Ribbons: genuine Zebra or HDF custom-size

Genuine Zebra or custom-size

Genuine Zebra ribbons

Zebra ribbons for desktop and industrial printers, matched to the specific printer model. The choice when consistent print quality and the printer manufacturer's recommendations matter.

HDF custom-size ribbons

Non-standard width, length or core, bulk orders and deliveries on a fixed schedule. We match the size and ribbon type to your labels and printers.

What we need to know to match a ribbon

• Label material: paper, coated paper or film. It determines the ribbon type.
• Label conditions: abrasion, moisture, chemicals, temperature, outdoor use.
• Printer model: it sets the core diameter and ribbon winding (ink side out or in).
• Roll length: every printer has a maximum ribbon length it can hold. Desktop printers take shorter rolls than industrial ones, and a roll that is too long simply will not fit. It also pays to match the length to the label roll, so ribbon and labels run out at about the same time.
• Label width: the ribbon should be slightly wider than the label to protect the printhead, but not much wider, or material is wasted.
• Darkness: the printer setting that controls how much the printhead heats the ribbon. Higher darkness means more heat: the printhead wears faster, and a weaker ribbon can burn through, wrinkle or stick to the label. A good ribbon gives a clean print at lower darkness. Too much darkness also widens the barcode bars, which can make the code harder to scan.
• Monthly usage: it decides whether a longer roll and a fixed delivery schedule pay off.

If you do not know the label material, give the name from the roll packaging in the form or describe what you are labelling.

Labels and ribbons in one delivery

We have been making custom labels for over 20 years. We match the ribbon to the label material and deliver both together, in one order and on an agreed schedule. No second supplier to manage and no checking whether the ribbon fits the new batch of labels.