HID FARGO HDP5000e: The Pinnacle of High-Definition Card Printing
In the ever-evolving landscape of secure identification, the demand for superior card printing solutions that deliver exceptional quality, durability, and security is paramount. HID Global, a recognized leader in secure identity solutions, has once again raised the bar with the introduction of the HID FARGO HDP5000e card printer. Building upon the legacy of its predecessor, the HDP5000, the HDP5000e incorporates a host of enhancements designed to redefine the standards of card printing.
Unmatched Print Quality and Versatility
The HID FARGO HDP5000e sets a new standard for print quality, producing vibrant, edge-to-edge images that are remarkably sharp and clear. Whether you need to print intricate designs, high-resolution photographs, or crisp text, this printer ensures your cards will make a lasting impression. The HDP5000e, with its high-resolution printing capabilities and advanced color management, guarantees that even the most subtle details are reproduced with exceptional precision. The printer also supports over-the-edge printing on CR-80 cards, allowing you to maximize the printable area and create visually stunning cards.
Enhanced Security for Uncompromised Protection
In an age where security breaches are a constant threat, safeguarding sensitive cardholder data is of utmost importance. The HDP5000e is equipped with a comprehensive suite of robust security features to protect your organization and your cardholders.
Key Security Features:
- Resin scramble data protection: This unique feature adds an extra layer of security by scrambling and concealing any information printed with a resin panel. Used ribbon panels are rendered indecipherable, safeguarding cardholder data from fraudulent use.
- AES-256 data encryption: Encrypted print job data packets further protect sensitive cardholder data while in transit, guaranteeing data integrity and authentication to the final issuance endpoint.
- Password protection: Control access to the printer and its settings with password authentication.
- Physical locks: Optional physical locks for card hoppers and consumables access provide an additional layer of physical security.
- Lamination capabilities: Add an extra layer of security and durability to your cards with optional lamination modules.
User-Centric Design for Effortless Operation
The HDP5000e is designed with the user in mind, prioritizing simplicity and minimizing downtime. Its intuitive interface and high-definition color touchscreen display make navigating settings, monitoring print jobs, and troubleshooting issues a breeze. The printer also features a modular design for quick and easy maintenance, ensuring maximum uptime. The cartridge-based system for ribbons, HDP film, and overlaminates further streamlines the user experience, allowing for quick and easy replenishment of consumables.
Environmentally Responsible Performance
HID Global is committed to sustainability, and the HDP5000e reflects this commitment. The printer is ENERGY STAR® certified, signifying its lower power consumption and reduced environmental impact. It also utilizes eco-friendly print ribbons and recyclable card materials, further minimizing its carbon footprint.
A Quantum Leap from Previous Generations
While the HDP5000e builds upon the success of its predecessor, it introduces several key enhancements that set it apart:
- Faster print speeds: Boost productivity with significantly faster printing times, particularly beneficial for high-volume applications. The HDP5000e boasts a print speed of up to 133 cards per hour (YMCK with transfer), a marked improvement over the HDP5000.
- Improved card handling: Minimize card jams and misfeeds with enhanced card handling mechanisms, including an advanced card type selector that automatically adjusts settings based on the card type.
- Expanded connectivity options: Connect the printer to your network seamlessly with Ethernet and USB connectivity. The HDP5000e also supports IPv6 and SNMPv3 for enhanced network management and security.
- Enhanced software integration: Easily integrate the printer into your existing card issuance system. The printer is fully compatible with HID’s cloud-based card issuance platform, HID FARGO Connect.
- Enhanced color profile: Enjoy more vibrant and accurate color reproduction on your printed cards.
- High-definition display: The upgraded OLED display offers improved readability and a more user-friendly experience.
- Power switch: Conveniently control the printer’s power state without unplugging the power cord.
- Easy-to-clean exterior: The sleek and smooth exterior simplifies maintenance and keeps the printer looking professional.
- Cable protection: Reinforced connection points protect cables and prevent damage to the main board.
- Multi-pass functionality (coming soon): Apply additional film layers for enhanced card durability and security.
