FAQs About Printer Ribbons
What's the difference between monochrome and full colour ribbons?
Monochrome ribbons print in a single colour, suited to text, barcodes and simple designs. Full colour YMCKO ribbons print in yellow, magenta, cyan and black, giving photo-quality results for badges and ID cards with images.
What is a YMCKOK ribbon?
A YMCKOK ribbon is a full colour ribbon with an extra black panel, used for double-sided printers. It prints a full colour design on the front and a black design on the reverse in a single pass.
Will any ribbon work with my ID card printer?
No. Ribbons are designed for specific printer models and aren't interchangeable between brands, or always between different models from the same brand. Check your printer's exact model before ordering. If you're not sure which model you have or which printer ribbon to choose, please get in touch; our team can help you choose the right ribbon for the job.
How do I know which ribbon my printer needs?
Check your printer's model number, usually found on the printer itself or in its manual, and match it against the compatible ribbon listing. If you're not sure, contact us with your printer model and we'll confirm.
Can I use a cheaper third-party ribbon instead of a genuine one?
We only stock genuine manufacturer ribbons because third-party ribbons can affect print quality and may void your printer's warranty, so we'd always recommend sticking with genuine stock.
How many cards will one ribbon print?
This depends on the specific ribbon and printer model, but many print 200 cards per ribbon while others can print up to 1500. For the exact print count, please check the individual ribbon listing before ordering.