How to Resolve a Breaking Ribbon with a PRO 500

If your ribbons keep breaking when printing with your AlphaCard Pro 500 printer, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue.

If your ribbon breaks, 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.

How to Resolve Breaking Ribbons

1. Update your printer’s drivers and firmware to the newest versions. Download the AlphaCard PRO 500 drivers and firmware.
2. Clean your printer. Regularly cleaning the printer will keep out dust and debris, which can damage the print head.
3. Ensure the ribbon is set correctly in the printer.
4. Calibrate the ribbon sensor.
5. Adjust the print head power.
6. If you have a different ribbon and extra cards, try switching them out for the new ones.
7. Run a Self Test from the printer itself to test.
8. Finally, ensure your cards are not CR-79 sized, which can cause problems.

If you continue to experience problems, please contact AlphaCard technical support.