IDP Smart 21 Ribbons

Which IDP Smart 21 ribbon you order depends on what the finished card has to show. Each one is a genuine IDP consumable built for the Smart 21 print head.

The black monochrome ribbon, part 653382, covers 1,200 prints and handles plain text, barcodes and single-colour cards. It is the workhorse for high-volume staff and visitor card runs where colour isn't needed and cost per card matters. The YMCKO colour ribbon, part 653361, carries yellow, magenta, cyan and black panels plus a clear overlay and prints 100 full-colour cards. Choose it for photo ID and logos in smaller batches, where the card needs a face or brand colour on it. The YMCFKO ribbon, part 653362, adds a fluorescent UV panel across 200 prints. That panel puts a security mark on the card that only shows under ultraviolet light, which helps an access or membership card resist casual copying.

So the short answer on print counts: 1,200 cards from the mono ribbon, 200 from the YMCFKO and 100 from the YMCKO. If you are not certain which IDP Smart 21 ribbon fits your setup, the Plastic ID team can confirm the right film for your printer and card type before you order, so nothing arrives that won't run.