When it comes to ID card printing, the quality of your consumables—such as ribbons, cards, and cleaning kits—plays a crucial role in ensuring that your prints are clear, durable, and secure. To maximize the lifespan and performance of these products, it’s important to store them properly. In this blog, we’ll dive into the best practices for storing Evolis consumables, including their ideal storage conditions and handling tips.

Note: The following storage recommendations are based on information from Evolis, which provides guidelines to ensure the best print quality and longevity of their consumables.

Why Storage Conditions Matter for Print Quality

Improper storage can significantly affect the quality of your prints. For instance, exposure to high temperatures, humidity, or light can damage the materials and lead to issues like poor print quality, faded colors, or even printer malfunctions. By following the correct storage guidelines, you can ensure that your Evolis consumables remain in top condition and produce the best results.

General Storage Guidelines for All Evolis Consumables

For all Evolis consumables—including color ribbons, monochrome ribbons, security ribbons, cards, and cleaning kits—there are a few universal storage recommendations to keep in mind:

• Keep Products in a Dark Place: Direct exposure to light, especially sunlight, can degrade the quality of consumables. Store your products in a cool, dark place to prevent light exposure.
• Avoid Dust: Dust can negatively impact both the quality of your prints and the longevity of your consumables. Ensure that the storage area is clean and free from dust.
• Store Away from Chemicals: Solvents and chemicals can damage the materials. Keep your consumables away from these substances to maintain their quality.
• Maintain Stable Temperatures and Humidity: High temperatures and humidity can cause warping, fading, or other issues with the consumables. Keep your storage area within the recommended temperature range and avoid areas with extreme environmental conditions.

Evolis Consumable-Specific Storage Recommendations

Below are the specific storage recommendations for each type of Evolis consumable to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

1. Color and Monochrome Ribbons

• Unopened Storage Time: 1 year
• Storage Time After Opening: 6 months
• Storage Temperature: 5-25°C (41-77°F)

Color and monochrome ribbons are sensitive to environmental factors, and improper storage can lead to printing issues. It's crucial to store them in a dry, dark environment at a temperature range of 5-25°C (41-77°F). Avoid storing ribbons near heat sources or areas with high humidity, as this can cause the ribbon material to degrade or affect the quality of your prints.

2. Security Ribbons

• Unopened Storage Time: 1 year
• Storage Time After Opening: 6 months
• Storage Temperature: 5-25°C (41-77°F)

Security ribbons, often used for encoding information or adding extra layers of protection to ID cards, are similarly sensitive. Just like color and monochrome ribbons, they should be stored at temperatures between 5-25°C (41-77°F) and should not be exposed to light, dust, or moisture to preserve their effectiveness.

3. Cards (PVC, Composite, etc.)

• Unopened Storage Time: 2 years
• Storage Time After Opening: 2 years
• Storage Temperature: 5-25°C (41-77°F)

Cards, including PVC, composite, and other materials, are generally more durable than ribbons but still require proper storage. These should be stored in a cool, dry place at temperatures ranging from 5-25°C (41-77°F) to prevent any warping or damage. Unlike ribbons, cards can often be stored for longer periods without losing quality, but exposure to high temperatures or humidity should be avoided.

4. Cleaning Kits

• Unopened Storage Time: 2 years
• Storage Time After Opening: 2 years
• Storage Temperature: 15-30°C (59-86°F)

Cleaning kits are essential for maintaining your ID card printer and ensuring that your prints remain clean and of high quality. After opening, it's best to use the cleaning swabs, cards, and other materials as soon as possible to ensure their efficiency. Store cleaning kits in a place with stable temperatures between 15-30°C (59-86°F) to prevent degradation of the cleaning materials.

Additional Tips for Storing Cleaning Kits

For cleaning kits, it’s crucial to use the materials shortly after opening to maintain their effectiveness. Cleaning swabs, cards, and other components can lose their efficiency over time, so using them promptly ensures that your printer remains in optimal condition. Keep them in a well-sealed container to prevent contamination from dust or dirt.

Proper Storage for Long-Lasting Quality

Properly storing your Evolis consumables is key to ensuring that you get the best performance from your ID card printer and materials. By following these storage recommendations, you can extend the lifespan of your ribbons, cards, and cleaning kits, ensuring that your prints remain high-quality and your printer stays in top shape. Remember, the goal is to avoid exposure to light, dust, high humidity, and extreme temperatures.

If you have any questions about storing your Evolis consumables or need help with your ID card printer, we are here to assist. We can help ensure that your equipment and supplies are maintained correctly for long-term use and optimal results. Reach out to us today for more information!

Source: Information provided by Evolis Consumables Storage Recommendations.