Evolis Printer Ribbon Compatibility Guide
In this Evolis printer ribbon compatibility guide, we walk you through the entire Evolis printer line—from past to present—and explain which ribbons are compatible with each model and what they're best used for.
Evolis card printers are trusted worldwide for their ability to produce high-quality ID badges, access cards, and membership cards. Whether you're using a newer model like the Primacy 2 or a legacy unit like the Pebble, selecting the right ribbon is essential for getting the best print quality and keeping your printer running smoothly.
Evolis Pebble Series
The Evolis Pebble 3 and Pebble 4 are compact single-sided printers popular for mid-volume printing.
Compatible ribbons:
YMCKO Ribbon (R3011): Full-color with overlay for photo-quality results
Half-Panel YMCKO Ribbon (R3013): Color on one half, ideal for student or membership cards
Monochrome Ribbons (R2011–R2017): Black, blue, red, green, white, gold, silver
Scratch-Off Ribbon (R2018): Covers confidential info like PINs or voucher codes
Evolis Dualys Series
The Dualys 2 and 3 offer dual-sided printing and share many of the same ribbon types as the Pebble series.
Compatible ribbons:
Half-Panel YMCKO Ribbon (R3013)
YMCKOK Ribbon (R3314): Color front, black back
Monochrome (R2011–R2017)
Scratch-Off (R2018)
Evolis Quantum Series
Designed for high-volume production, the Quantum 1 and Quantum 2 are modular and ideal for service bureaus.
Compatible ribbons:
Monochrome Ribbons (R2011–R2017)
Scratch-Off (R2018)
Evolis Securion
The Evolis Securion offers dual-sided printing with lamination for added durability and security.
Compatible ribbons:
Monochrome (R2011–R2017)
Scratch-Off (R2018)
Laminates (R4211–R4242): For government or healthcare-grade ID cards
Evolis Zenius
Compact and easy to use, the Zenius is a desktop printer for smaller operations.
Compatible ribbons:
Half-Panel YMCKO Ribbon (R5H004NAA)
KO Ribbon (R2F010NAA): Black plus overlay
Monochrome (RCT011NAA–RCT017NAA)
Evolis Primacy Series
The original Primacy supports both single and dual-sided printing with advanced encoding options.
Compatible ribbons:
Half-Panel YMCKO Ribbon (R5H004NAA)
Monochrome (RCT011NAA–RCT017NAA)
Evolis Primacy 2
The Primacy 2 is Evolis’s newest and most advanced model, supporting contactless, lamination, and extended capacity.
Compatible ribbons:
Half-Panel YMCKO Ribbon (R5H204A100)
YMCKOO (R6F207NAAA): Double overlay for more durability
Monochrome (RCT011NAA–RCT017NAA)
Evolis Badgy Series
The Badgy 100 and 200 are small, entry-level ID card printers for quick jobs.
Compatible ribbons:
Monochrome Black (CBGR0500K)
When to Use Each Ribbon Type
Full-Color Printing (YMCKO): Best for badges with photos, logos, and color backgrounds.
Half-Panel Ribbons: Great for cards with a photo and text—saves cost without sacrificing quality.
YMCKOK: Use when printing double-sided cards—color on the front, black on the back.
KO Ribbons: Ideal for monochrome with a clear overlay—commonly used for shipping labels or employee ID barcodes.
Monochrome Ribbons: Cost-effective option for simple designs and barcodes.
Scratch-Off Ribbons: Perfect for scratch-and-reveal promotions or PIN numbers.
Laminates: Needed for extra durability or tamper resistance, especially in healthcare or government environments.
Evolis Ribbon Buying Tips
Evolis printer ribbon compatibility may seem a little confusing. Always check your printer model before ordering.
Verify the part number of the ribbon. Even ribbons with similar names may not be compatible across all printers.
Store ribbons in a cool, dry place to preserve shelf life.
Use only genuine Evolis ribbons—third-party supplies can damage your printhead and void warranties.
Evolis Printer Ribbon Compatibility FAQs
Q: Can I use a Primacy 2 ribbon in a Zenius printer?
A: No — each printer model uses ribbons specifically designed for its mechanics and firmware.
Q: How many cards can a ribbon print?
A: Most YMCKO ribbons are rated for 300 or 500 cards, depending on the model.
Q: What does “half-panel” mean?
A: The ribbon uses less color per card, so it's ideal for layouts where only part of the card has color, like a photo or logo.
Final Thoughts
Using this Evolis printer ribbon compatibility guide and knowing which ribbon is compatible with your Evolis printer ensures you get the best print quality, reduce waste, and avoid unnecessary downtime. Whether you’re using a legacy Pebble 4 or the latest Primacy 2, matching the right ribbon with your card type is key to efficient and professional card printing.
Looking for guidance on ordering? Need a supplier who understands Evolis printer ribbon compatibility? Contact Groove Identification Solutions — we’re here to help.
Why Choose Groove Identification Solutions?
Groove Identification Solutions is a proudly Canadian-owned company specializing in secure photo identification products and solutions. We are an authorized Evolis reseller, and our team is deeply experienced in supporting all major Evolis printer models — from legacy units like the Pebble 3 to advanced solutions like the Primacy 2.
We offer:
A wide inventory of genuine Evolis ribbons, cleaning kits, and accessories
Fast and reliable Canada-wide shipping
Expert support from technicians who understand ID card systems inside and out
Personalized consultation services for identifying the best printer, ribbon, and accessory match for your needs
Whether you're managing security at a hospital, printing student ID cards at a college, or issuing access credentials for manufacturing staff, Groove can help streamline your process and ensure top-quality results every time.
Our clients rely on us for more than just products. We deliver value through a deep understanding of ID printing technology and tailored service. Our team is happy to walk you through printer setup, offer proactive maintenance tips, and guide you through best practices for maximizing your ribbon yield and card output.
We also provide:
Volume discounts and special pricing for education, healthcare, and enterprise accounts
Annual service contracts for proactive maintenance
Free ribbon compatibility consultations
Help with firmware updates and ribbon calibration errors
Live phone support and priority email response
In addition to Evolis, we support a full range of ID solutions, including HID access cards, badge accessories, visitor management platforms, and printer rentals. Our goal is to be your one-stop shop for everything related to secure identification.
If you're looking for trusted advice, high-quality products, and unmatched service, reach out to our friendly team. We take pride in helping Canadian businesses, institutions, and agencies simplify their photo ID systems with ease and confidence.
Connect with us today:**
🌐 Website: groovebadges.com
📧 Email: info@groovebadges.com
☎ Phone: 1-888-940-3645
📍 Address: 29 Centennial Rd. Unit 3, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada L9W 1R1
