Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hot stamp imprinter which imprints ink from an inked print ribbon onto a substrate. The imprinter includes multiple printhead assemblies, with one or more heater elements, mounted on a frame. An actuatable backup assembly, also mounted on the frame, corresponds to each printhead assembly, wherein the backup assemblies are actuatable in series or parallel, to move, from a rest position, toward the printhead assembly, to an imprint position, to transfer ink from the print ribbon onto the substrate. A temperature probe disposed in each printhead is coupled to the control unit, which individually and sequentially energizes the heater elements of the respective printheads so that only one printhead assembly is energized at any one time. A spring biased dancer assembly having a idler roller maintains a tension on the inked print ribbon as the inked print ribbon is transferred from a supply reel to a rewind reel.