IDP Smart 50 Ribbons

Genuine IDP Smart 50 ribbons cover the Smart 50 and Smart 30 range. The ribbon transfers your design onto the card as it prints. Each is matched to the printer, so print counts and colours come out as the machine expects. The choice comes down to how many cards you print and what those cards need to do.

The black monochrome ribbon (650653) for the Smart 50 runs to 1200 images per roll and handles staff names, barcodes and text cards at the lowest cost per print. Blue (650665), red (650664), white (650663) and the metallic silver (650681) and gold (650682) ribbons work the same way in a single colour, each also rated at 1200 images. For full-colour photo ID you want a YMCKO colour ribbon, rated at 250 cards, laying down the three colour panels plus black and a clear overlay (that O panel) for protection. The half-panel YMCKO (650640) stretches to 350 cards where colour only covers part of the design, such as a photo strip.

The security options start with the scratch-off ribbon (650666), 1200 images, for hidden information. The YMCKFO (659000) adds a UV fluorescent panel and the YMCKOK six-panel (650637) prints black on both sides, both rated at 200 cards. A black ribbon with overlay (650655), 600 images, gives a sealed single-colour finish.

See all IDP Smart ribbons.

Higher-volume text badges suit the 1200-image rolls. Visitor and photo passes suit the YMCKO. Sites needing a verification layer suit the scratch-off, UV or double-sided options. If you are not sure which ribbon your Smart 50 takes or want to check yield against your card numbers, the Plastic ID team can confirm the right one before you order.

IDP Smart 50 ribbon guide

Every ribbon in this category is listed below with its type, prints per roll and part code. Check the part code against the ribbon your printer uses now. If you are not sure, call us on 0203 744 2333.

What the letters mean

• YMCKOK: full colour on the front plus a black panel for text on the back.
• YMCKO: yellow, magenta and cyan for full colour, a black (K) panel for sharp text and barcodes, then a clear overlay (O) that protects the print.
• Half panel: the colour panels cover part of the card, so each roll prints more cards.
• Monochrome: a single colour, ideal for text and barcodes, with many more prints per roll than colour ribbons.