Zebra ZT220 Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Zebra ZT220 is a robust and reliable direct thermal and thermal transfer printer designed for various label printing applications. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your ZT220 printer to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Key features include a 4.09-inch print width, 203 dpi resolution, and connectivity options such as USB and Serial. It supports both direct thermal printing (no ribbon required) and thermal transfer printing (requires ribbon) for versatile media compatibility.

2. Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating the printer. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or damage to the printer.

• Power Source: Use only the power supply provided with the printer. Ensure the power outlet is properly grounded.
• Ventilation: Do not block ventilation openings. Ensure adequate airflow around the printer.
• Environment: Operate the printer in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.
• Hot Surfaces: The printhead can become very hot during operation. Avoid touching it immediately after printing.
• Moving Parts: Keep hands and loose clothing away from moving parts during operation.
• Cleaning: Disconnect power before cleaning the printer. Use a soft, damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the printer package:

• Zebra ZT220 Printer
• Power Cord
• USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Documentation CD (may contain drivers and full user manual)

4. Physical Features and Components

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your Zebra ZT220 printer.

Figure 4.1: Front-right view of the Zebra ZT220 printer with a label roll loaded. The image shows the control panel on the left, the main body of the printer, and the media compartment on the right with a label exiting the print mechanism.

4.1 Control Panel

• Power Button: Turns the printer on or off.
• Feed Button: Advances one label.
• Pause Button: Pauses or resumes printing.
• Cancel Button: Cancels the current print job.
• Status Indicators: LEDs to show printer status (e.g., Ready, Error, Data).

4.2 Rear Panel Connections

• Power Port: Connects the power cord.
• USB Port: Connects to a computer for data transfer.
• Serial Port: Connects to a computer or other device via serial cable.

5. Setup

5.1 Hardware Installation

1. Placement: Place the printer on a stable, flat surface with adequate space for media loading and output.
2. Connect Power: Connect the power cord to the printer's power port and then to a grounded electrical outlet. Do not power on yet.
3. Connect Data Cable: Connect the USB cable from the printer's USB port to an available USB port on your computer, or connect a serial cable to the serial port.

5.2 Loading Media (Labels)

1. Open the printer's media cover.
2. Place the roll of labels onto the media supply hanger. Ensure the labels feed from the bottom of the roll.
3. Thread the labels through the media guides. Adjust the guides to fit the width of your labels snugly but without binding.
4. Pull the leading edge of the labels past the printhead and out through the front slot.
5. Close the media cover.

5.3 Loading Ribbon (for Thermal Transfer Printing)

If you are performing direct thermal printing, you can skip this step.

1. Open the printer's media cover.
2. Place the ribbon roll onto the supply spindle, ensuring the ribbon unwinds from the top.
3. Attach the leading edge of the ribbon to the take-up spindle.
4. Rotate the take-up spindle clockwise a few turns to ensure the ribbon is taut and aligned.
5. Close the media cover.

5.4 Driver Installation

1. Power On: Press the power button on the printer.
2. Install Drivers: Insert the documentation CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer drivers. Alternatively, download the latest drivers from the official Zebra website.
3. Follow Prompts: During installation, your operating system may detect the new hardware and prompt you to install drivers. Follow these prompts.
4. Verify Installation: After installation, check your computer's "Devices and Printers" (Windows) or "Printers & Scanners" (macOS) to ensure the Zebra ZT220 is listed and ready.

6. Operating the Printer

6.1 Basic Printing

1. Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to your computer.
2. Load the appropriate media and ribbon (if using thermal transfer).
3. Open the document or application from which you wish to print.
4. Select "Print" from the application's menu.
5. Choose the "Zebra ZT220" printer from the list of available printers.
6. Adjust print settings (e.g., label size, print darkness, print speed) as needed in the printer preferences.
7. Click "Print" to send the job to the printer.

6.2 Calibrating the Printer

Calibration ensures accurate label sensing and print registration. Refer to the full user manual or Zebra's support website for detailed calibration procedures, which often involve specific button sequences on the control panel or software utilities.

7. Maintenance

7.1 Cleaning the Printhead

Regular cleaning of the printhead is crucial for maintaining print quality and extending printhead life. Clean the printhead after every few rolls of labels or if print quality degrades.

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Open the media cover.
3. Using a Zebra printhead cleaning pen or a cotton swab lightly moistened with 99.9% isopropyl alcohol, gently wipe across the dark line of the printhead from center to edge.
4. Allow the printhead to dry completely (approximately 1 minute) before closing the cover and reconnecting power.

7.2 Cleaning the Platen Roller

The platen roller helps feed the media. Clean it periodically to prevent media jams and ensure smooth operation.

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Open the media cover.
3. Using a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with 99.9% isopropyl alcohol, wipe the surface of the platen roller while rotating it.
4. Allow it to dry completely before closing the cover and reconnecting power.

8. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your ZT220 printer.

9. Specifications

Below are the technical specifications for the Zebra ZT220 printer:

• Print Method: Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer
• Print Resolution: 203 dpi (dots per inch)
• Maximum Print Width: 4.09 inches (104 mm)
• Maximum Print Speed: 6 inches per second (152 mm/s)
• Connectivity: USB, Serial
• Printer Output: Monochrome
• Item Weight: 22.8 pounds (10.34 kg)
• Compatible Devices: PC
• Manufacturer: O.E.M. (Zebra)
• First Available: March 25, 2015

10. Warranty Information

Warranty terms and conditions for the Zebra ZT220 printer are typically provided with the product at the time of purchase or can be found on the official Zebra website. Please refer to your purchase documentation or the manufacturer's website for specific warranty details, coverage periods, and claim procedures.

11. Support

For further assistance, technical support, or to download the latest drivers and firmware, please visit the official Zebra support website. You may also find additional resources, FAQs, and contact information for customer service there.

Zebra Technologies Official Website: www.zebra.com