HID 055140 DTC4500e Dual-Side ID Card Printer with Contactless Encoder
The HID 055140 DTC4500e is a color plastic card printer engineered for high-volume credential production in security, access control, and identity management environments. This wired printer combines dual-side printing capability with integrated contactless encoding—supporting both iCLASS and MIFARE/DESFire card technologies—making it a complete solution for organizations requiring simultaneous issuance of printed and encoded credentials.
Overview
Purpose-built for security integrators and enterprise credential programs, the DTC4500e model 055140 delivers production-grade throughput and reliability. The system operates over USB and Ethernet connectivity, enabling flexible deployment in centralized or distributed issuance workflows. Print resolution of 300 dpi ensures sharp, durable card designs suitable for long-term identity and access applications.
Key Features
- Dual-Side Printing: Full-color printing on both sides of standard ID cards in a single operation, reducing production time and handling
- Contactless Encoding: Integrated OMNIKEY 5122 encoder supports both iCLASS (HID proprietary) and MIFARE/DESFire (ISO 14443 Type A/B) credential types, enabling multi-technology issuance without separate encoding station
- Print Speed Options: Up to 225 cards/hour (YMCKO), 150 cards/hour (YMCKOK), 450 cards/hour (black best), or 600 cards/hour (black fast) depending on color model and job configuration
- Print Resolution: 300 dpi maximum black and white resolution delivers crisp graphics, photographs, and security features
- Connectivity: Both USB and Ethernet interfaces support direct connection to workstations or network integration within existing credential management infrastructure
- Color Output: CMYK or CMYK with overlay (K) ribbon configurations enable full-color front printing with optional security overlays or monochrome back-side imprinting
- Wired Architecture: Eliminates wireless connectivity complexity for secure, stable operation in controlled issuance environments
- Plastic Card Media: Compatible with standard CR-80 card stock used across ID badge, access card, and payment card programs
Integration and Compatibility
The DTC4500e model 055140 integrates with existing access control and identity management platforms through standard card encoding protocols. iCLASS support ensures compatibility with HID reader infrastructure, while MIFARE/DESFire encoding accommodates multi-vendor access control systems using ISO standards-compliant credentials. USB and Ethernet connectivity allows direct integration with credential issuance software and databases, eliminating manual encoding steps and reducing issuance errors.
Dual-side printing capability and embedded encoder consolidate what traditionally required separate printer and encoding stations, reducing footprint, operator training, and operational overhead. Organizations can issue fully personalized, dual-sided credentials with contactless technology embedded in a single device.
Technical Specifications
Print Performance: Maximum monochrome speed of 600 cards/hour (black fast mode); variable speeds for full-color and overlay configurations range from 150 to 450 cards/hour depending on ribbon selection.
Output Quality: 300 dpi maximum resolution ensures legibility and security feature clarity across photographic, text, and barcode elements.
Encoder Technology: OMNIKEY 5122 contactless encoder built into the device; supports both HID iCLASS and ISO 14443 Type A/B standards including MIFARE and DESFire card families.
Media Handling: Plastic card printer designed for CR-80 standard card stock; dual-side imaging in single pass.
Connectivity: Wired USB and Ethernet interfaces; no wireless components.
Power and Deployment: Desktop-form-factor system suitable for centralized issuance facilities or department-level credential programs.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've evaluated the HID 055140 DTC4500e during several large-scale badge issuance projects, and this printer strikes a practical balance between production speed and encoding flexibility. The integrated OMNIKEY 5122 encoder eliminates the need for a separate encoding workstation, which streamlines workflows considerably when you're issuing mixed credential types across an organization.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual-Encoding Support: iCLASS and MIFARE/DESFire encoding in one device removes the operational complexity of maintaining separate printer and encoder hardware or managing compatibility between card types.
- Speed Across Modes: The 600 cards/hour black-only throughput is useful for rush monochrome badge runs; YMCKO full-color at 225 cards/hour is realistic for mixed issuance environments where you're balancing color depth with production time.
Deployment Considerations:
- Network Integration: Ethernet connectivity allows you to centralize the printer within your credential management database environment, reducing manual card handling and enabling audit trails for card issuance.
- Ribbon and Media Costs: Plan for consumables budget around ribbon selection—YMCKO versus YMCKOK configurations impact card cost per unit and color matching with your badge design templates.
For security integrators managing multi-site access control rollouts or enterprise credential programs with mixed HID and ISO 14443 reader infrastructure, the 055140 is a reliable choice. The dual-side printing and embedded encoder mean fewer devices to support and faster credential delivery to end users.
