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Deal.ai › Printers
Fargo
Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer

Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer

5(7 ratings)

Best price now

$2,818.00at DirectDialChecked 11 h ago

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Price facts

  • Lowest price today: $2,818.00 at DirectDial (checked Nov 10, 2026).
  • Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer

The Fargo DTC4500E is a desktop ID card printer that combines dye-sublimation color printing with thermal transfer for monochrome text and barcodes. It is built for moderate-volume badge programs such as schools, clinics and corporate security desks, printing single- and double-sided cards with an optional LCD display and USB connection. Compared with entry-level card printers, it offers faster throughput and more encoding and lamination options, but it is a larger, heavier unit that costs more to run than small single-purpose badge printers. Buyers choose it when they need durable, photo-quality ID cards in-house rather than outsourced.

Best forSchools and universities issuing student IDsClinics and hospitals printing staff badgesCorporate security and access-control desksOrganizations needing photo-quality ID cards in-house
Pros
  • Dye-sublimation output gives sharp photos and full-color graphics
  • Thermal transfer handles crisp monochrome text and barcodes
  • Supports single- and double-sided card printing
  • Optional LCD display simplifies setup and status checks
  • Expandable with encoding and lamination modules
  • Sturdy desktop build for steady daily badge volume
Cons
  • Ribbons and card stock add ongoing running costs
  • USB-only connectivity; no built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi
  • Bulkier and heavier than compact entry-level card printers
  • Requires driver and software setup before first card
  • Print quality depends on using matched Fargo ribbons

Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer prices at every store

  • DirectDialNew

    In stock

    $2,818.00Checked 11 h ago
    Visit DirectDial
  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $4,759.99Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Staples

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer price history

Lowest price we've seen: $2,818.00 on Nov 10 at DirectDial. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

Owners of the DTC4500E generally describe it as a reliable workhorse for in-house ID programs, with good photo quality and solid mono printing. Complaints center on running costs and the setup effort needed to get drivers and card design software working.

What people mention
  • Print qualityPraisedOwners say color photos and graphics come out sharp and true to the design.
  • ReliabilityPraisedReviewers describe steady operation across repeated badge batches.
  • Running costsCriticisedBuyers note that ribbons and card stock make each card cost more than expected.
  • SetupMixedSome find driver and software installation straightforward, others call it fiddly.
  • ConnectivityCriticisedThe base unit is USB-only, so shared network printing needs extra work.

Specifications

Ink Type
Dye Sublimation
Color Output
Color
Connectivity
USB
Color
Black
Color Printer
YesSource
Print Type
ThermalSource

Questions and answers

Is the Fargo DTC4500E good for printing employee ID cards?
Yes. It handles photo-quality color on the front and monochrome text or barcodes on the back, which suits standard corporate badges. It is built for moderate daily volume rather than very high-throughput production.
Does it print double-sided cards?
The DTC4500E supports dual-sided printing, so it can put a photo on one side and data or a barcode on the other. Confirm the configuration you buy includes the duplex option.
What connectivity does it offer?
The base configuration connects over USB. There is no built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi, so network sharing requires a print server or a connected host computer.
What consumables does it use?
It uses dye-sublimation and thermal transfer ribbons matched to Fargo's card printer line, plus standard CR80-style PVC cards. Using third-party ribbons can affect color and reliability.
Can it encode magnetic stripe or smart cards?
Encoding modules are available as options on the DTC4500E line. Check that the specific unit includes the encoder you need for access control or payment cards.
How does it compare with entry-level card printers?
It prints faster, supports more options and handles steadier volume than compact entry-level models. In return it is larger, heavier and carries higher consumable costs.
Where is the Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer cheapest?
At DirectDial, for $2,818.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer?
Rated 5 out of 5 from 7 ratings.
Where can I buy the Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer?
2 stores we checked sell it, including Staples, DirectDial.

Stores we've priced the Fargo DTC4500E Dye Sublimation-Thermal Transfer Printer at

  • DirectDial deals and prices
  • staples.com deals and prices
Display
YesSource