I've been an ID Professional here at ID Wholesaler for over five years, and I've helped
many a customer – from novice to expert users and everything in between – find the optimal ID card printer or system for their specific needs.
Based on many of the requirements I've discussed with my customers, a printer that often fits the bill for both smaller printing programs and larger, more complex printing applications is the direct-to-card Fargo DTC4500e printer. It’s one of the most versatile printers available. It’s designed to be in the printing game for the long haul; it’s truly a dependable workhorse!
Mat's Point of View: Most Outstanding & Notable Printer Features
- Longevity – With a built-to-last lifecycle, the DTC4500e allows for flexibility that lets companies to “grow into” the printer if a company anticipates expansion or if security requirements change over time.
- Scalability – These printers can be “chained” together, meaning that you can have several printers running simultaneously or on a network in multiple locations for a dramatic increase in capacity and productivity. You can also align input and output hoppers on the same side of the printer, making it perfect for smaller spaces on an office desk or table.
- Overall performance and features – This printer offers an exceptionally quiet operation coupled with an LCD panel that displays clear messages, so you always know what’s going on at-a-glance (e.g., ribbons need changing, empty card hopper, card jams, etc.). Its larger ribbon capacity equates to a lower cost per card, so it’s efficient and effective on the budget.
- Unparalleled warranty coverage – The DTC4500e boasts a 3-year printer and printhead warranty that includes one no-questions-asked printhead replacement and one year of loaner coverage to ensure you won’t be without a printer if an issue arises, your card production schedule won’t be impacted.
Mat's Recommended Upgrades
What I like most about the DTC4500e is that it offers a variety of upgrades that enable your card issuance program to evolve as your business does. Best of all, the upgrades are field-installable and don’t require sending the printer to a service provider or manufacturer, saving valuable production time and resources. A number of other optional upgrades you’re able to make to the DTC4500e include:
- Single-side and dual-side lamination can be added to extend the life of ID cards and can add a layer of security when holographic images are used. The laminator is also stackable, taking up little horizontal space.
- Dual-Sided printing can give you more flexibility. It allows you to add things like mission statements, emergency step, instructions if a lost card is found, etc.
- Encoding modules provide for magnetic stripe, proximity, and contact and/or contactless technology cards like MIFARE, DESFire, and iClass, making this printer ideal for a wide range of access control and other applications.
- Upgrade from standard high-speed USB or Ethernet to Wifi or add it when the printer is purchased for increased operational convenience.
- In addition to using optional fluorescent ribbons for higher security UV printing, the DTC4500e has lockable input hoppers to prevent theft, forgery, and counterfeiting. Two dual 100-card input hoppers allowing for total card printing flexibility which means you can put visitor cards in one hopper and security cards in the other hopper.
If you're new to ID card printing, many of the customers I've worked with have really benefited from taking a training session with our in-house Tech Support team. Whatever your training needs are, your session can be customized based on your requirements. Learn more>>