How Often Should Printer Ribbons Be Replaced?

Printer ribbons are printing essentials that ensure your point of sale (POS) system receipts, barcode labels, and invoicing documents print out clearly and correctly. You likely use a lot of printer accessories, such as printer paper, but may not think about printer ribbon replacement too often; however, you’ll be sure to miss this item when you find you need a new printer ribbon for your business operations. Here’s some information on what printer ribbons are, why these items are essential, and how often they should be replaced. 

What Are Printer Ribbons?

You can find printer ribbons in specific printers, such as thermal transfer, impact, and dot matrix printers. These types of printers differ from inkjet and laser printers, the latter two printers using toner or liquid ink. A printer ribbon has dry ink which gets imprinted on paper. You’ll often find printer ribbons in POS systems, printers used by industrial and shipping companies to print barcodes and shipping labels, and in general office settings where the business prints invoices, checks, and forms. Printer ribbons are also part of adding machines and kitchen printers.

Why Are Printer Ribbons Essential Items?

Printer ribbons are essential items for specific printing jobs. Without printer ribbons, your POS system may not work and printing checks, barcode labels, invoices, and shipping labels may be a difficult task. Plus, you wouldn’t be able to use your kitchen printers or adding machines with printouts at all. Whether you use printers that use ribbons occasionally or on a frequent basis, you want to make sure you always have printer ribbon replacements on hand so you can complete your daily business duties in a fast, efficient manner. 

How Often Should You Replace Printer Ribbons?

So, how often should you replace printer ribbons? It depends on a few different factors including the following:  

How often you print: If your company prints often and in high volume, you’ll likely need to replace the printer ribbon more often.

Type of ribbon: Film ribbons may not last as long as fabric ones.

Type of print: If you have to use a darker print, this will make the ribbon wear out faster.

Environmental considerations: If you’re printing in an environment where it’s dusty or hot, the ribbon may not last as long.

In general, printer ribbons may last approximate amounts of time depending on the type of printer. For example, printer ribbons in POS systems may last anywhere from one to three months, while industrial thermal transfer ribbons used to print out barcode labels and shipping labels may last just a few weeks to a month or two. If you have a printer that handles checks, forms, and invoices, the printer ribbon in this office equipment may last three to six months. 

How to Know When to Replace the Printer Ribbon

Since you may not be looking at the printer ribbon all of the time, you might wonder how you should know when to change it. Some signs that you should replace the ribbon in your kitchen printer or printing calculator include when the print doesn’t show up as bright as it should and if the print is streaking. Also, you may notice excess ink or frequent printer jams. 

Order Your New Printer Ribbons From Paper Planet

When it’s time for new printer ribbons, order your supply from Paper Planet. Our company offers a wide array of printer ribbon styles so you can find the ideal one to fit your POS system, check printer, invoice printer, or dot matrix printer. You can order a few items each time or stock up on printer ribbons and other printer supplies to have on hand for the future. Our team will help you find the exact printer essentials you need to keep your business running smoothly every day. 

Find out more by viewing our catalog of printer ribbons, thermal paper, and other printing essentials and order your supply today!