How to resolve ribbon error on Datacard SD range printer

If your ribbons keep breaking when printing with your Datacard SD260 /360 / 460 printer, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue.

First of all you can repair it by taping the broken ends back together to continue printing. If your printer continues to break the ribbon, follow these steps.

There is more tension on a new ribbon than when it is used so if the printer is dirty it can clause the ribbon to break.

How to Resolve Breaking Ribbons

1. Run a cleaning cycle on your printer. Regularly cleaning the printer will keep out dust and debris, which can damage the printer.
2. Update the printer firmware to the newest version from Datacard.
3. Try different cards.
4. Clean the inside of the printer with compressed air to remove dust or debris.
5. Verify that you have the correct power supply, and that it is NOT plugged into a surge protector.

Try to adjust the print head power

If your Datacard SD260 printer is having problems printing properly, such as breaking ribbons or printing images too dark or light, you may need to adjust the print head power.

How to Adjust Print Head Power

6. Go to your Devices and Printers folder, right click on the XPS Card Printer and choose Printer Properties.
7. Select the Printer Status tab, then click on Configure Printer to bring up the Printer Manager web interface.
8. Choose Web Admin from the drop down menu, then click Log In.
9. Click on the Printer Setting drop down menu, then Select Print.
10. Scroll down to (56) YMC Power. Increasing the value darkens the image, while decreasing the value will lighten the image. It is recommended that you change the value in increments of 10, test print a card, then change again if needed.

Once you’ve adjusted the value, click Set Current to save the settings.