How to Choose Replacement Adding Machine Ribbons

How to Choose Replacement Adding Machine Ribbons
| 2 mins

Adding machines are essential office supplies for many businesses. Also called printing calculators, these numeric tools make it easy to calculate your daily business earnings, compute tip percentages, and handle many other types of calculations, all with reliability and accuracy. Adding machines don’t require many replacement supplies to enable them to do their calculations. However, one necessary replacement product for your adding machine is an adding machine ribbon. Here’s some information on adding machine ribbons and how to choose the right replacement adding machine ribbon for your printing calculator:

How Do Adding Machine Ribbons Work?

The adding machine ribbon is what transfers print to the paper of a printing calculator. Every time you hit a key on the adding machine, the key hits the ribbon and the number or symbol is transferred onto the paper. When you use an adding machine with a printer paper component, you have a physical copy of the calculations.  

What Types of Adding Machine Ribbons Are Available?

There are two main types of adding machine ribbons, including cartridge and twin-spool ribbons. The cartridge adding machine ribbon is a self-contained unit that has the ink ribbon inside. On the other hand, the twin-spool ribbon has two separate spools that are threaded into the adding machine manually. Some people like the cartridges because they are easier to install and produce less potential mess than twin-spool ribbons; however, the former are often more expensive than the latter ribbon type. Individuals who choose the twin-spool ribbon to replace their current adding machine ribbon may have an older machine that takes this type of ribbon. 

Which Adding Machine Ribbon is Right for Your Printing Calculator?

When it’s time to replace your adding machine ribbon, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when buying a new ribbon:

  • Type of ribbon: Decide what type of ribbon you need to buy for your specific adding machine: cartridge or twin-spool ribbon.
  • Make/model of the adding machine: It’s important to know the make and model of your adding machine as not all ribbons fit all printing calculators.
  • Cost: Consider the cost of the replacement ribbon and how much you want to spend. 
  • Availability: Make sure your chosen replacement ribbon is available and how long it will take to receive it. 
  • Ink color: Decide whether you want black or red ink for your printing machine. 

Buy Replacement Adding Machine Ribbons From Paper Planet Today

Don’t wait until the last minute to buy a replacement ribbon for your adding machine! Stock up with adding machine ribbon from Paper Planet. Our company offers adding machine ribbons to fit a wide array of brands, such as Canon, Sharp, Casio, and more, with many models to choose from as well. 

View our adding machine ribbon products today and place your order with Paper Planet! 

FAQs

Do both types of adding machine ribbons fit all printing calculators?

No, you can’t use both types of adding machine ribbons, i.e., cartridge and twin-spool ribbons, in an adding machine. The adding machine will either accommodate the cartridge or twin-spool ribbon type.

How long do adding machine ribbons last?

The exact length of time an adding machine ribbon will last depends on various factors, such as the amount of use, number of digits per line used on average, ribbon quality, and type of paper. You may have to change your adding machine ribbon every few months if your printing calculator sees a lot of use.

Do businesses still use adding machines? 

Absolutely! Many businesses use adding machines in their daily work duties, such as retail stores, banks, and accounting firms, to name a few.

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