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There are two ways to find manufacturer-approved Authentys color ribbons for your specific printer model.
As always, if you have any difficulty finding the Authentys color ribbon you need, you can also call an ID Professional at (800) 321-4405 x2.
Authentys ID card printers use color ribbons that are sectioned into a number of panels. The panel types vary and can be a little confusing if you’re not aware of the different types. The ribbon panels are represented by letters, most commonly including:
Two of the most common types of ribbons used in a Zebra direct-to-card printer are YMCKO and YMCKOK. What's the difference? Authentys YMCKO ribbons print in full color (YMC) and resin black (K) on the front of the card with an overlay (O) to protect the card. If you are using a dual-sided printer, you may print in YMCKO on both sides of the card. Authentys YMCKOK ribbons, on the other hand, are designed for use in dual-sided printers. They print in full color and resin black on the front of the card with an overlay, plus have an extra K panel for printing in black on the back of cards.
The ribbon that best suits your needs will depend on your printer model, what you’ll be printing on your cards, and how your cards will be used. If you need assistance finding the right Authentys color ribbon, call an ID Professional at (800) 321-4405 x2.
Depending on your card printing application, you may be able to get more with half. That is, half panel ribbon for your Authentys printer can save you money!
Authentys half panel color ribbons include half-size color panels, for printing full-color images on up to half the card surface. Specifically, Authentys half panel ribbons consists of yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C) panels that are half the size of the standard YMC ribbon panels, while the black resin (K) and overlay (O) panels are full-size panels.
Half panel ribbons offer a higher card yield per ribbon and a lower cost per printed card. Half panel color ribbons are ideal for cards that feature a full-color picture and some black resin text or a barcode, such as student ID cards or employee ID cards. See the P330i color ribbon example and sample cards below (based on retail price):
| Standard YMCKO Ribbon |
Half Panel YMCKO Ribbon |
|
| Part Number | 800015-540 | 800015-440 |
| Retail Price | $85.00 | $130.00 |
| Prints Per Ribbon | 200 | 450 |
| Cost (at MSRP) | 43¢ per card |
29¢ per card |
The color panels in half panel ribbons are shorter than standard ribbon panels, resulting in a higher card yield per ribbon and a lower cost per card.
