HID 55100 Fargo DTC4500e Dual Side Card Printer

HID 55100 Dual-Sided Card Printer with USB and Ethernet Connectivity

Overview

The HID 55100 is a base-model card printer engineered for credential issuance in security, access control, and identification environments. This dual-sided printing system combines USB and Ethernet connectivity to integrate seamlessly into networked deployment scenarios. Built for on-demand card production, the 55100 supports the credential lifecycle requirements common to enterprise access control, facility management, and visitor badge programs.

Key Features

• Dual-Sided Printing Capability: Print simultaneously on both sides of CR-80 format cards in a single pass, reducing production cycle time and increasing throughput efficiency.
• Base Model Configuration: Streamlined feature set optimized for standard credential applications without premium add-ons.
• Dual Connectivity: USB and Ethernet ports enable direct workstation connection or networked printer deployment across multiple issuance points.
• Non-Locking Hoppers: Standard input and output hoppers without locking mechanisms, suitable for controlled access environments.
• CR-80 Card Format Support: Standard credit-card-sized credential format (3.37 in × 2.13 in) compatible with ID card readers and access control systems.
• Three-Year Printer Warranty: Manufacturer warranty covering printer hardware for three years from purchase, reducing total cost of ownership and providing deployment confidence.

Integration & Compatibility

The HID 55100 integrates into credential issuance workflows alongside existing access control platforms and ID management systems. Ethernet connectivity allows the printer to function as a networked resource, enabling centralized management of card production across multiple facilities or departments. USB connectivity supports direct integration with issuance workstations running credential management software. The standard CR-80 format ensures compatibility with industry-standard card readers and magnetic stripe, contact, or contactless encoding options when paired with appropriate supplies and encoding modules.

Package Contents and Specifications

The HID 55100 ships as a complete base model printer system. The dual-sided printing engine supports standard dye-sublimation and thermal transfer ribbon technology, providing color capability for full-color badge design and branding. Maximum print speed reaches 150 cards per hour, delivering sufficient throughput for routine credential issuance operations. The printer accepts both single-sided and dual-sided card stocks, accommodating varied credential requirements without hardware reconfiguration.

Warranty coverage of three years provides manufacturer support for hardware defects and mechanical issues, reducing unexpected downtime costs during the critical initial deployment phase. The non-locking hopper design simplifies card loading and unloading procedures, suitable for environments where operator access to card supplies is managed through procedural controls rather than hardware restrictions.

Integration with HID credential management platforms and third-party identity platforms is supported through standard printer drivers and connectivity protocols. Organizations deploying the HID 55100 in multi-site environments benefit from centralized issuance management via Ethernet, reducing administrative overhead and improving credential production consistency across locations.

Ted Perry

The HID 55100 represents a straightforward, cost-effective entry point for organizations building credential issuance infrastructure. During deployment planning, this base model provides dual-sided printing and reliable throughput at 150 cards per hour, making it suitable for facilities issuing badges in typical business volumes without premium performance requirements.

Technical Highlights:

• Dual-Sided Printing: Single-pass dual-sided capability reduces card production time compared to sequential single-sided printing workflows.
• Network and Direct Connectivity: Both Ethernet and USB interfaces support flexible deployment—either as a shared networked printer or dedicated to a single issuance workstation.
• CR-80 Standard Format: Compatibility with industry-standard card readers ensures the 55100 integrates into existing access control ecosystems without additional hardware adaptation.
• Three-Year Warranty: Extended warranty period minimizes risk during the typical credential system lifecycle.

Deployment Considerations:

• The 55100 base model lacks advanced features such as locking hoppers; assess your physical security requirements for card supplies before ordering, and implement procedural controls if hardware-level hopper restrictions are necessary.
• Network deployment via Ethernet requires print queue management software and driver configuration; coordinate with IT operations to establish printer discovery, access policies, and credential issuance workflows.
• Maximum throughput of 150 cards per hour supports routine badge programs; if your facility issues credentials in higher volumes or during peak onboarding periods, evaluate usage patterns to confirm adequate capacity.

The HID 55100 delivers proven dual-sided printing reliability for credential issuance programs. The three-year warranty and standard CR-80 support provide confidence in long-term operational continuity. For facilities seeking efficient, straightforward credential production without proprietary locking features or premium performance requirements, the 55100 is a sound procurement choice.