Ribbon breaking can be a frustrating and expensive issue. Print Ribbons can break in either a clean snap or a jagged tear. There are different causes and resolutions for each type.
If the ribbon break is a straight cut:
- Run a self test from the printer (Turn the printer off/Hold down the Pause button while turning on the power. Continue to hold down the Pause button for a second or two.)
- Thoroughly Clean the rollers with a 99% Isopropyl alcohol cleaning card We recommend Fargo Part # 82133
- Update your driver and printer firmware
- Calibrate the ribbon sensor
- Ensure that your driver/printer is correctly set for the card size (CR79/CR80)
- Try a different ribbon and cards
- Adjust the card position in the driver by changing the Horizontal value negatively in increments of 2
- Change the TOF setting in the advanced settings of the driver positively by increments of 2 and test print a few cards
- Check the printer O ring for wear
- Replace the lower ribbon sensor
If the ribbon break is jagged tear:
- Run a self test from the printer (Turn the printer off/Hold down the Pause button while turning on the power. Continue to hold down the Pause button for a second or two.)
- Thoroughly Clean the rollers with a 99% Isopropyl alcohol cleaning card
- Update your driver and printer firmware
- Calibrate the ribbon sensor
- Ensure that your driver/printer is correctly set for the card size (CR79/CR80)
- Try a different ribbon and cards
- Reduce the image darkness through the printer driver
- Ensure that you have the correct power supply
