Zebra ZD421 4-inch Desktop Printers

Elevate your expectations with the advanced desktop printer that delivers the features, flexibility, reliability, and security you need.

Key Features and Benefits

The Zebra ZD421 is a reliable desktop printer designed for quality performance, ease of setup, operation, management, and maintenance. It offers enhanced security to prevent downtime and cyberattacks, building on the legacy of Zebra's popular GK Series printers with added capabilities and security measures.

It's Time to Advance: Migrate from GK to ZD421

The ZD421 builds upon the GK Series, offering its functions and capabilities plus much more. This next-generation printer leverages its heritage to deliver advanced features for a new era of intelligence and forward flexibility.

Simple to Use: Intuitive and Powerful Operation

Experience new, advanced features that make the ZD421 stand apart. It includes an intuitive user interface, powerful architecture, and a field-upgradeable wireless kit. New media guide and media handling designs simplify daily operation.

Flexible to Support Nearly Every Use Case

Multiple Models to Match Your Needs: Available in direct thermal, thermal transfer, healthcare, and ribbon cartridge models, the ZD421 meets a wide variety of application requirements.

Ready for Now and What's Next: Get Years of Printing Performance

Engineered for advancing technology, the ZD421 features an innovative architecture designed to power future printing. It is 30% more powerful than the ZD420 Series and 700% more than the GK Series, enabling more tasks, simultaneous operations, enhanced security, and readiness for future needs.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Backwards Compatible with Virtually Any Existing Printer

Deploy the ZD421 into your existing printer fleet with confidence, using the same label formats and applications. It supports both EPL and ZPL printer languages and can emulate languages from other brands using Zebra's Print DNA tool, Virtual Devices.

Connect it Your Way

Integrate the ZD421 onto existing wired and wireless networks, or connect directly to any PC. Standard features include USB and USB Host. Optional connectivity includes Ethernet, Serial, and dual wireless radio with fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. Print from any Windows ?, Android ?, or iOS device. Get started quickly with Zebra's printer setup mobile app using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Use the included Print Touch tag (NFC) to simply tap to pair and print.

Advanced Flexibility and Features

Operate with Ease and See Status At-A-Glance

The ZD421 features five LED icons for instant status checks, guiding users through media replenishment and issue resolution. An advanced three-button user interface replaces typical single-button designs, offering enhanced functionality and control. Color-coded touch points simplify media handling for speedy changes.

Groundbreaking Cartridge for Instant Ribbon Changes

The ZD421 is the only thermal printer offering a ribbon cartridge that loads in seconds with fool-proof, one-way, instant loading. A smart chip indicates when the ribbon needs replacing.

Turn Your ZD421 Into a Portable Printer

Easily transport the ZD421 on a cart or with Zebra's optional carrying case, using the battery option. Print on the spot to reduce steps and increase productivity, powering through a full shift with the high-capacity battery.

Movable Sensor for Comprehensive Media Compatibility

The ZD421's movable media sensor allows for the use of virtually any media, providing greater flexibility across various use cases.

Print DNA Software Suite: Your Built-In Advantage

Zebra's Print DNA suite, powered by the Link-OS operating system, ensures quick, secure setup and consistent, uninterrupted printing. It is fully integrated and interoperable, enabling your printer to evolve with your business needs.

Print Securely and Confidently: Get your printer up and running quickly and securely.
Update, Troubleshoot and Monitor: Manage, secure, and troubleshoot networked printers from one remote location using Zebra's Printer Profile Manager Enterprise.
Unparalleled, Peace-of-Mind Printer Security: Shield yourself from cyberattacks with Zebra's PrintSecure, part of Print DNA, by configuring printers via secure connections and blocking unauthorized access.
Explore Managed Print Services (MPS): Zebra's Thermal Printers with Print DNA make MPS easy, allowing remote management, optimization, supplies replenishment, and security assurance.

Supplies, Service, and Support

Zebra Certified Supplies

Zebra Certified Supplies provide consistent, optimized performance for your Zebra printer, ensuring reliable data dissemination across your supply chain. Choose Zebra for industry-leading quality, service, and expertise.

Backed by Zebra's Worldwide Service and Support

Access repair support services globally through Zebra and its network of over 10,000 partners. Zebra OneCare™ provides enhanced coverage exceeding standard warranty. The ZD421 comes with a standard two-year warranty. Visit www.zebra.com/warranty for more information.