HDP5000e Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Print Method | HDP Dye-Sublimation / Resin Thermal Transfer |
| Resolution | 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm) |
| Colors | Up to 16.7 million / 256 shades per pixel |
| Print Speed (Batch Mode) | Up to 27 seconds per card/ 133 cards per hour (YMCK with transfer) Up to 33 seconds per card/ 109 cards per hour (YMCKK with transfer) |
| Accepted Standard Card Sizes | CR-80 (3.370” L x 2.125” W / 85.6 mm L x 54 mm W) |
| Accepted Card Thickness | 0.030” (30 mil) to 0.050” (50 mil) / 0.762 mm to 1.27 mm |
| Input Card Cartridge Capacity | 100 cards (0.030” / 0.762mm) – Optional dual input hopper or 200-card input hopper available |
| Output Hopper Card Capacity | 200 cards (0.030” / 0.762 mm) |
| Software Drivers | Windows® 10 / 11 / Server 2016 / Server 2019 / Server 2022 |
| Warranty | Printer – Three years including one year of free printer loaner support Printhead – Lifetime; unlimited card passes |
Comparison with Other HDP Printers
The HID FARGO HDP5000e, while inheriting the core strengths of its predecessor, the HDP5000, introduces several noteworthy advancements in its technical specifications that contribute to its enhanced performance and user experience. Let’s delve deeper into these improvements:
| Feature | HDP6600 | HDP5000e | HDP5000 |
| Print Resolution | 600 dpi | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Print Speed (YMCK with transfer) | Up to 230 cards per hour | Up to 133 cards per hour | Up to 124 cards per hour |
| Input Hopper Capacity | 100 cards | 100 cards (200-card optional) | 100 cards |
| Dual Hopper Capability | Yes | Coming Soon | Yes |
| Display | LCD | OLED | LCD |
| Ethernet Speed | 10/100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps |
| IPv6 Support | Yes | Yes | No |
| SNMPv3 Support | Yes | Yes | No |
| Multi-pass Functionality | No | Coming Soon | No |
| Enhanced Color Profile | – | Yes | No |
| Advanced Card Type Selector | – | Yes | No |
| Power Switch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Easy-to-clean Exterior | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cable Protection | – | Yes | No |
| Fluorescent Panel Ribbon (UV Printing) | Yes | Coming Soon | Yes |
| Ribbon Loading | Drawer | Cartridge | Cartridge |
| Password Protect | No | No | Yes |
| GreenCircle® Certified | Yes | No | No |
As the table illustrates, the HDP5000e strikes a balance between the high-resolution printing of the HDP6600 and the affordability of the HDP5000. It offers enhanced features
What ribbons and consumables are available
The HID FARGO HDP5000e currently supports YMCK and YMCKK full-color ribbons. Additional ribbon options, including YMC (full-color) and YMCFK (full-color with fluorescing panels), and K (premium resin black), are slated to become available in early 2025. The printer also uses the same overlaminates as other HDP models, and a high secure holographic HDP film is available for order, though driver support is pending for 2025. Notably, the HDP5000e’s consumables, such as ribbons and film, are backward compatible with the HDP5000 and HDP5600 models, offering flexibility for users transitioning between models.
| Consumable Type | Specific Consumable | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon | YMC – Full-color ribbon | Coming Soon (Early 2025) |
| Ribbon | YMCK – Full-color ribbon w/resin black panel | Available Now |
| Ribbon | YMCKK – Full-color ribbon w/resin black panel | Available Now |
| Ribbon | YMCFK – Full-color ribbon with resin black and dye-based, fluorescing panels | Coming Soon (Early 2025) |
| Ribbon | K – Premium resin black ribbon | Coming Soon (Early 2025) |
| HDP Film | Standard high secure holographic HDP film | Coming Soon (2025) |
| Overlaminates | * The HDP5000e uses the same overlaminates as the HDP5000, HDP5600, and HDP8500 | Available Now |
| Overlaminates | * HDP5000e lamination module | Expected in 2025 |
Our Conclusion of the FARGO HDP5000e
The HID FARGO HDP5000e undoubtedly pushes the boundaries of high-definition card printing, setting a new standard with its exceptional print quality, robust security features, and intuitive operation. It’s a powerful solution that caters to diverse needs, from employee badges to government credentials. While it’s exciting to see HID Global’s innovation in action, it’s worth noting that some features, like lamination and multi-pass functionality, are still in the pipeline. However, the HDP5000e’s current capabilities, combined with its future potential, make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking to elevate their card issuance programs. As always, remember to use genuine HID Secure Materials to ensure optimal performance and maintain your warranty. The future of secure card printing looks bright with the HDP5000e leading the way.
Sources and related content
The information presented in this article has been compiled from a variety of sources, including official product documentation and technical specifications.
HID FARGO HDP5000e Consumables Specification Sheet
HID FARGO HDP5000e Specification Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the HDP5000e become commercially available?
A limited quantity of HDP5000e single- and dual-side printer configurations became available in August of 2024. The printer’s official launch date (official commercial availability date) is September 18, 2024. Optional configurations such as those that include lamination, a dual input card hopper and/or physical locks are anticipated to be available in 2025.
