Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a printing machine of the type used to imprint alpha/numeric or other graphic information onto a continuous strip of tape using a carbon coated or otherwise colored ribbon. The cartridge assembly comprises two separate housings, one containing the spool or plastic tape and the other for containing the spool of carbon/ink coated ribbon and a means are provided for releasably coupling the two housings together such that as the tape and ribbon are drawn from their respective spools, they enter the print station of the machine in a face-to-face juxtaposed orientation.