Zebra Label Printers
Zebra Technologies is a leading supplier of quality label printers. Zebra’s portfolio includes a wide variety of different models based on function, size, cost and output requirements. Zebra printers are designed and built with many applications in mind. For mobile or small desktop printers to reliable, high output printers that can function in harsh environments – Zebra has a printer available to meet each one of these requirements and more.
Before selecting which Zebra label printer to purchase a person needs to become familiar with the different label printing methods that Zebra uses. There are basically two methods that customers need to consider – thermal transfer and direct thermal. For thermal transfer printing, a resin or wax ribbon is melted by a print head mechanism and the image is then transferred to the media. Thermal transfer is the preferred method for those that need a printed label or tag that will last for longer periods of time or if their label or tag will be used outdoors in direct sunlight. In contrast, direct thermal printers don’t use a ribbon. Instead, direct thermal printers use special heat sensitive media and the image is produced by heat from the print head. The image (usually a barcode) is basically burned into the label itself. The problem with direct thermal labels and tags is that they are sensitive to heat and therefore they will not last long in direct sunlight. Direct thermal labels and tags can also get scratched and marked up more easily then thermal transfer labels or tags. However, direct thermal printers are produced at a lower cost and are a great fit for some applications like producing shipping labels.
For customers that want a reliable printer that is economical to purchase and easy to operate, many choose the Zebra S4M. The S4M can print a 4.09 inch label at speeds of up to 6 inches per second. There are many options available for the S4M including 300 dpi printing (203 dpi is standard). Connectivity options include the ZebraNet 10/100 Print Server, ZebraNet Wireless Plus, and a full width knife cutter with catch tray. Parallel, USB 1.1 and RS-232 serial ports come standard on the S4M.
Those that want to step up to a printer that is more industrial go with the Zebra 105SL. With it’s all-metal construction the 105SL meets the demands of those that require durability but at a reasonable price. Like the S4M, the 105SL prints 4.09 labels in thermal transfer or thermal direct mode but at a faster speed of 8 inches per second. There are several options available for the 105SL including ZebraNet 10/100 Print Server and ZebraNet Bridge. ZebraNet Bridge allows IT staff to manage and monitor Zebra printers on the global network from a central location.
Another economical printer to consider is the Z Series. The Z Series printers are available as the ZM400 or ZM600. The Z Series can print faster and wider labels then the 105SL plus they can print up to 600 dpi. A standard Z Series is RFID ready, has auto calibration for ease of use, and has multiple connectivity capabilities including USB 2.0, RS-232 and a high speed bi-directional parallel port.
If you need even a faster label printer that can handle high duty cycles and operate in harsh conditions then you will need to consider the Zebra Xi Series. The models available in the Xi series include the 110Xi4, the 140Xi4, 170Xi4 and the 220Xi4. Depending on the label width, print speed and dpi requirements will determine which Xi model will best suit your needs.
For mobile printing Zebra has many models to choose from including the P4T, QLn Series, QL Plus Series, RW Series and the MZ Series. The QLn Series is
ideal for producing healthcare specimen labels or retail price labels. OL Plus Series is good for printing retail shelf labels or on-demand shipping labels. The QL Plus Series comes in either 2”, 3” or 4” label wide models. The RW Series is the mobile printer you want to use to print receipts, sales orders or
invoices in harsh environments. The RW Series can easily be mounted in a vehicle and is ideal for Route Accounting or Field Service printing applications. The MZ Series is also good for printing receipts and invoices but in a smaller, lighter weight design.
Zebra Technologies offers excellent solutions for any business, large or small, that needs to print quality labels at an affordable price. For more information or to receive a quote call 888-680-3848 or contact us here.