Ink and Ribbon

An integral part of typewriters' ability to print characters is applying ink to the paper itself. Typewriters commonly use ink ribbons to achieve this, although some early machines will use ink rollers or pads. This article will describe ink and ribbon mechanisms, how they work, and what ribbons or ink supplies you need to replace the ones in your typewriter based on model.

Spools

The vast majority of typewriters use one of two standard spool types: DIN2103 and US Universal. Although both of these spools fit the same half-inch width ribbon, they have slightly different dimensions: DIN2103 has a wider hole in the centre and will fit European typewriters built for European market sale, whereas US Universal fits machines built for the American market. The vast majority of typewriters bought in the United States will have take US Universal spools. I NEED TO PUT A PIC HERE AND WILL DO THAT...EVENTUALLY

Certain brands and models use special spools as well. A few common examples are listed below:

Machine	Spool Type	Notes
Remington Portables 1-5	Proprietary, Remington Portable	Remington portable spools are smaller than conventional spools and take standard half-inch ribbon.
Woodstock	Proprietary spoked spools.	Example
Royal Standard	Pr	Example
Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example

Types of Ribbon

Ribbons come in three main materials: silk, cotton, and nylon. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

What Ribbon Should I Buy?

As so many typewriters use standard half-inch ribbon, it is easier to list the exceptions rather than the rules. Unfortunately, this list is not exhaustive.