Printer Ribbons

General Questions

  1. What is the warranty period for Fullmark ribbons?
  2. Will the use of compatible ribbons damage my machine?
  3. Are Fullmark ribbons as good as OEM ribbons?
  4. I intend to order and keep several ribbons. Will they still be usable later?
  5. How do I know which ribbon to use for my machine?
  6. Do you offer ribbons in any other colour besides black?
  7. What is the most difficult part in using Fullmark ribbons?

Troubleshooting

  1. The ribbon does not fit my printer.
  2. Characters are smeared/smudged.
  3. Incomplete characters are printed.
  4. My ribbon is jammed/stuck.
  5. My typewriter does not shut off at the end of the ribbon.
  6. Printed characters are faint.
  7. Poor lift-off of characters.

General questions

  1. What is the warranty period for Fullmark ribbons?
    The warranty period for Fullmark ribbons is one year from the date of purchase.
  2. Will the use of compatible ribbons damage my machine?
    Nearly all machine problems have nothing to do with the ribbon itself, except when the ribbon is out of ink or not installed correctly. Fullmark guarantees that its ribbon will perform as well as the original equipment manufacturers’ supplies under similar conditions.
  3. Are Fullmark ribbons as good as OEM ribbons?
    Fullmark ribbons are developed only after extensive research and development to give you absolute assurance that they are of the highest quality. Fullmark is a certified company for ISO 9002 and ISO 14001.
  4. I intend to order and keep several ribbons. Will they still be usable later?
    Fullmark high quality ribbons are in sealed packaging, but if you order several ribbons, we recommend that you place your spare ribbons, packaging and all, in an airtight container (e.g. ziplock bag) until needed. This will help to ensure that your ribbons are fresh. Do not open sealed ribbons until needed.
  5. How do I know which ribbon to use for my machine?
    Please refer to our website’s list of products or search engine.
  6. Do you offer ribbons in any other colour besides black?
    Yes, but it is machine specific. Please refer to our list of products. There are descriptions for all products, including the colour details.
  7. What is the most difficult part in using Fullmark ribbons?
    The biggest challenge thus far is convincing the average customer to give it a try! Most customers do not realize that loading a Fullmark ribbon is very similar to using an OEM cartridge until they attempt to do so. If you are new to this, be confident to try it and save with Fullmark ribbons.

Troubleshooting

  1. The ribbon does not fit my printer.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Any
      Reason: The wrong model of ribbon is used.
      Remedy: Check that the ribbon is compatible with your printer.
  2. Characters are smeared/smudged.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Nylon
      Reason: Nylon ribbons are oil-based and work on a bond or rough surface paper, not clay or nylon coated paper.
      Remedy: Use a different type of paper.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Film
      Reason: Multistrike ribbons are oil-based. If the paper is touched immediately after printing, oil on your fingers or hands may cause the ink to smear.
      Remedy: Make sure your hands are clean and dry when handling printouts.
  3. Incomplete characters are printed.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Any
      Reason: Improper installation of the ribbon causing a character to strike out from the ribbon. When underlines or subscripts are used, no impressions end up on the paper.
      Remedy: Check installation instructions in your printer manual to install your ribbon.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Any
      Reason: End of ribbon life.
      Remedy: Replace the ribbon.
  4. My ribbon is jammed/stuck.

    Note: Always remove jammed ribbons immediately from the printer to prevent any damage to the printer’s motor.

    • Type of ribbon affected: Any
      Reason: Many ribbons come with a storage lock to prevent the ribbon from moving too much inside the cartridge during manufacture and storage.
      Remedy: Check for a storage lock and remove it.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Any
      Reason: The ribbon was advanced in the wrong direction before installing.
      Remedy: Advance the ribbon after installation.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Any
      Reason: Most printers or electronic typewriters offer an automatic shut-off option to stop the machine from printing when the ribbon is at its end.
      Remedy: Check your printer manual to see if printer has an end-of-ribbon sensor and how to reset it.
  5. My typewriter does not shut off at the end of the ribbon.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Film/Correctable
      Reason: The ribbon has run out of ink.
      Remedy: Replace the ribbon.
  6. Printed characters are faint.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Nylon/Film
      Reason: Ink can oxidize if it is exposed to air for a long time. If a nylon ribbon is stored in its polybag and kept in normal warehouse conditions, it will last for at least one year.
      Remedy: Test print a few times. If the problem still exists, replace with a new ribbon
    • Type of ribbon affected: Nylon/Film
      Reason: The ribbon is either jammed or not advancing properly.
      Remedy: See if the knob on the ribbon cartridge turns while printing.
  7. Poor lift-off of characters.
    • Type of ribbon affected: Correctable
      Reason: The lift-off mechanism is not in perfect alignment with the print element.
      Remedy: Check the print alignment.