but the reverse side also needs black text, numbers or barcodes. This can reduce color-ribbon usage on dual-sided card programs. |
Quick Tip: For a typical employee or student photo ID with a full-color front, 45630 YMCKO is the simplest choice. If you want full color on the front and black text or a barcode on the back, choose a ribbon designed for dual-sided printing such as 45631 YMCKOK.
Ideal Applications for the Fargo DTC1500
The Fargo DTC1500 dual-sided ID card printer is a strong choice for organizations that regularly produce professional plastic credentials, including:
- Corporate employee ID badges
- Government and municipal credentials
- Healthcare employee and contractor badges
- School and university student ID cards
- Visitor and contractor credentials
- Membership cards
- Access control identification cards
- Loyalty and customer identification cards
- Photo ID badges
Fargo DTC1500 Dual-Sided Printer Specifications
| Print Technology | Direct-to-card dye-sublimation / resin thermal transfer |
| Printing | Automatic dual-sided |
| Resolution | 300 x 300 dpi standard; up to 300 x 600 dpi optimized printing |
| Color Print Speed | Up to approximately 225 cards/hour with YMCKO |
| Card Capacity | 100-card input / up to 100-card output |
| Card Sizes | CR80 and CR79 adhesive-back cards |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 and Ethernet |
| Networking | Internal print server |
| Included Utility | FARGO Workbench diagnostic and maintenance utility |
Dimensions
Printer: approximately 18.7" W x 9.2" D x 9.8" H (475 x 234 x 249 mm)
Fargo DTC1500 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fargo DTC1500 print on both sides of an ID card?
Yes. This configuration includes automatic dual-sided printing, allowing the printer to personalize the front and back of compatible cards during the same print job.
Can the DTC1500 be connected to a network?
Yes. This model includes Ethernet connectivity and an internal print server in addition to USB connectivity.
What size cards does the Fargo DTC1500 print?
The DTC1500 supports standard CR80 cards commonly used for employee badges, student IDs, membership cards and other identification credentials. It also supports CR79 adhesive-back cards.
What ribbon do I need for dual-sided color printing?
Ribbon selection depends on what you want printed on each side. YMCKOK ribbons are commonly used when printing full color on the front and black text or graphics on the reverse. Other ribbon configurations are available for different card designs.
Should I clean my Fargo DTC1500 regularly?
Yes. Routine cleaning helps remove dust and card debris that can affect print quality and card transport. Using the appropriate Fargo cleaning supplies as part of normal maintenance helps keep the printer operating reliably.
Need Help Choosing a Fargo DTC1500 Printer or Supplies?
ID Enhancements can help you select the correct Fargo ID card printer, ribbons, cleaning supplies and card stock for your application. Whether you are replacing an existing badge printer or building a new ID card issuance program, choosing the correct printer configuration and supplies helps ensure reliable operation from the start.
Fargo DTC1500 Product Documentation & Resources
Need additional product specifications, ribbon information or technical resources? Refer to the official HID FARGO DTC1500 documentation below.
- HID FARGO DTC1500 Consumables Specifications – Official HID reference for DTC1500 ribbons and consumable supplies.
- HID FARGO DTC1500 Product Specifications & Support – Printer specifications, features, options, drivers and technical resources.
- HID FARGO Printer Cleaning Kits & Accessories – Official HID cleaning kit and maintenance supply reference for the DTC1500 and other FARGO printers.
Note: Documentation links are provided for reference and may open on the manufacturer's website.