What is the HID® FARGO® HDP5000e?
Ideal for government agencies, universities, medium-to-large businesses and healthcare facilities who desire reliable, hassle-free, retransfer printing to routinely issue secure and durable, high-quality cards and IDs, look no further than the FARGO HDP5000e. Built on the rock-solid foundation of the renowned HDP5000 printer series and seven generations of proven retransfer technology over the last 25 years, the FARGO HDP5000e ID card printer emerges as the next iteration of this market-leading solution, poised to redefine the standards of reliability, usability and printing excellence. Crafted through a meticulous process of listening to feedback provided by our valued users, partners and internal stakeholders, the FARGO team has engineered a printer that not only maintains the exceptional quality of its predecessor but adds customer-inspired usability and performance gains. Key enhancements include: Increased card throughput, Higher definition display, Advanced color management and more vivid color profile, Updated electronics platform, Power switch, Backward-compatible consumables, Easy-clean exterior, Cable protection, Multi-pass support (coming 2025) Beyond its robust feature set, the HDP5000e simplifies and streamlines operation with its many usability enhancements. Its user-friendly SmartScreen interface provides easy-to-understand notifications and helpful, walk-through prompts for setup, maintenance and troubleshooting — making it easily accessible to virtually all skill levels. Only one card printer offers 7th generation retransfer technology for every need — from sharp and vibrant photo ID cards to multi-functional, high-security ID badge and card applications, the customer- inspired FARGO HDP5000e is the solution of choice for superior image quality, ease-of-use and printer reliability.
What is retransfer or HDP printing technology?
Using a reverse transfer (also known as retransfer) printing method, text and images are first printed onto a clear film. Through heat and pressure, the film is then “transferred” or fused to the surface of the card. Unlike direct-to-card (DTC™) printing methods, the printhead never comes into direct contact with the card surface. HID’s retransfer printing method is referred to as HDP® (High Definition Printing). HDP technology delivers the highest print quality possible. Images are sharper and text is more crisp than would be possible with DTC printing. HDP also enables over-the-edge printing (or full card coverage) — allowing the image to fill the entire white space of the card. An additional benefit of HDP printing is that it inherently provides an extra layer of both durability and security since the image on the underside of the film is fused directly to the card. Barring any additional visual security features and/or overlaminates, retransfer/HDP printed-cards are inherently more durable than DTC-printed cards because the retransfer/HDP film that is applied during the printing process acts as a natural barrier between text/images and the outside world. Cards produced by retransfer/HDP printing solutions are also more secure than other types of cards because they are inherently tamper- evident — if a counterfeiter tries to peel apart the layers (peel the printed film from the card’s surface), the image essentially destroys itself rendering the card unusable. Moreover – because HDP film is fused to the surfaces of proximity or smart cards, it conforms to ridges and indentations formed by the embedded electronics inside the card. As a result, images and text printed on the card do not suffer any irregularities.
Does the HDP5000e ship with a physical User’s Guide?
No. An electronic User’s Guide and the software toolkit are accessible via the driver package. However, a printed Quick Start Guide does accompany the printer.
What items are included with the base model single-sided printer or dual-sided printer?
A convenient Quick Start Guide, Power cords (US and EU), Warranty information sheet, USB Cable
How does the HID FARGO HDP5000e card printer fit within HID’s printer portfolio?
The FARGO HDP5000e joins other printers/encoders that comprise HID’s Professional Series of printers. The HDP5000e sets a new standard for the everyday retransfer card printing experience while the HDP6600 is HID’s workhorse retransfer solution:
- HDP5000e: Ideal for everyday retransfer printing where 600 dpi is not required
- HDP6600: Ideal as a workhorse retransfer printer for higher volume jobs/projects that require higher throughput speeds and/or may require 600 dpi
Will the FARGO HDP5000e replace any current FARGO printers?
Yes. As specific HDP5000e configurations become available, corresponding configurations of the HDP5000 will be discontinued. How it works:
The HDP5000e will be released in a phased rollout:
- Single and Dual-Sided Base Printers: Available Today! (As such, single- and dual-sided HDP5000 base printers will be discontinued as soon as current inventory has been depleted)
- Printers with Contactless Encoders: Pre-Order Today for October 2024 Delivery
- Printers with Lamination and Magnetic Encoders: Available Q1 2025
Once a specific HDP5000e configuration is available, it will effectively replace and discontinue the corresponding HDP5000 configuration. For example, once the base version of the single-sided HDP5000e is available, HID will discontinue the base version of the single-sided HDP5000 printer. HID will still offer HDP5000 printers with configurations not yet available in the HDP5000e (i.e., HDP5000e with encoders or lamination) until these configurations are available.
