Sometimes it’s hard to know which ID card printer is right for your organization, especially if you see your card program possibly growing or evolving down the road. AlphaCard carries a number of card printers that can actually be upgraded in-field to meet those changing needs. From the innovative modular design of the Fargo HDP5000, to the unique upgrade capabilities of the Magicard Enduro, many printers now provide users with quick and easy ways to enhance functionality without having to buy a new machine.


Let’s take a look at the Magicard Enduro for example. The Enduro is an affordable printer that can upgrade from single-sided to dual-sided printing with a simple upgrade kit. If you buy the single-sided version, and decide later on that your card program requires dual-sided printing, all you have to do is order the upgrade kit. It slides right into place and your upgrade is complete.
A nice mid-range printer that accepts in-field upgrades is the Fargo DTC400e. The printer can be configured for single or dual-sided printing, and offers optional modules for magnetic stripe, proximity card, and smart card encoding.
For high-volume, high-security applications, the Fargo HDP5000 is a true workhorse that supports a host of field-upgradeable modules. Available upgrade options include dual-sided printing, lamination, simultaneous dual-sided lamination, and a variety of card encoding technologies.
If you already own a field-upgradable printer, you can scope out your upgrade options in the Printer Accessories section of our online store. We can also answer any questions you might have over the phone.