ID Card Printer Ribbons

ID Card Printer Ribbons: Genuine YMCKO, Monochrome & Colour Ribbons for Every Printer

The ribbon is the consumable that actually puts the image on the card. Every ID card printer (also called a plastic or PVC card printer) uses a ribbon matched to its specific brand and model, so the first step is always to choose the ribbon made for your printer. POS Plaza stocks genuine ribbons for Zebra, Magicard, Evolis, Matica, Entrust and PPC card printers, in full-colour, monochrome and specialty finishes, from $40.

Below is a quick guide to ribbon types, panel codes and yields so you can order the right ribbon with confidence. If you would rather just confirm the correct ribbon for your machine, tell us your printer model and we will match it for you.

How to find the right ribbon for your printer

Card printer ribbons are not interchangeable between brands, and often not between models from the same brand. A Zebra ZC300 ribbon will not fit a Magicard 600, and a Magicard 300 ribbon is different again to a Magicard 600 ribbon. To order correctly:

1. Identify your printer's exact brand and model (for example Zebra ZC300, Magicard 600, Evolis Primacy 2, Matica XID8300).
2. Decide whether you need full colour (photos and logos) or monochrome (single-colour text and barcodes).
3. Choose the yield (number of prints per roll) that suits your card volume.

Understanding ribbon panel codes (YMCKO, YMCKOK and more)

The letters in a ribbon name describe the colour panels on the roll. Each panel applies one part of the image:

• Y, M, C = Yellow, Magenta and Cyan, the three panels that combine to make a full-colour image.
• K = a black resin panel for sharp text and barcodes.
• O = a clear overlay (topcoat) that protects the printed surface.

So the common codes mean:

• YMCKO: full colour on one side of the card. The standard ribbon for single-sided colour ID cards.
• YMCKOK: full colour on the front and black on the back, for dual-sided printing (colour front, black text or barcode on the reverse).
• Half-panel YMCKO: a reduced colour panel for cards with only a small colour area (such as a photo) and the rest in black. It prints more cards per roll at a lower cost per card.
• KO / black with overlay: black print plus a protective overlay, ideal for text-only and barcode cards that still need durability.
• Monochrome (K): a single colour across the whole roll, available in black and in colours such as blue, red, green, white, gold and silver. The most economical option for simple, single-colour cards.

Specialty and security ribbons

Beyond standard colour and mono, we also stock ribbons for special finishes and added security:

• Metallic gold and silver: premium metallic monochrome ribbons for membership and VIP cards.
• Scratch-off: hides a PIN or code under a removable grey panel.
• White signature: adds a signable panel to the card.
• Pearlescent and UV (fluorescent): covert security features that are hard to copy.
• Retransfer film and hologram varnish: consumables for retransfer printers (Zebra ZXP7, Matica XID) and added card security.

Ribbons by brand

• Zebra: ZC300 (YMCKO, YMCKOK, mono, metallic, KdO/KrO) and ZXP3 / ZXP7 colour and monochrome ribbons.
• Magicard: ribbons for the 300, 600, Rio Pro, Enduro and Pronto, in YMCKO, YMCKOK, half-panel, black-with-overlay and coloured mono.
• Evolis: Primacy, Primacy 2 and Zenius ribbons, including half-panel, duplex YMCKO-K, mono and specialty.
• Matica, Entrust and PPC: YMCK and YMCKO/YMCKOK ribbons for EDIsecure XID, SIGMA and ID3000-series printers.

Frequently asked questions: ID card printer ribbons

Q: How do I know which ribbon my card printer uses?
A: Match the ribbon to your printer's exact brand and model. Ribbons are not interchangeable between brands, and often differ between models of the same brand (a Magicard 300 ribbon is not the same as a Magicard 600 ribbon). Find your printer name on the device or its box, then choose the matching ribbon. If you are unsure, call us on 1300 115 808 with your model and we will confirm the right one.

Q: What does YMCKO mean?
A: YMCKO describes the panels on the ribbon: Yellow, Magenta and Cyan (which mix to make full colour), K (a black resin panel for crisp text and barcodes) and O (a clear protective overlay). A YMCKO ribbon prints a full-colour card on one side.

Q: What is the difference between YMCKO and YMCKOK?
A: YMCKO prints full colour on one side of the card. YMCKOK adds a second black panel so you can print full colour on the front and black on the back, which is what you need for dual-sided (double-sided) cards.

Q: How many cards does a ribbon print?
A: It depends on the ribbon. Colour (YMCKO) ribbons typically print 100 to 350 cards per roll, while monochrome ribbons print far more, often 1,000 to 2,500 cards, because they use a single panel. Each product listing states the exact yield (prints per roll).

Q: Should I use a colour or monochrome ribbon?
A: Use a colour (YMCKO) ribbon for photo IDs, logos and anything that needs full colour. Use a monochrome ribbon (black or a single colour) for text-only and barcode cards; it is much cheaper per card and prints many more cards per roll. A half-panel colour ribbon is a good middle ground for cards with only a small colour area.

Q: Are these genuine ribbons?
A: Yes. We supply genuine, printer-matched ribbons so you get the rated yield, consistent colour and the warranty protection that comes with using the manufacturer's recommended consumables.

Q: Do you stock specialty ribbons like metallic, scratch-off or signature?
A: Yes. We carry metallic gold and silver, scratch-off, white signature, pearlescent and UV (fluorescent) ribbons, plus retransfer film and hologram varnish for retransfer printers, depending on your printer model.