Maximise your printing efficiency and lower your cost-per-card on next-generation systems with the genuine Evolis R5H204E100 half-panel YMCKO colour ribbon. Specifically designed for organizations using newer desktop printers that only require partial colour on their plastic cards, this HighTrust ribbon delivers reliable performance, sharp text, and vibrant photo reproduction.

Unlike standard rolls, this ribbon features half-length Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan panels alongside full-length Black (K) and Overlay (O) panels. This layout allows you to print a full-colour photo or logo on up to 50% of the card’s surface, while the black panel can print text, numbers, and barcodes anywhere across the card's full width. Because the colour panels are smaller, the ribbon achieves an extended yield of 400 prints per roll, lowering the cost-per-card and reducing ribbon swap-out frequency during large badge production runs.

Technical Specifications

Applications & Common Uses

The R5H204E100 half-panel ribbon is highly economical for card layouts where full colour is restricted to a specific zone, making it a practical fit for everyday workplace requirements:

• Standard Corporate ID Badges: Ideal for layouts featuring an employee portrait on the left or right side of the card, with black employee data, titles, and text spanning the remaining space.

• Student & School Identification: A budget-conscious solution for schools, colleges, and universities issuing thousands of student photo IDs at the start of an academic term.

• Membership & Loyalty Cards: Perfect for printing a small, high-resolution colour club or company logo alongside black personalized member details and scannable barcodes.

• Visitor Passes: Efficiently print temporary building passes featuring a security photograph at a fraction of the cost of a full-panel alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a "half-panel" ribbon and how does it save money? A half-panel ribbon is designed for cards that don't need full-bleed colour across the entire surface. The Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan panels are half the length of a standard card. By only using colour where it is strictly needed (like a small photo or logo), the manufacturer can pack more panel sets onto a single roll, offering 400 prints instead of the standard 200 or 300, lowering your cost-per-card.

Where can I position the colour and black elements on the card? The full-colour elements (such as ID photos) must be positioned within a defined 50% area of the card (usually the left or right half). However, because the Black (K) and clear Overlay (O) panels are full-sized, you can print text, serial numbers, and barcodes anywhere across the entire surface of the card.

Which printers work with the R5H204E100 ribbon? This ribbon is designed exclusively for the Evolis Primacy 2 and Evolis Zenius 2 ID card printers. Please note that it is not compatible with the first-generation, older Evolis Primacy or Zenius models (which use the R5H004NAA ribbon instead).

Does this ribbon protect the card from daily wear and tear? Yes. Despite the colour panels being halved, the clear Overlay (O) panel covers the entire surface of the card. This applies a protective varnish layer that guards your text, graphics, and photos against daily handling, scratches, and UV fading.

How should I store this ribbon? Keep unused ribbons in their original, unopened packaging in a cool, dry, and dust-free environment (ideally between 10°C and 20°C). Avoid exposing the ribbon to direct sunlight or high humidity, and aim to use the roll within one year of purchase.