The Ultimate Fargo Series ID Card Printer Comparison

In the world of ID card printing, Fargo is an industry leading brand with a stellar reputation. However, within the Fargo universe there are still multiple options that can make selecting the right printer difficult for those new to the conversation. Whether you are your organization’s procurement specialist looking to impress with your first major purchase or an owner/operator simply looking for the best option, we’ll walk you through some of the basic comparisons. In this article we’ll be looking at the Fargo DTC1500, Fargo HDP5000, and the Fargo HDP5600. So let’s jump right in.

Quality Printing with every Fargo

First off, we should note that whatever Fargo printer you choose, you’re going to get an elite product that produces top notch results. All three printers utilize colors of up to 16.7 million/256 shades per pixel. This gives you vibrant colors and amazing images. However, there is only one of the three printers that can claim the prize of top resolution. Both the Fargo DTC1500 and the Fargo HDP5000 can only print in 300 dpi with (11.8 dots per mm.) The Fargo HDP5600, on the other hand, can print in 600 dpi with 23.6 dots per mm.

The bottom line is that with the Fargo HDP5600 produces superior imagery and cleaner text. If your organization values the aesthetics or simply needs clear and concise text for quick identification, the HDP5600 would be your best bet. However, don’t forget that both the Fargo HDP5000 and the DTC1500 produce amazing imagery as well. It’s just that the HDP5600 is king of the hill when it comes to print quality.

Printing Technology

One of the next aspects to consider when comparing the three printers would be the printing technology itself. Here, the DTC1500 stands out from the HDP5000 and HDP5600. The Fargo DTC1500 is a direct to card printer that utilizes dye sublimation and resin thermal transfer technology. This means the printhead comes into direct contact with the card which can allow for more wear and tear. However, the speeds are amazing as it can print a (YMCKOK) card in just 24 seconds.

Meanwhile, the HDP5000 and HDP5600 are reverse-transfer printers. They too use dye sublimation and resin thermal transfer, but the printhead never comes in contact with the card due to the reverse transfer process. It takes a reverse image and prints it on the underside of HDP film before fusing the film to the surface. This means there is less chance of debris collecting on the printhead which reduces the risk of damage.

Affordable and Guaranteed

Finally, let’s break down the price structure of each. The more affordable of the three would be the DTC1500. This is in part due to the features and technology. An “upgrade” would be considered the HDP5600. It simply allows for more features through its modular design. Meanwhile, the elite printer of the three would be the HDP5600 and it is priced accordingly.

Yet, all three printers are quality options and they are all given Fargo’s world class three year guarantee. However, the DTC1500 only guarantees the printhead for three years due to the direct contact that takes place. The HDP5000 and HDP5600 offer a lifetime warranty of the printhead. However, all three Fargo options are affordable, reliable and guaranteed. Don’t forget to check out the rest of your printing needs at IDSecurityOnline as we are your one-stop shop ID printing solution.