Fargo DTC5500 Ribbons

Fargo DTC5500 Ribbons — genuine consumables matched to your printer for reliable, consistent output. Whether you're printing full-colour staff ID cards or simple monochrome visitor passes, the right ribbon makes all the difference to print quality and card life.

We keep these in stock for fast delivery across Ireland. If you're not sure which ribbon your printer needs, the model number is usually printed on the cartridge — or just get in touch and we'll help you find the right match. Browse our all ribbons and blank cards.

Fargo DTC5500 Ribbons

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Choosing ribbons for the Fargo DTC5500

The Fargo DTC5500 is the high-volume direct-to-card printer in the DTC family, bought by Irish organisations that print cards by the tray rather than by the handful: a university card office, a large employer onboarding across several sites, a Dublin events company issuing accreditation. Its ribbons follow the Fargo pattern, and the part number on the empty cartridge is the only reliable guide.

The choice is the same one every direct-to-card owner makes. Full-colour YMCKO for photo ID with an overlay to protect the front. YMCKOK or YMCKK where the printer is dual-sided and the reverse prints in black. Monochrome black, at several times the print count, for cards that carry only a name and a barcode.

What to check before ordering

  • Part number first. Fargo DTC ribbons are model-specific; a DTC4500e cartridge is not a DTC5500 cartridge.
  • Sides: a dual-sided ribbon on a single-sided printer wastes the second black panel.
  • Cost per card, not per ribbon, decides between a 250-print colour ribbon and a longer monochrome one.

Cards, cleaning and related Fargo ribbons

The DTC5500 prints on 760 micron blank white cards, and at high volume a cleaning kit at every ribbon change is not optional. Ribbons for the rest of the DTC family are on the DTC4500 ribbons and DTC4250 ribbons pages, with the whole brand under Fargo ribbons.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Which ribbon does the Fargo DTC5500 use?

Genuine Fargo DTC5500 colour or monochrome ribbons matched to the part number on your cartridge. Call with the number if the label is worn.

Can I use DTC4500e ribbons in a DTC5500?

Do not assume so. The part numbers are listed separately for a reason; check before ordering.

Do you dispatch DTC5500 ribbons across Ireland?

Yes, with fast dispatch from Dublin.

Call 01 555 5555 with your DTC5500 part number and we will confirm the ribbon.