Epson TM-U590 Compatible Ribbon (ERC-31B) | Black or Purple | 6-Pack

Epson ERC-31B Compatible Ribbon Cassette for TM-U590 Slip Printers - 6-Pack

Direct replacement for the Epson ERC-31B ribbon cassette. Fits the Epson TM-U590 (M128B) and all other ERC-31 compatible slip printers including the TM-U950, TM-H5000, TM-H5200, TM-U925, TM-930, and TM-950. Available in black (ERC-31B) or purple (ERC-31P) - select your color above.

Each 6-pack contains individually sealed ribbon cassettes built from new components. Not re-inked or refurbished. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified manufacturing. 1-year warranty on every cassette.

▶ Compatible Printers

The ERC-31 ribbon cassette is compatible with the following Epson printers:

• Epson TM-U590 (M128B)
• Epson TM-U950
• Epson TM-U925
• Epson TM-H5000 (M128A)
• Epson TM-H5000II (M128C)
• Epson TM-H5200
• Epson TM-930 / TM-930II
• Epson TM-950
• Epson TM-925
• Epson M-26SA / M-31PA / M-32SA / M-930

The ERC-31 ribbon also fits several non-Epson printers that use the same cassette form factor, including NCR 7162, NCR 7166, NCR 7452, NCR 7453, and VeriFone Ruby SuperSystem. If your printer currently uses an ERC-31 ribbon (check the cassette label), this is the correct replacement.

▶ ERC-31B vs ERC-31P - Which Do You Need?

Both ribbons are physically identical and fit the same printers. The only difference is ink color. Most businesses use ERC-31B (black). Check your current ribbon - black fabric means ERC-31B, purple fabric means ERC-31P. You can switch between them at any time without changing printer settings.

▶ How to Replace the Ribbon

1. Open the printer cover to access the ribbon cassette compartment.
2. Grasp the installed ribbon cassette and pull straight up to remove it.
3. Remove the new cassette from its sealed packaging.
4. Turn the ribbon tension knob in the direction of the arrow printed on the cassette to take up any slack in the fabric.
5. Insert the new cassette, aligning the guide posts with the slots in the printer.
6. Press down firmly until the cassette clicks into place.
7. Close the printer cover.
8. Print a test receipt to confirm clean, even output.

No tools required. Do not turn the ribbon knob opposite the arrow direction. This can damage the ribbon fabric.

▶ Compatible vs Re-inked - What Is the Difference?

Compatible (New): Built from all-new components - new ribbon fabric, fresh ink, new cassette housing. Never used before. Manufactured to match OEM specifications.

Re-inked (Refurbished): A used OEM cassette refilled with new ink. The fabric is reused and may have wear. Print quality depends on fabric condition and number of previous re-inkings.

TerminalDepot sells compatible (new) ribbon cassettes only. Every component is new. The ribbon fabric is fresh and unworn, providing maximum print life and consistent darkness from first print to last.

▶ Print Quality and Yield

Each ribbon cassette produces approximately 5 million characters of print output. Actual yield depends on print density, slip length, and how much of each line is printed.

Signs your ribbon needs replacement:

• Printing appears faded or light
• Uneven darkness across the print line
• Characters hard to read on customer copies
• Ribbon fabric visibly worn, dry, or fraying

▶ Troubleshooting

• Faded or light printing? The ribbon is worn out. Replace with a new cassette.
• Dark on one side, light on other? Cassette not seated evenly. Remove and reinsert, making sure it clicks into both guide posts.
• Ribbon jammed or bunched? Do not pull the fabric. Turn the tension knob in the arrow direction to rewind slack. If fabric is torn, replace the cassette.
• Smearing or excess ink? Try a different cassette from the pack. Contact us for warranty replacement if the issue persists.
• Printer shows ribbon error? Remove cassette and check for packaging material or tape still attached. Reinsert firmly. Power cycle the printer.

▶ Storage

Store ribbon cassettes in sealed packaging until ready to install. Keep in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Sealed ribbons have a shelf life of approximately 3-5 years. Once installed, the ribbon lasts until ink and fabric are depleted through normal printing.

▶ Warranty

Every ribbon cassette includes a 1-year warranty against manufacturing and material defects. If a ribbon is defective on arrival or fails prematurely under normal use, contact TerminalDepot for a Return Authorization number. Defective ribbons are replaced at no charge after inspection.

Will this void my printer warranty? No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Preservation Act (15 U.S.C. 2302), printer manufacturers cannot void your warranty for using compatible ribbons. Your Epson printer warranty remains fully intact.

▶ What Is Included

In the box:

• 6 x Epson ERC-31 compatible ribbon cassettes (black or purple, depending on selection)
• Each cassette individually sealed in protective packaging

NOT included:

• Printer
• Paper rolls (sold separately - we carry compatible bond paper for Epson slip printers)