IBM 4683 Model III Purple Ribbon (1040889/1040875) – Compatible

IBM 4683 Model III Purple (1040889/1040875) at a glance: a point-of-sale receipt/journal ribbon in purple, rated at about 3 million characters. Compatible: newly manufactured to fit and print like the original. Sold as a single ribbon. Fits the IBM 4683 Model 3, IBM 4683 Model 4, IBM 4684 Model 3 and 7 more. Backed by a 1-year 100% satisfaction guarantee; orders by 4 PM ET (Mon–Fri) ship the same day from Long Island, NY.

Key Facts

What's in the Box

• 1 × compatible IBM 4683 Model III purple ribbon (1040889/1040875) — about 3 million characters each

Compatible Printers (10 models)

• IBM 4683 Model 3
• IBM 4683 Model 4
• IBM 4684 Model 3
• IBM 4684 Model 4
• IBM 4693 Model 4
• IBM 4693 Model 4R
• IBM 4694 Model 4
• IBM 4694 Model 4R
• IBM 4690 POS
• Star Micronics SP772

Don't mix these up: IBM 1040875 and 1040889 are used interchangeably for the receipt/journal printer in the 4683/4684 Model 3 and 4693/4694 Model 4/4R terminals. Not for the 4610 SureMark (thermal, no ribbon) or the 4679.

Not sure? Look up your exact model on our Find Ink by Printer page, or contact us and we'll confirm the right ribbon for you.

Part Numbers & Also Known As

This item replaces or is also searched for as: 1040875P, 1040889P, 1040889/1040875, R-1040889P

Installation & Troubleshooting

Installing: turn the printer off, open the cover and lift out the old cartridge. Turn the knob on the new cartridge to take up any slack, slide the ribbon between the print head and the ribbon guide, press the cartridge down until it clicks, then turn the knob once more. Print a test receipt to confirm the ribbon is seated.

Faint or patchy print: make sure the ribbon is seated in front of the print head and the take-up knob has been turned to remove slack. If print stays faint after a fresh ribbon, the print head may need cleaning.

Compatible (Newly Manufactured) vs. Original

Original (OEM) supplies are new from the printer brand and cost the most. Compatible supplies, like this one, are newly manufactured by a third party to fit and print like the original at a lower price. Castle Ink sells remanufactured inkjet cartridges and compatible (newly manufactured) toner, drums, ribbons and fax film.

Other Options for the Same Printers

• IBM 4683 Model III Black ribbon (1040889/1040875)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which printers use the IBM 4683 Model III ribbon?

IBM 4683 Model 3, IBM 4683 Model 4, IBM 4684 Model 3, IBM 4684 Model 4, IBM 4693 Model 4, IBM 4693 Model 4R, IBM 4694 Model 4, IBM 4694 Model 4R and 2 more (full list above).

How long does one ribbon last?

The original is rated at about 3 million characters. Fabric ribbons fade gradually rather than running out, so replace it when receipts or printouts become hard to read.

Is purple the right color?

Purple is the traditional color for cash-register journal and receipt printing; many registers were shipped with purple ribbons.

Will a compatible ribbon damage my printer?

No. The cartridge is built to the original dimensions and uses the same nylon fabric and ink type, so it installs and prints like the original.

When will my order ship?

Orders placed by 4 PM ET, Monday through Friday, ship the same business day from Long Island, NY, by USPS (2–5 business days). Expedited 1–2 day delivery is available at checkout, and shipping is free on orders over $50.