Changing dot-matrix printer ribbons can be an easy process
of just snapping one ribbon out and putting in another ribbon.
In some dot-matrix printers, it is more difficult. For example,
the light may have to be just perfect. Some printer companies
actually ship clear plastic gloves to use while changing
the ribbon so that your fingers don't get dirty.
Ribbons have been a major problem with printers for a long
time. OKIDATA made big waves by trying to use the ribbon
that became more or less the standard for manual typewriters.
The OKIDATA ribbon changed direction. Other ribbons are
in cartridges that essentially contain a large continuous
loop. Some of these loops actually have a half twist in
them. The half twist causes the ribbon to be used more efficiently.
Both sides are used and both the top and bottom halves will
be used equally.
You should keep some things in mind when using unofficial
replacement ribbons:
* Damage can occur if the ribbon-drive gears and carriage-drive
motor do not line up with the cartridge-drive opening.
* Re-inking devices cause damage to print head wires and
other metal and plastic parts due to chemicals used in the
ink. Some ink contain acid and caustic chemicals that can
pit metal parts and deteriorate completely the plastic parts.
Other inks (especially old typewriter re-inking kits) gum
up the print head, clogging the firing mechanism and destroying
the print head.
* Some print heads require the use of a specific ribbon.
The wrong thickness or the wrong ink can damage the print
head.
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