Does the FARGO SDK support the HDP5000e?
Yes. A new version of FARGO SDK (made available in August 2024) supports the HDP5000e card printer. It is also backwards compatible with other FARGO printers. For additional information, please contact your regional technical support team or visit the FARGO developer center at: https://sdk.hidglobal.com/developer-center/fargo
Are the HDP5000e printer firmware and driver compatible with the HDP5000 and HDP5600 printers?
No. The HDP5000e firmware and driver are not compatible with the HDP5000 printer nor the HDP5600 (now discontinued) printer.
Are HDP5000, HDP6600 or HDP8500 ribbon and film consumables compatible with the new HDP5000e?
No. HDP5000, HDP6600 and HDP8500 ribbon and film consumables are not compatible with the HDP5000e.
Are HDP5600 ribbon, film and overlaminate* consumables compatible with the new HDP5000e?
Yes. The HDP5000e uses the same ribbon, film and overlaminate* part numbers as that of the HDP5600. It should also be noted that:
- HDP5000e ribbon, film and overlaminate* consumables are backward compatible with both the HDP5000 and the HDP5600
- The HDP5000e, HDP5000, HDP5600 and the HDP8500 all use the same overlaminates
HDP5000e lamination is slated to be available 2025
Precisely what ribbon consumables will be available for the HDP5000e?
All ribbon consumables listed below are orderable now. HOWEVER, please note that some ribbon
consumables are not yet supported by the HDP5000e driver. Those ribbons that are not yet supported are listed below as “coming soon”. Driver support for these consumables is anticipated early 2025.
YMC — Full-color ribbon (coming soon)
YMCK — Full-color ribbon w/resin black panel
YMCKK — Full-color ribbon w/resin black panel
YMCFK — Full-color ribbon with resin black and dye-based, fluorescing panels (coming soon)
K — Premium resin black ribbon (coming soon)
Will standard high secure holographic HDP film be available for the HDP5000e?
Yes. Currently, standard high secure holographic HDP film is available to order, however, the HDP5000e
driver does not yet support it. HDP5000e driver support for standard high secure holographic HDP film is
slated for some time in 2025. Please contact your HID sales representative for additional information.
Is the HDP5000e dual-sided (flipper) module compatible with the HDP5000 or the HDP5600?
Are the HDP5000e encoders (magstripe/contact/contactless) compatible with the HDP5000 or the HDP5600?
What card types does HID recommend for the HDP5000e?
HID recommends either our UltraCard™ Premium Composite or UltraCard PC (100% polycarbonate) non-technology cards for applications where a non-technology card will be used. For applications requiring embedded technology, such as Seos™, iCLASS® or HID Prox™, HID recommends that cards are constructed using a PVC/PET composite or are of 100% polycarbonate construction. PVC/PET composite and 100% polycarbonate constructions provide a better user experience during the printing process due to the increased heat resistance these cards offer. These card constructions also extend card life after the card is issued due to their inherent durability. Conversely, standard PVC cards are not recommended for use with retransfer printers nor for those applications that will utilize lamination due to the risk of card warpage (as a result to heat exposure from retransfer and lamination rollers).
What are the printer part numbers associated with the new FARGO HDP5000e Card Printer/Encoder?
The base part numbers for the HDP5000e are:
• 096600 – Single-side printer
• 096640 – Dual-side printer
• 096601 – Dual-sided (flipper Only)
What does the warranty cover?
- Printer – Three years* including one year of free printer loaner support with option to purchase a second year of printer loaner support (U.S. only)
- Printhead – Lifetime*; unlimited card passes
Three-year warranty available on printers and lifetime warranty available on printheads with completion of online printer registration. (Two-year warranty standard on both printer and printheads without online printer registration.)
What are the main advantages of the HDP5000e over most competitive 300 dpi reverse transfer printers?
The HDP5000e offers a compact, lightweight design, a retransfer film with the highest number of images per roll (1500), a detailed graphical OLED display, advanced security features like data encryption and resin scramble data protection, unique multipass functionality for enhanced durability, and an optional dual input card hopper for increased capacity.
What features and/or options will not be available upon initial release but are expected to be available in 2025?
Upon initial release, features such as lamination, magnetic stripe encoding, JISII mag encoding, multipass support, resin scramble data protection, dual input card hopper, and physical locks will not be available. However, these features are anticipated to be rolled out in 2025.
