ID card printers depend on high-quality ribbons to produce crisp, durable cards, which makes ribbon maintenance essential for consistent performance. Old ribbons may wear out and can negatively affect the print quality of ID cards. Whether you are using popular ID card printer brands like Heidi, Zebra, Fargo, Entrust, Evolis, Artisjet, Matica, and Magicard, the ribbon replacement process is essential. In this guide, we will discuss how to change the ID card printer ribbon, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to keep your printer running efficiently.
Ribbons deplete after printing a set of cards, typically 200–1000, depending on the model and type, and the ink of the ribbon runs out. This causes faded images and color skips in the ID cards. Timely replacement avoids print defects like streaks or gaps from exhausted dye panels and ensures sharp and vibrant ID cards.
Safety note: Use gloves to avoid fingerprints or oil on the printer parts of the ribbon.
ID printer ribbons are essential for producing high-quality identification cards. An ID card printer ribbon replacement guide will be helpful in properly managing the replacement process. These are the step-by-step ID printer ribbon replacement process to change a fully used, damaged or old ID printer ribbon and prevent future problems.
Select the new ribbon that matches your printer.
Switch off the printer and unplug it for safe handling.
Open the printer cover and remove the ribbon.
Use the cleaning kit to clean the printhead, rollers, and ribbon path.
Insert the new ribbon in the correct direction to ensure the ID card supply and take-up sides are properly aligned.
Close the printer cover, power on the printer, and perform a test print. Check the results to ensure the repair was successful.
Mishandling or incorrect installation of the ribbon can cause misaligned prints, ribbon breakage, or wasted supplies. These are the common ribbon replacement mistakes that you have to avoid:
These can damage the printhead, cause color issues, and cause frequent ribbon breaks.
Touching the ribbon with bare hands may leave fingerprints and dust that affect the print clarity.
Skipping the cleaning of the printhead and other parts of the printer before installing the new ribbon may cause smudges or uneven printing.
Wrong alignment or placement can lead to printing errors and card jams.
Changing the ribbon while the printer is on can cause mechanical issues or sensor errors.
Considering the ID card printer ribbon lifespan is an important step in taking care of the printer. You have to replace the ribbon when you notice the following signs:
Replacing an ID card printer ribbon may be a simple step, but it directly impacts the print quality and durability of the printer. A fresh ribbon ensures your cards look sharp, colors stay vibrant, and barcodes scan correctly. Ignoring the ribbon replacement can lead to faded prints, smudges, and printing errors. Infome is here to help you choose the best ribbon for your printer. Infome provides fast delivery and genuine ID card printers and ID card printer consumables in UAE to make your printing process easier and more efficient. Moreover, we ensure that you receive expert support and warranty for every printer that you purchase from Infome. Contact us now.
You need colour ribbons, cleaning kits, and overlay films to ensure efficient working of ID card printers.
Yes. You can easily replace the ribbon in the Heidi CP55 printer. First, open the printer cover, remove the ribbon, clean the printer, and insert the new ribbon.
Replace the ribbon when the print quality drops or when the colour fades. Most ribbons last for a specific number of prints, so tracking ribbon usage can avoid interruptions.
Ensure you use original ID card printer consumables, clean your printer regularly, store ribbons properly, and avoid touching the ribbon film. These steps help to reduce downtime and extend print head life.
Infome supplies genuine ribbons for all major brands like Heidi, Zebra, Entrust, Fargo, and Evolis. Moreover, we provide fast delivery across all regions of UAE.