ID Card Printer Ribbons
Printer ribbons for ID card printing machines are available in many different formats. They range from standard full colour and monochrome options to fluorescent and UV ribbons. We stock a complete range of ID card printer ribbons from the leading manufacturers so you’re sure to find the ideal option for your printer. Not sure which ribbon you require? Why not browse our FAQs below, contact our friendly team or read our guide to choosing the right ribbon.
Printer Ribbon FAQs
What is a printer ribbon?
A printer ribbon is the consumable element of your ID card printer, which needs to be replaced in the same way as a regular printer ink cartridge. It houses coloured dyes and a clear overlay to seal in and protect the print on your plastic cards.
Read our blog Understanding what consumables is right for my ID card Printer to guide you through the simple process.
What are the most popular types of ID card printer ribbons?
The standard types of printer ribbon we have available include:
YMCKO Full Panel – These ribbons are suitable for single or dual sided card printers. They feature five panels including full colour and black for printed text and imagery, plus an overlay panel to provide extra protection to the card.
YMCKO Half Panel – This is an ideal choice for those printing on a single sided printer when full colour print is not a requirement. It provides a higher capacity of black print, as well as a protective overlay element.
YMCKOK – This is the ribbon of choice if you are printing full colour on one side of your ID card and text/barcodes on the other side. It is designed for dual sided printers but is also effective on single sided models.
Monochrome – Monochrome printer ribbons are made up of one colour only. They are most commonly used to print text onto cards on a single sided printer. Just one ribbon panel is used at a time, so you generally get more prints per ribbon.
KO – KO ribbons feature black panels, followed by a protective overlay. They are perfect if you need to print black text, imagery or barcodes onto a card, whilst optimising the lifespan of the print.
What other types of ribbons are there?
Special printer ribbons with added features are available to enhance the security and appearance of your printed cards. These include:
Fluorescent or UV ribbons – An additional UV panel on the ribbon provides great security. Elements can be printed onto the card, which are only visible under UV light.
Inhibitor Ribbons – This is an additional option for those using a retransfer ID card printer. An added “I” panel on the ribbon stops certain areas of the card from being reprinted on, such as signature panels.
Scratch off Ribbons – This type of printer ribbon allows you to print cards with a scratch off panel overlaid. Those using the plastic cards need to remove this with their nail or a coin, in order to reveal the data printed below it.
Lamination Ribbons – This is the most secure printer ribbon available, which requires a special lamination printer. It has added built in features to optimise the lifespan and security of printed cards.
Who are the top printer ribbon manufacturers?
At Cards-X we stock printer ribbons from the worlds leading ID card printer brands. These include:
How should I store and dispose of printer ribbons?
It is important to dispose of a printer ribbon securely, as soon as it has been used. This is because it is possible for certain pieces of data to be retained on the ribbon after use. They should therefore be either shredded immediately or placed into a secure bin, which is regularly emptied by a confidential waste disposal service.
Why order from cards-x?
Not only do we offer a low price promise across our wide range of printer ribbons, we can also offer free UK delivery on all orders over £250.
Our friendly team are highly knowledgeable and would be delighted to talk you through the best option for your printer. Contact us today for a no-obligation chat on your requirements.