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What is a Double Core Ribbon? Custom Winding for Specialty Printers
In the standard thermal printing world, a ribbon comes on one core (the supply core) and you attach it to the printer’s empty take-up spindle.
But there is a niche category of printers—often Mobile Printers, Ticket Printers, or specialized legacy systems—that require a Double Core (Twin Core) setup.
This means the ribbon is attached to two cores simultaneously: one supplying the ink, and one ready to collect it.
Finding these ribbons off-the-shelf is nearly impossible. Most generic suppliers don’t stock them.
At Only Imaging, we manufacture them to order.
Why Double Core?
These printers typically lack a built-in take-up mechanism or use a simplified “cassette-like” loading system to save space (common in portable forklift printers).
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The Mechanic: The user drops the entire two-core assembly into the printer. It’s a fast, fool-proof loading method for drivers on the go.
Customization Options
Because these are non-standard, “One Size Fits All” does not apply. We customize:
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Core Material: Cardboard or Plastic?
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Core Width: Does the core need to be wider than the ribbon? (e.g., a 110mm ribbon on a 115mm core).
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Notches: Does the core need specific notches to lock into the printer’s drive gear?
Ink Types for Mobile Printing
Mobile printers usually print on Receipt Paper or Poly Labels.
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Standard Wax: For delivery receipts.
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Wax/Resin: For outdoor logistics labels (rain resistant).
Conclusion: We Build What You Can’t Find
If you have a printer that requires a weird ribbon configuration, don’t throw away the printer. Just ask the manufacturer.
Only Imaging specializes in “Odd Jobs.” From 0.5-inch double cores to notched plastic cores, we keep your legacy fleet running.
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.
