HID Ribbons

ACB Ltd offers a comprehensive range of genuine HID Fargo printer ribbons for all Fargo ID card printers. Our range covers popular models like the Fargo DTC1250e, DTC1500, DTC4500e, HDP5000, HDP6600, and even the Fargo INK1000 inkjet card printer.

Our selection includes every ribbon type. We supply full-colour Fargo YMCKO and YMCKOK ribbons for vibrant photo-quality printing, as well as single-colour monochrome ribbons for simple one-colour cards. For Fargo’s HDP retransfer printers (such as the HDP5000 or HDP6600), we also provide the required HDP film (retransfer film) alongside the colour ribbon.

Using genuine Fargo ribbons ensures vibrant print quality while also protecting your printer’s longevity and warranty. In addition, most Fargo ribbon cartridges include a cleaning roller to remove dust and maintain print quality.

We keep all our Fargo ribbons in UK stock for immediate dispatch. We offer fast UK delivery and expert support to help you quickly find the right Fargo ID card printer ribbon for your needs.

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HID Fargo Ribbon Types

Choosing the right Fargo ID card printer ribbon is crucial for getting the best print results and keeping your printer running reliably. Fargo offers different ribbon types for its DTC (Direct-to-Card) and HDP (High Definition Printing) series printers. Below are the most common HID Fargo ribbon types and their uses:

  • YMCKO ribbons: A full-colour ribbon containing Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, a Black resin panel, and a clear Overlay panel for single-sided card printing. YMCKO ribbons produce a spectrum of vibrant colours with a protective overlay coat, and are used in Fargo DTC printers (e.g., DTC1250e, DTC1500) for photo-quality ID cards.

  • YMCKOK ribbons: A full-colour ribbon like YMCKO but with an extra Black (K) panel for dual-sided card printing. It prints a colour image on the front and sharp black text or barcodes on the back. YMCKOK ribbons are ideal for Fargo dual-sided printers (such as the DTC4500e or DTC1500) to personalise both sides of the card in one pass.

  • Monochrome ribbons: Single-colour resin ribbons (e.g., black, blue, red, white) for printing text or one-colour designs. Monochrome Fargo ribbons are economical and great for simple ID cards or loyalty cards that don’t require full-colour images. They typically have high print yields (often 1,000 prints per roll) and are easy to install.

  • HDP film (retransfer film): A transparent film used in Fargo HDP series retransfer printers (like the HDP5000 and HDP6600) along with a colour HDP ribbon. The printer first prints your card design onto this film using the ribbon, then fuses the film to the card’s surface, creating a high-definition, tamper-resistant card finish. This two-step process produces extremely durable cards with sharp print quality even on technology cards.

Why Use Genuine Fargo Printer Ribbons

Using genuine HID Fargo ribbons and consumables offers several important benefits for your ID card printer:

  • Optimal print quality: Authentic Fargo ribbons ensure consistently vivid colours and crisp text on your cards, thanks to their precise engineering for Fargo printers.

  • Longer printer life: Genuine ribbons feature special back-coatings that reduce friction and printhead wear. This helps extend the lifespan of your card printer.

  • Warranty protection: HID Global warns that using non-genuine ribbons can void your Fargo printer’s warranty. By sticking with genuine Fargo ribbons, you keep your warranty safe and your printer running reliably.

  • Included cleaning roller: Most genuine Fargo ribbon cartridges come with a cleaning roller in the box. This removes dust and debris from cards during printing, preserving print quality and preventing damage to the printer.