Zebra 800012-445 YMCK Color Ribbon
Zebra 800012-445 YMCK Color Ribbon is a premium printing consumable specifically designed for Zebra ZXP Series 8 and Series 9 retransfer card printers. This high-quality ribbon features four distinct panels (Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black resin) that work together to produce vibrant, full-color images with exceptional clarity and professional-grade text…
Zebra 800012-445 YMCK Color Ribbon represents a premium printing consumable specifically engineered for Zebra ZXP Series 8 and Series 9 retransfer card printers. This high-performance ribbon delivers exceptional color reproduction, image quality, and professional results, making it an essential component for organizations requiring high-quality identification credentials. Designed with precision and manufactured to exacting standards, the 800012-445 exemplifies Zebra’s commitment to quality and reliability in the identification card industry.

Technology and Design
The 800012-445 utilizes advanced dye-sublimation and thermal transfer technology to produce vibrant, durable printed cards. The ribbon’s sophisticated design incorporates four distinct panels that work in sequence during the printing process:
- Yellow (Y) Panel: Transfers yellow dye to the retransfer film, forming one of the primary colors in the color model.
- Magenta (M) Panel: Applies magenta dye, the second primary color component.
- Cyan (C) Panel: Delivers cyan dye, completing the three primary colors needed for full-color reproduction.
- Black (K) Panel: Provides deep, true black resin for text, barcodes, and other monochrome elements, ensuring optimal readability and scan quality.
Each panel is precisely engineered to work in harmony with the ZXP Series 8 and 9 printers’ thermal printheads, ensuring consistent color transfer and optimal image quality. The ribbon is constructed with a high-quality polyethylene terephthalate (PET) base featuring specialized coatings that enable precise color reproduction while minimizing environmental impact.
RFID Technology and Smart Recognition
The 800012-445 YMCK ribbon incorporates advanced RFID tagging technology, which provides several operational benefits:
- Automatic Recognition: The printer automatically identifies the ribbon type and optimizes settings accordingly.
- Quality Assurance: The RFID system ensures only genuine Zebra consumables are used, maintaining print quality and warranty coverage.
- Usage Tracking: The system monitors ribbon usage and provides alerts when supplies are running low.
- Simplified Operation: Reduces the need for manual configuration, minimizing operator errors.
This intelligent feature is part of Zebra’s i Series True Colours ecosystem, which integrates printer hardware, software, and consumables for optimal performance and reliability.
Print Quality and Performance
The 800012-445 YMCK ribbon delivers exceptional print quality across a range of applications:
- Color Reproduction: Produces vibrant, true-to-life colors that accurately represent logos, photographs, and design elements with photo-like resolution.
- Resolution and Clarity: Works with ZXP Series 8 and 9 printers to produce sharp, clear text and images with excellent edge definition, even for small font sizes and intricate designs.
- Barcode Quality: Ensures precise, scannable barcodes with the high contrast needed for reliable reading by barcode scanners.
- Line Art Accuracy: Delivers clean, crisp line art with consistent edge quality and definition.
- Consistent Coverage: Provides uniform color application without banding, streaking, or spotting, ensuring professional results for every card.
- Print Capacity: Each ribbon yields approximately 625 single-sided full-color prints or 312 dual-sided prints, making it economical for medium to high-volume printing operations.
Retransfer Printing Process
The 800012-445 YMCK ribbon is designed specifically for retransfer printing, a two-step process that offers several advantages over direct-to-card printing:
- Step 1: The printer uses the YMCK ribbon to print the image in reverse onto a clear retransfer film (sold separately).
- Step 2: The printed image on the retransfer film is then thermally transferred to the card surface.
This process provides several benefits:
- Superior Image Quality: By separating the image creation step from the process of applying the image to the card, retransfer technology relieves many of the constraints of direct-to-card printing and optimizes print quality.
- Over-the-Edge Printing: Enables true edge-to-edge printing without white borders.
- Material Flexibility: Allows for high-quality printing on a wide variety of card types, including smart cards and cards with uneven surfaces.
- Enhanced Durability: The retransfer process inherently adds a layer of protection to the printed image.
Cleaning Rollers
The 800012-445 ribbon package includes two cleaning rollers that provide essential maintenance benefits:
- Card Surface Preparation: The cleaning rollers remove dust, debris, and contaminants from cards before printing.
- Print Quality Assurance: Clean cards ensure optimal ink transfer and image quality.
- Reduced Maintenance: Regular card cleaning minimizes the need for printer maintenance and extends the life of the printhead.
