Zebra ZXP card-printer ribbons are model-specific consumables. A ribbon that fits one ZXP printer family should not be assumed to fit another, even when both ribbons use the same YMCKO colour-panel format.

This guide compares two Zebra card-printer ribbons currently listed by The Print Cartridge Shop: the 800017-240 for ZXP Series 1 and the 800033-340 for ZXP Series 3.

Quick compatibility comparison

800017-240 — Zebra ZXP Series 1

The current 800017-240 YMCKO ribbon listing is a compatible replacement ribbon for Zebra ZXP Series 1 PVC card printers.

Current catalogue details:

part number: 800017-240;
printer family: Zebra ZXP Series 1;
ribbon type: YMCKO colour;
listed yield: up to 200 single-sided prints;
condition: new;
product type: compatible replacement.

800033-340 — Zebra ZXP Series 3

The current Zebra 800033-340 YMCKO ribbon is listed for Zebra ZXP Series 3 card printers.

Current catalogue details:

part number: 800033-340;
printer family: Zebra ZXP Series 3;
ribbon type: YMCKO colour;
listed yield: up to 280 single-sided prints;
condition: new;
product type: genuine Zebra.

800017-240 vs 800033-340

These two ribbons should not be selected by colour format alone. Both use a YMCKO panel sequence, but they are listed for different Zebra printer families.

The 800017-240 is for ZXP Series 1, while the 800033-340 is for ZXP Series 3. The part number and printer model should therefore be checked before ordering.

What does YMCKO mean?

YMCKO identifies the ribbon-panel sequence:

Yellow;
Magenta;
Cyan;
Black resin;
Overlay.

The colour panels produce the full-colour image, the black panel is used for dark text and barcode detail, and the overlay panel adds a clear finishing layer to the printed card.

Why printer-family compatibility matters

Card-printer ribbons are not generic rolls of thermal-transfer ribbon. They are manufactured for specific card-printer mechanisms and consumable systems.

Before ordering, match:

the printer family;
the exact ribbon part number;
the required colour format;
the expected print yield;
whether the required product is genuine or compatible.

Do not use a ZXP Series 1 ribbon simply because the panel format looks similar to a ZXP Series 3 ribbon.

Compatible vs genuine Zebra ribbon

The two products in this comparison also differ in product type.

The 800017-240 currently listed by The Print Cartridge Shop is a compatible replacement for Zebra ZXP Series 1. The 800033-340 is listed as a genuine Zebra ribbon for ZXP Series 3.

For organisations with procurement rules that specify OEM consumables, check whether a genuine Zebra product is required. Where a compatible ribbon is acceptable, still verify the exact printer family and part number.

Print yield: 200 vs 280

The current 800017-240 listing states a capacity of up to 200 single-sided prints. The current 800033-340 listing states up to 280 single-sided prints.

These figures should be treated as model-specific listed capacities rather than a reason to substitute one ribbon for the other. Compatibility comes first.

ZXP ribbons vs Zebra ZC300 ribbons

Zebra ZXP and Zebra ZC card printers use different consumable families. If you are using a ZC100, ZC300 or ZC350 rather than a ZXP printer, see our Zebra ZC300 ribbon compatibility guide.

Do not assume that an 800300-series ZC ribbon is interchangeable with an 800017-series or 800033-series ZXP ribbon.

ZXP card ribbons vs barcode-printer ribbons

These ID-card ribbons are also different from the wax-resin and resin ribbons used by Zebra thermal-transfer barcode label printers. For label-printer ribbon selection, see our Zebra thermal transfer ribbon Australia guide.

What to check before ordering

Use this checklist before buying a Zebra card-printer ribbon:

read the printer model from the machine label or device settings;
confirm whether it is ZXP Series 1, ZXP Series 3, ZC100, ZC300, ZC350 or another family;
check the ribbon part number;
confirm YMCKO or another ribbon format is required;
check whether genuine Zebra or a compatible replacement is acceptable;
confirm the listed yield meets the deployment requirement.

For a broader overview of Zebra thermal-transfer and ID-card ribbons, visit the Zebra Ribbons Australia guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is 800017-240 suitable for Zebra ZXP Series 3?

No. The current 800017-240 listing is for Zebra ZXP Series 1. For ZXP Series 3, the current catalogue lists Zebra 800033-340.

Is 800033-340 suitable for Zebra ZXP Series 1?

No. The current 800033-340 listing is specifically for Zebra ZXP Series 3 card printers.

Are both ribbons YMCKO?

Yes. Both current listings identify the ribbons as YMCKO colour ribbons, but their printer compatibility and part numbers are different.

Which ribbon has the higher listed yield?

The 800033-340 is listed at up to 280 single-sided prints, compared with up to 200 single-sided prints for the 800017-240.

Is 800017-240 genuine Zebra?

The current The Print Cartridge Shop listing identifies it as a compatible replacement ribbon. The 800033-340 listing identifies that product as genuine Zebra.

Where can I view the products?

View the 800017-240 ZXP Series 1 ribbon or the Zebra 800033-340 ZXP Series 3 ribbon directly.

For the wider Zebra consumables ecosystem, see our Zebra Parts & Consumables Australia guide. For broader Zebra printer, scanner, replacement and compatibility resources, use the Zebra Printer Guides Australia hub.

More Zebra Compatibility Resources

For the wider Zebra support structure, use the Zebra Printer Guides Australia hub. For label-printer hardware, browse the Zebra Thermal Label Printers category.