HID 55408 DTC4500e Dual-Side Card Printer-Encoder
Overview
The HID 55408 DTC4500e is a professional-grade dual-side card printer-encoder designed for high-volume credential issuance in enterprise access control deployments. This unit combines printing and encoding functionality into a single platform, enabling security integrators and IT managers to issue fully personalized smart cards and magnetic stripe credentials on-site. The integrated Omnikey 5127 encoder provides standards-based smart card encoding, supporting common credential formats across enterprise identity infrastructures.
Built for distributed issuance scenarios, the 55408 accommodates single-sided lamination (SS LAM) for card protection and durability in high-traffic environments. Organizations leveraging HID's iCLASS, MIFARE, or contact-based card ecosystems can streamline credential lifecycle management by centralizing printing, encoding, and personalization workflows.
Key Features
- Dual-Side Printing: Simultaneous front and back card surface printing for complete personalization and security feature integration in a single pass
- Integrated Omnikey 5127 Encoder: On-board smart card encoding eliminates external encoder dependencies and reduces credential issuance bottlenecks
- Single-Sided Lamination (SS LAM): Protective overlay on one card surface extends card lifespan and provides tamper resistance for photo IDs and secured credentials
- Enterprise-Grade Construction: Designed for high-throughput issuance operations and daily deployment in security integrator shops and enterprise card centers
- Standards-Based Encoding: Omnikey 5127 compatibility ensures support for ISO 14443 Type A/B, ISO 15693, and contact card protocols common in enterprise access control
- Simplified Workflow Integration: Reduces credential issuance cycle time by combining print, encode, and personalization in one compact device
Integration & Compatibility
The HID 55408 integrates seamlessly with existing HID credential ecosystems, supporting both contact and contactless smart card formats. The Omnikey 5127 encoder handles standard ISO encoding protocols, enabling compatibility with enterprise identity management platforms that issue HID iCLASS SE, iCLASS+, and MIFARE-based credentials. Security integrators can incorporate the 55408 into badge issuance workflows for physical access control, guest management, and employee credential programs.
Direct USB and network connectivity allows the printer-encoder to operate within card issuance software environments, supporting rapid turnaround credential production for high-volume deployments. Single-sided lamination protects printed surfaces against wear and environmental exposure, maintaining card readability and security features over extended operational periods.
Typical Applications
- Enterprise badge issuance and on-site credential production
- Physical access control credential personalization and encoding
- Government, healthcare, and financial services ID programs
- Visitor and contractor badge management systems
- Distributed issuance in multi-site enterprise deployments
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The HID 55408 addresses a critical operational need in enterprise credential programs: the ability to print, encode, and personalize cards in-house without managing separate equipment. During planning phases for badge issuance systems, integrators consistently face throughput and turnaround pressures. The dual-side printing capability eliminates the need for multiple passes or secondary equipment, compressing issuance time and reducing operational overhead.
Technical Highlights:
- Integrated Encoding: The Omnikey 5127 encoder embedded in the 55408 handles ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 card formats, supporting HID's smart card credential line without requiring external encoder hardware
- Dual-Side Production: Front and back printing in a single pass improves throughput and ensures consistent personalization across high-volume credential runs
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify your card design templates and issuance software support the DTC4500e driver set before deployment to ensure seamless integration
- Single-sided lamination protects against card edge wear; plan lamination coverage to maximize durability in high-traffic credential environments
For enterprise credential programs and distributed issuance operations, the 55408 delivers practical efficiency gains. Consolidating print and encode functions reduces space footprint, simplifies staff training, and accelerates credential turnaround in access control deployments.
