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Ribbons for Datamax & Honeywell: The “Coated Side In” (CSI) Difference
In the thermal printing world, Datamax (now part of Honeywell) is the legendary rival to Zebra. You often see these rugged printers (like the I-Class or M-Class) in manufacturing plants.
However, Datamax engineers made a design choice that confuses buyers to this day.
Unlike Zebra, most Datamax industrial printers require ribbons wound Coated Side In (CSI).
1. What is Coated Side In (CSI)?
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What this means: The ink is on the inside of the roll (facing the core).
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The Visual: It looks dull on the outside because you are seeing the carrier film, not the ink.
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The Trap: If you try to load a standard Zebra (CSO) ribbon into a Datamax printer, the ink will be facing the wrong way (away from the label). You will get no print image, and you might gum up your printhead.
2. Honeywell’s Mixed Bag
Since Honeywell acquired Datamax and Intermec, things got complicated.
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Legacy Datamax (I-Class, M-Class): Mostly CSI.
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Legacy Intermec (PM43, PC43): Often CSI.
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New Honeywell Models: Many newer models allow both CSI and CSO, but you must check your manual.
3. Only Imaging: We Wind Both Ways
Most generic suppliers only stock CSO (Zebra style) because it’s the most popular. This leaves Datamax users searching for supplies.
At Only Imaging, our slitting machines are capable of winding ribbons in either direction.
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Customization: When you order, simply specify “Ink In” (CSI) or “Ink Out” (CSO). We produce both with the same high-quality formula.
4. Recommended Ribbons for Datamax/Honeywell
| Printer Family | Common Models | Winding Direction | Recommended Ribbon |
| Datamax Industrial | I-Class Mark II, M-Class | CSI (Ink In) | Premium Wax / Wax-Resin |
| Intermec Industrial | PM43, PD43 | CSI (Ink In) | Premium Wax |
| Honeywell Desktop | PC42t | CSO (Ink Out) | Standard Wax (110m) |
Conclusion: Check Before You Buy
The #1 reason for ribbon returns is “Wrong Winding Direction.”
Before you order, do the tape test. If the ink is on the inside, you need a partner who understands CSI.
Only Imaging is that partner.
ONLY IMAGING is a leading supplier of labels, printing equipment and associate consumables, including TTR products in various widths and lengths. Please take the opportunity to learn more about our range of high-quality thermal transfer ribbons and explore our other products for any further questions you may have click Here.
