Keeping ID card supplies like ribbons, cards, and cleaning kits on hand means you’re never stuck waiting a few days for a new order to arrive, but keeping your printing supplies for too long can actually hurt your system – did you know ID card ribbons and supplies can expire?
How Long do Supplies Last?
While the exact shelf life of a ribbon or cleaning kit will vary by manufacture, we generally recommend keeping supplies for no more than one year.
As they age, printer ribbons get frail and are more likely to rip or tear during the printing process. Cleaning kits use alcohol-soaked swabs and cards to remove dust and debris, but that cleaning solution can dry up over time.
Tips for Storing Supplies
Keeping your supplies protected from sunlight, high temperatures, dust, and moisture is key. Store your supplies in their original packaging, away from sunlight, in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment.
For your blank cards, also take special care when handling them during the printing process. Dirt and oil from your fingerprints can causing printing problems, so make sure you only hold the cards be the edges or wear gloves.
Shop All Printer Supplies
ID Card Group carries a wide range of printing supplies at the lowest prices. Shop all the major printer brands of ribbons, cleaning kits, and more.
Questions?
Contact our ID experts at 877-868-0012 or [email protected] for more information on these and all ID card supplies. We’ll help you choose the right products for your needs.
ID Card Group offers a price match guarantee, provides free shipping on orders over $100, and accepts purchase orders.
