POS & Kitchen Printer Ribbon Guide

Impact Printer Guide

POS & Kitchen Printer Ribbon Guide

Ribbon cartridges are model-specific consumables used by impact printers. Match the printer and ribbon family—not just the ribbon's shape or color.

Quick answer: Epson TM-U220 printers commonly use the ERC-38 family. Star SP700/SP742 printers use RC700-family ribbons. Similar-looking cartridges are not automatically interchangeable.

Common Ribbon Families at RH Now

Ribbon family	Common printer family	Common colors	Guide
ERC-30 / 34 / 38	Epson impact printers including TM-U220 applications	Black, black/red, other manufacturer-specific options	ERC-38 compatibility guide
RC700	Star SP700 / SP742	Black, black/red	SP700 ribbon guide

Compatible vs. Genuine OEM

Genuine OEM

Made or branded by the equipment manufacturer. Product pages should identify the OEM brand clearly.

Compatible / House Brand

A third-party replacement designed for compatible use. It should not be represented as manufacturer-made.

How to Avoid Ordering the Wrong Ribbon

Read the full printer model from the equipment label.
Check the ribbon number printed on the current cartridge or package.
Choose the correct color combination—black-only and black/red are different SKUs.
Verify whether the product is Genuine OEM or compatible before purchase.

Shop all RH Now Printer Ribbons →