Fargo Ribbon & Cleaning Kit Review
Keep your Fargo card printer running smoothly with our comprehensive review of the Fargo 45200 ribbon and DuraClean cleaning kit. Learn about print quality, cost savings, and maintenance tips.
Introduction
Card printing is a vital function for businesses of all sizes, from ID badges and loyalty cards to gift cards and access passes. However, consistent print quality and printer longevity are often overlooked, leading to frustrating downtime and costly replacements. The Fargo 45200 YMCKO ribbon and DuraClean DC 86177 cleaning kit directly address these concerns, offering a cost-effective solution to maintaining your Fargo DTC4500 or DTC4500e printer at peak performance.
Overview
This comprehensive kit provides everything you need to keep your Fargo card printer delivering crisp, vibrant, and durable prints. The Fargo 45200 YMCKO ribbon allows for full-color printing on both sides of each card, ideal for creating professional-looking credentials and marketing materials. Complementing the ribbon, the DuraClean DC 86177 cleaning kit actively combats ink residue buildup and card roller contamination, preventing print defects and extending printer life. Designed for ease of use and exceptional results, this kit is a must-have for any organization reliant on card printing.
Features
High-Quality YMCKO Color Ribbon: The Fargo 45200 ribbon utilizes YMCKO dye technology, enabling full-color, double-sided printing with a laminate overlay for added durability and protection against tampering. This delivers professional-looking cards with extended lifespan.
500 Print Yield Per Roll: Each Fargo 45200 ribbon provides a generous 500 prints, reducing the frequency of replacements and lowering operational costs. This is a significant advantage for businesses with high-volume card printing needs.
DuraClean Cleaning Kit for Optimal Maintenance: The DuraClean DC 86177 cleaning kit includes three long cleaning cards, four cleaning swabs, and ten adhesive cleaning cards. These components work together to gently and effectively remove ink residue and debris from the printer’s rollers and print head, preventing smudging and ensuring consistent print quality.
Targeted Cleaning Components: The included cleaning cards gently remove residual ink from the rollers, while the adhesive cards target the rollers specifically for a thorough cleaning. The swabs are ideal for precise cleaning of the print head area, addressing specific buildup that might otherwise affect print quality.
Benefits
Extended Printer Lifespan: Regular use of the DuraClean cleaning kit significantly reduces the risk of printer malfunctions caused by ink buildup, extending the lifespan of your Fargo DTC4500 or DTC4500e printer and minimizing costly repairs or replacements.
Professional-Looking Cards: The combination of high-quality ribbon and consistent cleaning results in cards that look polished and professional, enhancing your brand image and leaving a positive impression.
Consistent Print Quality: The cleaning kit prevents print defects like smudging and uneven color distribution, ensuring that every card produced meets your quality standards and reflects positively on your organization.
Cost Savings on Supplies: By preventing damage and extending printer life, this kit helps reduce the overall cost of owning and operating your card printer.
Reduced Maintenance Downtime: Proactive cleaning minimizes the need for reactive maintenance, allowing you to avoid interruptions to your card printing workflow and maintain productivity.
Usages
Ideal for Business Card Printing: Perfect for creating employee ID badges, visitor passes, and loyalty cards, ensuring a professional and secure environment.
Perfect for School or University Credentials: Create student ID cards, library cards, and other essential credentials with a durable and professional finish.
Useful for Secure Access Cards: Print secure access cards for building entry or event attendance, leveraging the laminate overlay for increased tamper resistance.
Great for Gift and Membership Cards: Produce eye-catching gift cards and membership cards with vibrant colors and durable lamination, appealing to customers and promoting brand loyalty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality YMCKO ribbon for vibrant color printing
- Provides 500 prints per roll
- Includes comprehensive cleaning kit for maintenance
- Extends printer lifespan
- Simple to use and install
Cons
- Specifically designed for Fargo DTC4500/DTC4500e printers
- Cleaning kit components are consumable and require periodic replacement
FAQs
What is the print yield of the Fargo 45200 ribbon?: The Fargo 25000 ribbon yields approximately 500 prints per roll.
How often should I clean my Fargo printer?: We recommend cleaning your Fargo printer at least once a month, or more frequently if you experience high print volume or print quality issues.
Is this cleaning kit compatible with other Fargo printer models?: This cleaning kit is specifically designed for the Fargo DTC4500 and DTC4500e printers. Please verify compatibility before use.
What type of ink does the Fargo 45200 ribbon use?: The ribbon utilizes YMCKO dye-based ink for vibrant and full-color printing.
Product Specifications
| Print Color | YMCKO |
| Print Technology | Dye Transfer |
| Print Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Cleaning Card Type | Long, Adhesive, and Swabs |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 5.5 x 7.5 inches |
| Compatibility | Fargo DTC4500 & DTC4500e |
| Page Yield | 500 prints per ribbon |
| Weight | 0.75 lbs |
Ratings
| Overall | 4.6 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
| Print Quality | 4.7 |
| Durability | 4.3 |
| Ease of Use | 4.9 |
Recommendation
If you operate a business relying on card printing, this kit is an indispensable investment. The combination of a high-quality ribbon and proactive cleaning extends the lifespan of your printer, minimizes downtime, and ensures consistently professional-looking cards.
For organizations seeking to reduce their card printing costs and maintain a professional image, the Fargo 45200 YMCKO ribbon and DuraClean cleaning kit offers a compelling and cost-effective solution. The value lies not just in the immediate prints but in the long-term reliability and reduced maintenance it provides.
Conclusion
The Fargo 45200 YMCKO ribbon and DuraClean cleaning kit represents a smart and efficient way to maintain a high standard of card printing. The durable ribbon delivers vibrant results, while the cleaning kit actively prevents issues that can lead to costly repairs or replacements.
By embracing preventative maintenance and utilizing this comprehensive kit, you’re not just printing cards; you’re investing in the longevity and efficiency of your entire card printing operation. This combination delivers lasting value and reinforces your commitment to quality and professionalism.
