How to Change Ribbon and Film on an HID FARGO HDP5000 ID Card Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide

The HID FARGO HDP5000 is a high-quality ID card printer, widely known for its superior print clarity and durability. Like all card printers, it requires routine maintenance, including ribbon and film changes, to ensure it consistently produces crisp, professional-looking ID cards. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing the ribbon on the HID FARGO HDP5000, ensuring that your printer remains in top working condition.

The FARGO HDP5000 uses a ribbon and a retransfer film. In some cases you may only need to replace one or the other, however we will outline instructions to replace both:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Supplies

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

• The correct replacement ribbon for the FARGO HDP5000 (such as YMCK, YMCKK, or monochrome, depending on your specific printing needs).
• The correct retransfer film for your FARGO HDP5000.
• A cleaning kit (optional but recommended) to clean the printer while you’re replacing the ribbon to maintain optimal performance.

Step 2: Open the Printer Cover

1. Access the Ribbon Cartridge: Locate the cover of the printer located on the front, where the ribbon cartridge is stored. Pull this mechanism to unlock the cover.

Step 3: Remove the Old Ribbon Cartridge

1. Remove the Ribbon Cartridge: The HDP5000 uses a ribbon cartridge with two spools — one for the new ribbon roll and one for the used portion. To remove the old ribbon, simply grab the ribbon cartridge on the right side by the handle and lift it out of the printer.
2. Dispose of the Used Ribbon: Once the ribbon cartridge is removed, you can discard the used ribbon according to your organization’s waste disposal policy.

Step 3: Remove the Old Film Cartridge

1. Remove the Film Cartridge: Much like the ribbon cartridge, the HDP5000 uses a film cartridge with two spools. To remove the old film, simply grab the ribbon cartridge on the left by the handle and lift it out of the printer.
2. Dispose of the Used Film: Once the film cartridge is removed, you can discard the used ribbon according to your organization’s waste disposal policy.

Step 4: Prepare the New Ribbon and Film

1. Unpack the New Ribbon and Film: Take the new ribbon and film out of its packaging, being careful not to touch the ribbon or film itself, as oils from your hands can affect print quality.
2. Install the New Ribbon and Film in the Cartridge: Insert the new ribbon into the ribbon cartridge by attaching the spools to the designated areas on the cartridge. The full spool goes on the supply side, while the empty spool goes on the take-up side. Ensure that the ribbon is taut and aligned properly across the print area. So the same for the film cartridge.

Step 5: Insert the Ribbon and Film Cartridges

1. Reinstall the Ribbon Cartridge: Once the new ribbon and film are secured in the cartridges, carefully place the cartridges back into the printer’s cartridge compartments. Make sure it clicks into place properly.
2. Close the Printer Cover: After inserting the cartridges, gently close the printer cover until it locks securely.

Step 6: Perform a Test Print

After replacing the ribbon and film, it’s a good idea to run a test print to ensure the new ribbon is working correctly and the printer is producing high-quality output. You can do this through the printer’s software or by printing an ID card as part of your regular operations.

Optional: Clean the Printer

While changing the ribbon, it’s also a good time to clean your HID FARGO HDP5000 printer. Dust, dirt, or debris inside the printer can affect print quality and cause jams. Use a cleaning kit designed for your printer to clean the rollers, printhead, and other areas.

Tips for Extending Ribbon Life and Maximizing Print Quality

1. Store Ribbons Properly: Unused ribbons should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat and humidity can cause ribbons to deteriorate before they’re used.
2. Use Genuine HID FARGO Ribbons: Always use manufacturer-recommended ribbons to avoid issues such as poor print quality or increased wear and tear on the printer.
3. Monitor Ribbon and Film Usage: The HDP5000 is equipped with ribbon and film usage tracking, so you can easily monitor how much of the ribbon and film remains. Keeping an eye on this helps you plan ahead for replacements and avoids running out mid-job.
4. Avoid Touching the Ribbon and Film: When handling the supplies, try to avoid touching the actual surface, as fingerprints and oils can affect print quality.

Contact us Today

Changing the ribbon on your HID FARGO HDP5000 ID card printer is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your printer continues to produce high-quality, professional ID cards without interruption. Regular maintenance, such as timely ribbon replacements and occasional cleaning, will keep your FARGO HDP5000 running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Contact us today if you are still having trouble changing the ribbon on your printer.