Q: The print ribbon has torn or broken.

A: If your dye-sublimation ribbon is sticking to the card, check to see that you are using blank cards with a polished PVC finish. A card with a dull or sticky finish can cause the ribbon to stick to its surface causing the ribbon to jam or even break. Review the proper procedures for clearing ribbon jams and card jams.

If you are using an acceptable video imaging card stock and the ribbon is still consistently being jammed down into the drive roller, you may need to reposition the Headlift Assembly of the Printhead. To do this, simply open the printer's Top Cover. With the printer powered ON, push down both control panel buttons at the same time. You should then hear the Headlift Assembly rotate and realign itself.

The print intensity may be set too high for your image, causing the print ribbon to stretch and tear. Reduce the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the printer driver by moving the slider 5-10% to the left.

This may also be caused by an improper internal printer setting. Check the Image Darkness value and the Image Placement value, and verify these match the factory default values given on the settings label on the printer's rear or bottom panel. Sometimes, if the Image Darkness is set too dark or if the Image Placement is set too close to the card's leading edge, this can result in ribbon breakage.

RIBBON REPAIR: In any event, the ribbon can always be repaired. First, carefully note how the ribbon is on the spools in the printer, and remove the spools from the printer. Then start by making a clean cut on both ends of the ribbon with scissors. Then, using a small piece of clear adhesive tape, tape the ribbon onto the take-up spool. Then, wind the ribbon on the take-up spool enough so there is one full wind around the spool. Now replace the ribbon in the printer, being sure not to unwind any ribbon from the take-up spool.