Don't let the letter combinations confuse you, choosing the right card printer ribbon can be easy once you define your printing goals.
To help you choose the right card printer ribbon for your needs, we’ve listed the top five considerations below, along with ribbon types at-a-glance.
1. Full-color or single-color (Monochrome)?
Typically, if you’re printing photo-quality IDs you’ll need a four-color YMCK ribbon.
All colors in the visible spectrum can be produced using a combination of four colors: Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C), and Black (K). For example, Yellow and Cyan combine to make green. The brilliant design of your card printer, along with your ID card software, allows you to print literally millions of color variations and nuances using combinations of these colors - resulting in stunning photo realistic effects.
However, if you’re printing text or single-color images, or personalizing a pre-printed card with a single color, you’ll be fine choosing from monochrome options. You can even layer monochrome images on a colored plastic card.
2. Overlays for added security and/or protection?
The "O" in the ribbon name signifies a clear, protective overlay that eliminates the need for a laminator. YMCKO ribbons add years of life to your cards and badges, eliminating the need for the time and hassle of laminating them.
An "O panel" overlay:
- Provides extra protection from tampering
- Reduces the wear and tear caused to cards by abrasion – whether from pocket or wallet storage, or when hung from a lanyard or neck strap
- Reduces dye migration that occurs during the printing process
Simply put, a YMCKO ribbon is designed to print vivid full color on single-sided cards that meet even the most stringent requirements.
Alternatively, if your ID Cards will be kept strictly in a protective badge holder, using a ribbon with a clear overlay panel may not be necessary. In that case, an YMCK ribbon will do just fine.
3. Single-sided or dual-sided printing?
If you’re printing only on one side of the ID card, you can choose from four-color YMCK, four-color with overlay (YMCKO), or single color monochrome ribbons.
However, if you need to print on both sides of the card, you’ll need a YMCKOK dual-sided ribbon. This six-panel ID Card ribbon will print full color on one side, along with a clear overlay, and black (represented by "K") on side two. The back side print can include black text or bar codes.
4. Number of cards to print?
Each card printer ribbon has a specific number of plastic cards it will print, which can run anywhere from 170 images per roll to 3,000 images. Before buying your ID ribbon, estimate how many cards you will need to print for your operation in the near-term, so you can select the best option.
5. Type of printer?
Often your printer manufacturer recommends compatible ribbon choices based on your printer type or printing goals. Be sure to consult your printer documentation for recommendations.
Ribbon Types/Uses At a Glance
- Single-Color Monochrome – Monochrome ribbons come in an array of colors and can print single-color images and text. Great for personalizing a pre-printed plastic card, adding detailed information to the back of a card, or creating layered monochrome images on a colored plastic card.
See monochrome ribbons from top brands: Evolis, Zebra, Fargo, Magicard, and Datacard
- YMCK – Full, four-color ribbons can print vibrant full-color images and black text on a single side per pass. Ideal for simple, single-sided plastic cards with ID photos and text.
- YMCKO – Four-color with overlay. These ribbons include a clear coating overlay to give your cards extra protection from tampering or wear and tear. Perfect for cards that are handled often or contain secure information. Single-sided printing only.
- YMCKOK – Four-color with Black on back. A full-color ribbon that can also print black text or bar codes on the back of your plastic cards. Great for membership cards, loyalty cards, student IDs, event passes and tickets.
See all color ribbons from top brands: Evolis, Zebra, Fargo, Magicard, Datacard, and Sony.
High-Tech Features
All leading card printer companies manufacture printers utilizing YMCKO ribbons that are quite sophisticated, with some offering high-tech features like RFID Technology (Radio Frequency Identification), guaranteeing proper ribbon selection and error-free alignment.
Others deliver security options that prevent access by unauthorized users. These printers utilize thermal transfer technology along with dye sublimation ribbon technology to reproduce any color - including realistic skin tones and other difficult to match colors - at a very low cost per card, making them very attractive for business owners considering creating custom ID cards in-house using their own ID printer and card software, and the appropriate YMCKO ribbon of their choice.
Questions?
Contact our expert sales staff at (877) 868-0012 or sales@idcardgroup.com for help finding the right ribbons for your ID printer. We'll make it easy for you!
ID Card Group accepts purchase orders, offers equipment leasing, provides free shipping on orders over $100, and has a price match guarantee.