Description
HID FARGO DTC4500e Single-Sided ID Card Printer – 55020 with Locking Hoppers
The HID FARGO DTC4500e 55020 is a professional, high-capacity single-sided ID card printer with locking card hoppers, USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity. Designed for secure employee badge printing, access control credentials, student identification and high-volume card issuance, this direct-to-card printer combines advanced security with dependable performance.
Featuring locking dual-input card hoppers, a 200-card input capacity, fast full-color printing and upgradeable functionality, the FARGO 55020 is an excellent choice for organizations that need professional identification cards while controlling access to blank card inventory.
- Single-sided direct-to-card printer
- Locking dual-input and output card hoppers
- USB 2.0 and Ethernet network connectivity
- 200-card total input capacity; 100-card output capacity
- Full-color and monochrome ID card printing
- No magnetic stripe or smart card encoder included
Printer-only configuration. Card design software, ribbons, blank cards and optional encoding modules are not represented as included unless separately specified.
Key Features & Benefits
- Single-Sided Printing: Professional edge-to-edge color ID cards.
- Locking Card Hoppers: Help restrict unauthorized access to blank and printed credentials.
- Dual-Input Capacity: Holds up to 200 cards for efficient batch production.
- USB & Ethernet: Flexible local and network printer connections.
- Fast Printing: Up to 225 full-color YMCKO cards per hour.
- High-Quality Output: Up to 300 x 600 dpi optimized printing.
- SmartScreen Display: User-friendly printer status and operating prompts.
- Security Features: Supports AES-256 data encryption and password protection.
- Expandable Design: Optional encoding, lamination and dual-sided printing upgrades.
- FARGO Workbench: Printer diagnostics and maintenance capabilities.
Ideal Applications
- Corporate Identification: Employee photo ID badges and contractor credentials.
- Access Control: Printed identification on compatible printable proximity and smart cards.
- Educational Institutions: Student, faculty and staff ID cards.
- Government Facilities: Secure employee and visitor identification.
- Healthcare: Staff identification and hospital personnel badges.
- Membership Programs: Loyalty cards and membership identification.
- Multi-Department Operations: Network-connected badge production.
- High-Volume Issuance: Batch printing for larger organizations.
Locking input and output hoppers provide an additional layer of physical security for organizations handling sensitive identification cards. This feature is especially useful when multiple employees share an ID card printing workstation.
FARGO DTC4500e 55020 Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | HID Global / FARGO |
| Part Number | 55020 / 055020 |
| Printer Model | DTC4500e |
| Printing Method | Dye-sublimation / resin thermal transfer |
| Printing Configuration | Single-sided; dual-sided upgrade available |
| Resolution | 300 x 300 dpi; up to 300 x 600 dpi optimized |
| Full-Color Print Speed | Approximately 16 seconds/card (YMCKO), up to 225 cards/hour |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 and Ethernet |
| Input Capacity | 200 cards total, dual-input hopper |
| Output Capacity | 100 cards |
| Hopper Security | Locking input/output hoppers included |
| Card Size | CR80 standard card, 3.375 x 2.125 inches (85.6 x 54 mm); select CR79 adhesive cards |
| Card Materials | Compatible PVC and composite cards |
| Encoding | Not included; optional encoding upgrades |
| Printer Warranty | 3-year HID limited manufacturer warranty |
| Printhead Warranty | 3-year HID limited manufacturer warranty |
Compare HID FARGO ID Card Printers
Choosing the right FARGO ID card printer depends on your printing volume, security requirements and expansion needs. The DTC4500e stands out for its high-capacity dual-input hoppers and optional physical card security.
| Feature | DTC1250e | DTC1500 | DTC4500e 55020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Direct-to-card | Direct-to-card | Direct-to-card |
| Max. Full-Color Speed | 225 cards/hr | 225 cards/hr | 225 cards/hr |
| Input Hopper Capacity | 100 cards | 100 cards | 200 cards |
| Locking Hoppers | Not listed as option | Not listed as option | Included on 55020 |
| Dual-Sided Printing | Optional | Optional | Upgradeable |
| Lamination | Not supported | Optional, single-sided | Optional, single or dual |
| Printer Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
Comparison represents manufacturer model capabilities. Optional functions vary by part number and configuration.
HID FARGO DTC4500e Manufacturer Warranty
The HID FARGO DTC4500e is backed by a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty on the printer and a 3-year limited warranty on the printhead, measured from the original purchase date and subject to HID's warranty terms.
- 3-year limited printer warranty
- 3-year limited printhead warranty
- Coverage subject to manufacturer requirements, approved supplies and exclusions
- Manufacturer service and support subject to applicable warranty policies
For full coverage information, visit HID's Official Secure Issuance Warranty Policy.
HID Manufacturer Documents & Resources
- HID FARGO DTC4500e User Guide (PDF) – Official printer installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting documentation.
- HID FARGO DTC4500e Product Specifications – Official model specifications, features and comparison information.
- HID Manufacturer Warranty Terms – Complete printer and printhead warranty coverage.
- HID FARGO DTC4500e Windows Driver – Official manufacturer driver download and compatibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FARGO 55020 include locking hoppers?
Yes. This specific configuration includes locking card input and output hoppers for additional physical card security.
Can the DTC4500e print proximity and smart cards?
Yes. The printer can print on compatible printable PVC and composite credentials, including suitable proximity and smart cards. RFID or magnetic encoding requires an appropriate optional encoder.
Can this single-sided printer be upgraded?
Yes. The DTC4500e modular platform supports optional dual-sided printing, encoding and lamination capabilities. Contact ID Enhancements to confirm upgrade compatibility and availability.
Does this model support network printing?
Yes. Part number 55020 includes both USB and Ethernet connectivity for local or network-connected card issuance.
How many cards does the FARGO DTC4500e hold?
The dual-input hopper accommodates up to 200 cards total, with an output capacity of up to 100 cards.
Does printer part number 55020 include ID card software?
This is a printer-only configuration. Card design software and additional supplies should be selected separately unless explicitly included in the seller's package.
Whether you are replacing an existing photo ID card printer, expanding your employee badge program or introducing secure credential issuance, the HID FARGO DTC4500e 55020 with locking hoppers delivers a dependable combination of printing capacity, security and flexibility. ID Enhancements can help you select compatible ribbons, printable credentials and accessories for your identification program.