- Consistent Results: Helps maintain consistent print quality throughout the life of the ribbon.
Compatibility and Integration
The 800012-445 YMCK ribbon is designed for seamless integration with the Zebra ecosystem:
- Printer Compatibility: Compatible exclusively with Zebra ZXP Series 8 and Series 9 retransfer card printers.
- Card Compatibility: Optimized for printing on standard PVC and composite cards, including both blank white cards and pre-printed cards.
- Software Integration: Works seamlessly with Zebra card printing software, which automatically adjusts print parameters based on the ribbon type for optimal results.
- Retransfer Film Requirement: Must be paired with Zebra retransfer film (such as the 800012-601) to complete the printing process.
- Genuine Zebra Product: As a genuine Zebra consumable, the 800012-445 is guaranteed to work properly with ZXP Series 8 and 9 printers and maintain warranty coverage.
Applications
The 800012-445 YMCK ribbon is suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries:
Corporate and Enterprise
- Employee ID badges with color photos and corporate branding
- Visitor management credentials
- Corporate event badges
- Facility access cards
Education
- Student and faculty ID cards with color photos
- Library cards
- Campus access credentials
- Event passes and meal cards
Healthcare
- Staff identification badges with color coding by department
- Patient identification cards
- Visitor passes
- Laboratory access credentials
Government and Public Sector
- Municipal employee ID cards
- Public transportation passes
- Voter registration cards
- Community service access cards
Retail and Hospitality
- Loyalty program cards with vibrant branding
- Membership cards
- Gift cards with full-color graphics
- VIP customer identification
Financial Services
- Banking cards with chip technology
- Credit and debit cards
- Membership and loyalty cards
- Insurance identification cards
Storage and Handling
To maintain optimal performance and maximize shelf life, the 800012-445 YMCK ribbon should be handled and stored according to these guidelines:
- Storage Environment: Store in a cool, dry environment with temperatures between 5-25°C (41-77°F) and relative humidity between 20-70%.
- Shelf Life: Unopened ribbons remain viable for up to 1 year from the date of manufacture when stored properly.
- Post-Opening Lifespan: Once opened, the ribbon should be used within 3 months for best results.
- Handling Precautions: Avoid touching the printing surface of the ribbon to prevent fingerprints or contaminants that could affect print quality.
- Protection from Elements: Keep away from direct sunlight, dust, and chemical exposure to prevent degradation of the ribbon material.
- Packaging: The ribbon comes in sealed packaging that protects it from environmental contaminants until ready for use.
Environmental Considerations
The 800012-445 YMCK ribbon reflects Zebra’s commitment to environmental responsibility:
- Material Selection: The PET base and specialized coatings are designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance.
- Efficient Usage: The ribbon design maximizes the number of cards that can be printed per roll, reducing waste and replacement frequency.
- Packaging: Utilizes minimal packaging materials while ensuring adequate protection for the ribbon.
- Compliance: Meets relevant environmental regulations and standards for printing consumables.
Quality Assurance and Certification
As part of Zebra’s True Colours i Series line of consumables, the 800012-445 YMCK ribbon undergoes rigorous quality control processes:
- Testing and Validation: Extensively tested and validated by Zebra R&D and Quality departments to ensure consistent performance and reliability.
- Manufacturing Standards: Produced in facilities adhering to strict quality management systems and environmental standards.
- Genuine Zebra Product: Authenticated as a genuine Zebra consumable, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance with Zebra printers.
- Warranty Compliance: Use of genuine Zebra consumables maintains the validity of printer warranties, providing peace of mind for organizations.
Technical Specifications
- Ribbon Type: YMCK (Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black resin)
- Yield: 625 prints per roll (single-sided) or 312 prints (dual-sided)
- Compatible Printers: Zebra ZXP Series 8 and Series 9 retransfer printers
- Compatible Cards: PVC and composite cards
- Card Format: CR-80 (85.6 mm × 54 mm)
- Printing Technology: Dye sublimation/thermal transfer
- Model Number: 800012-445
- Manufacturer: Zebra Technologies
- Format: i Series with RFID tagging for automatic printer recognition
- Included Components: Two cleaning rollers
Conclusion
The Zebra 800012-445 YMCK Color Ribbon represents a high-quality solution for organizations requiring professional-grade color ID cards. With its ability to produce vibrant, durable credentials efficiently, this ribbon helps organizations create identification cards that combine visual appeal with practical functionality. As part of Zebra’s comprehensive ecosystem of printing solutions, the 800012-445 exemplifies the company’s commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation in the identification card industry.