Card printing - how to choose the right ribbon?

Choosing the right color ribbon, or printer ribbon (card printer consumable), for printing on PVC cards may seem complicated at first glance. In this article, we will show you that it is easier than it seems.

Of course, it always depends on what you need to print on and for what purpose.

1. For some, a black-and-white print is enough, while others require color. How about you?

A black-and-white card may be sufficient for less demanding use. So a white card with black print. If you only need black text or a barcode (or QR code), a black thermal transfer ribbon will be sufficient. It is also sometimes referred to as monochromatic ribbon. It is designated K (from the English blacK).

If you want to print visitor, identification, or loyalty cards, you will certainly want to use a color image, photograph, or your logo.

Then you need a color ribbon labeled YMCK. Here again, the designation was adopted from the English words Y=yellow, M=magenta, C=cyan (blue), and the well-known K=black.

By combining these 4 colors, the entire color spectrum can be mixed, just like in your regular home printer.

The technology in a PVC card printer thus allows you to print all the necessary colors for full-color printing of your cards.

2. How many cards and which ones will you print?

All card coloring foils (ribbons) are intended for a precisely specified number of cards. Each type of card printer is intended for a specific type and they cannot be interchanged. For smaller card printer models, the capacity ranges from 100 to 200 printed cards. Industrial models also have ribbons with significantly higher capacity (e.g. 1000 cards).

It is important to realize how many cards I need to print daily/monthly/yearly and choose the appropriate printer model accordingly. The right choice will then have a positive impact on the costs of card printing.

To prevent you from using the wrong ribbon in your printer and to reduce printer setup issues, most reputable manufacturers use an RFID chip.

This electronic chip is located in the ribbon, and the printer automatically recognizes the ribbon and sets all the necessary printing parameters

This applies not only to the ribbon, but also to plastic cards: it is always necessary to choose the correct type for your card printer.

3. Protective layer? What is it?

Card printing - how to choose the right ribbon?

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