What is a Fargo Printer and How Does It Work?

Identification has become essential in everyday spaces be it offices, schools, hospitals, or event venues. 

From employee badges to student ID cards and access passes, having a reliable way to create secure and professional-looking cards is now a basic requirement for many organisations.

This is where Fargo printers step in. In this blog, we’ll explore what Fargo printers are, how they work, the technologies they use, and how to pick the right model for your specific requirements.

What is a Fargo Printer?

Fargo is a leading brand of ID card printers developed by HID Global, a global leader in secure identity solutions. Fargo printers are known for producing high-quality plastic ID cards and badges that are durable, secure, and professional-looking.

From simple employee IDs to smart cards with embedded technology like RFID chips or magnetic stripes, Fargo printers are designed to handle a range of card printing needs. They’re used worldwide in corporate environments, schools, hospitals, government agencies, and more.

Key Features of Fargo Printers

Some standout features that make Fargo printers popular include:

• High-definition printing (HDP): Delivers superior print quality with vibrant colours and fine details.
  

• Edge-to-edge and over-the-edge printing: Ensures no white borders or unprinted areas on the card.
  

• Secure encoding options: Magnetic stripe encoding, smart card encoding, and contactless encoding are available.
  

• Durability and reliability: Fargo printers are known for long-term performance and high-duty cycles.
  

• Modular design: Easily upgradable with add-ons like dual-sided printing or lamination modules.
  
  

How Does a Fargo Printer Work?

To understand how a Fargo printer works, it helps to break down the technology behind it. There are two primary types of Fargo printers: Direct-to-Card (DTC) and High-Definition Printing (HDP).

1. Direct-to-Card (DTC) Printing

DTC printers, like the Fargo DTC1250e or DTC4250e, print images directly onto the surface of the card.

How it works:

• A ribbon cartridge with panels (e.g., YMCKO – Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black, Overlay) is loaded into the printer.
  

• The printer uses a thermal printhead to apply heat to the ribbon panels. This transfers dye from the ribbon to the plastic card.
  

• The card passes under each ribbon panel in turn, and the image or text is transferred.
  

• A final overlay panel (O) adds a transparent protective coating to enhance durability.
  
  

Pros of DTC:

• Faster print speeds.
  

• Lower cost per card.
  

• Ideal for simple ID applications.
  
  

Limitations:

• Slightly lower image quality compared to HDP.
  

• May struggle with printing over uneven surfaces like embedded chips.
  
  

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2. High-Definition Printing (HDP)

HDP printers, such as the Fargo HDP5000 or HDP6600, use a more advanced method called reverse transfer printing.

How it works:

• Instead of printing directly onto the card, the printer first prints the image onto a clear film (called HDP film).
  

• The film is then fused onto the surface of the card using heat and pressure.
  

• This process results in edge-to-edge printing with no white borders, even over irregular surfaces.
  
  

Advantages of HDP:

• Superior image quality and vibrant colours.
  

• More durable cards, with higher resistance to fading or tampering.
  

• Can print over smart card chips and embedded features seamlessly.
  
  

Downsides:

• Slightly higher cost per card.
  

• Slower print times compared to DTC.
  
  

What Types of Cards Can You Print with Fargo?

Fargo printers are highly versatile. You can print:

• Employee ID cards
  

• Access control cards
  

• Student ID cards
  

• Government-issued IDs
  

• Membership or loyalty cards
  

• Visitor badges
  

• Healthcare cards
  

• Transport or fare cards
  
  

They also support encoding technologies like:

• Magnetic stripe encoding
  

• Smart card (contact and contactless)
  

• Proximity card technology (e.g., HID iCLASS or MIFARE)
  
  

Popular Fargo Printer Models

Here are some of the most popular models available today:

1. Fargo DTC1250e 

Check this out here

Type: Direct-to-Card (DTC) 

Best for: Small offices, schools, and membership organisations

Key Features:

• Fast, reliable single or dual-sided printing
  

• Compact design for limited workspace
  

• Easy-to-use interface
  

• Optional magnetic stripe or smart card encoding
  
  

Why choose it?
Great for low-to-medium volume card printing with minimal setup. Perfect for institutions looking for an affordable yet high-performing ID card printer.

2. Fargo HDP6600 with Laminator 

Check this out here

Type: High-Definition Printing (HDP) with integrated lamination

Best for: Large enterprises, government programs, and institutions needing secure, long-lasting cards

Key Features:

• Dual-sided printing with superior image quality
  

• Built-in lamination for increased card life and tamper resistance
  

• Fastest throughput in its class—up to 230 cards/hour
  

• Energy-efficient with GreenCircle certification
  

• Optional modules for smart card and magnetic stripe encoding
  
  

Why choose it?

The HDP6600 is a high-performance powerhouse designed for high-volume, high-security environments. Its lamination feature ensures that every card lasts longer and resists tampering, making it ideal for organisations that can’t afford compromises in card quality or durability.

Maintenance and Supplies

To keep your Fargo printer performing optimally, you’ll need:

• Ribbons: Available in colour (YMCKO), monochrome, or specialty versions.
  

• Cleaning kits: Maintain the printhead and rollers to prevent dust buildup.
  

• Blank cards: Choose PVC, composite, or eco-friendly materials.
  

• Software: Fargo printers work with Asure ID, CardPresso, or EasyBadge to design and manage card templates.
  
  

Regular maintenance ensures longer printer life and better print results.

Why Choose Fargo?

Here’s why thousands of organisations trust Fargo printers:

• Unmatched print quality

• Reliable performance even under high loads

• Secure card options for ID, access control, and more

• Easy integration with existing security systems

• Scalable options to grow with your organisation

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re printing ID cards for a school, badges for a conference, or smart cards for a secure facility, Fargo printers offer the perfect blend of quality, reliability, and scalability. With options ranging from basic single-sided printers to advanced HDP models with encoding and lamination, there’s a Fargo printer for every need.

Looking to get started with professional ID card printing? Head over to Myoffice to explore our range of Fargo printers and accessories to help you make the best choice.

 

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