Specifications

Standard Features

Print methods: Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal
ZPL and EPL programming languages
5 status icons, 3-button user interface
USB 2.0, USB Host
Printer setup mobile app for Android ? & iOS via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy 5) connection* (*BLE is intended for use with Zebra printer setup mobile app only)
Real Time Clock (RTC)
OpenACCESS™ for easy media loading
Dual-wall frame construction
ENERGY STAR ⭐ certified
ZebraDesigner Essentials - easy label design tool (free at www.zebra.com/zebradesigner)
PDF Direct
Two-year standard warranty

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions

Direct Thermal: 8.69 in. L x 6.98 in. W x 5.93 in. H (220.8 mm L x 177.5 mm W x 150.7 mm H)
Thermal Transfer Roll: 10.5 in. L x 8.0 in. W x 7.44 in. H (267 mm L x 202 mm W x 189 mm H)
Thermal Transfer Cartridge: 10.0 in. L x 8.0 in. W x 7.0 in. H (254 mm L x 202 mm W x 177 mm H)

Weight

Direct Thermal: 2.98 lbs./1.35 kg
Thermal Transfer Roll: 4.52 lbs./2.05 kg
Thermal Transfer Cartridge: 5.0 lbs./2.3 kg

Printer Specifications

Operating System: Link-OS®
Resolution: 203 dpi/8 dots per mm; 300 dpi/12 dots per mm (optional)
Memory: 512 MB Flash; 256MB SDRAM; 64 MB user available non-volatile memory; 8 MB user available SDRAM
Maximum Print Width: 4.09 in./104 mm (203 dpi); 4.27 in./108 mm (300 dpi); Cartridge: 4.09 in./104 mm (203 & 300 dpi)
Maximum Print Speed: 6 in./152 mm per second (203 dpi); 4 in./102 mm per second (300 dpi)
Media Sensors: Full width, movable reflective/black mark sensor; multi-position transmissive/gap sensor
Firmware: ZPL II; EPL 2; XML; ZBI; PDF Direct

Media, Ribbon, and Cartridge Characteristics

Label Length: Maximum: 39.0 in./991 mm; Minimum: 0.25 in./6.4 mm
Media Width: Direct Thermal: 0.585 in./15 mm to 4.25 in./108 mm; Thermal Transfer Roll: 0.585 in./15 mm to 4.41 in./112 mm; Thermal Transfer Cartridge: 0.585 in./15 mm to 4.65 in./118 mm
Media Roll Size: Maximum outer diameter: 5.00 in./127 mm; Core inner diameter: 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) and 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) standard, with optional adapters for 1.5 in. (38.1 mm), 2.0 in. (50.8 mm), and 3.0 in. (76.2 mm)
Media Thickness: 0.003 in. (0.08 mm) min.; 0.0075 in. (0.19 mm) max.
Media Types: Roll-fed or fan-fold, die cut or continuous with or without black mark, tag stock, continuous receipt paper, and wristbands
Ribbon Outside Diameter: 2.6 in./66 mm (300 m); 1.34 in./34 mm (74 m)

Ribbon Specifications

Standard Length: Roll: 984 ft. (300 m); 243 ft. (74 m); Cartridge: 243 ft. (74 m)
Ribbon Ratio: 1:4 ribbon to media (300 m); 1:1 ribbon to media (74 m)
Ribbon Width: Roll: 1.33 in./33.8 mm – 4.3 in./109.2 mm; Cartridge: 4.3 in./109.2 mm
Ribbon Core I.D.: 300 meter ribbon: 1 in./25.4 mm; 74 meter ribbon: 0.5 in./12.7 mm

Operating Characteristics

Operating Temp.: 40° to 105° F/4.4° to 41° C
Storage Temp.: -40° to 140° F/-40° to 60° C
Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
Storage Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Electrical

Auto-detectable (PFC Compliant) 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz; ENERGY STAR ⭐ certified; Energy Efficiency Level VI certified; optional 2750 mAh battery; Healthcare models include IEC60601-1 certified power supply.

Options

Media Handling

Dispenser/Peeler: label peel and present with label present sensor (field installable)
Cutter (field installable)

Communications

Field installable: Ethernet 10/100, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 (dual radio); Serial RS-232 auto-sensing, DB-9
Factory installed: Ethernet 10/100, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 (dual radio)

Accessories

Battery: Provides power for a full shift, supporting all connectivity and media handling options.
Carrying Case: Makes it easy to transport the printer and battery.
Keyboard Display Unit: For standalone printing solutions.
Mounting Plate: For securing printers to countertops or shelves.
Enclosed Power Supply: For cord-free installation.

Fonts/Graphics/Symbologies

Bar Codes

1D Bar Codes: Code 11, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, ISBT-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC and EAN 2- or 5-digit extensions, Plessey, Postnet, Standard 2-of-5, Industrial 2-of-5, Interleaved 2-of-5, Logmars, MSI, Codabar and Planet Code. Supports 2:1 and 3:1 ratios.
2D Bar Codes: Codablock, PDF417, Code 49, DataMatrix, MaxiCode, QR Code, MicroPDF, Aztec.

Fonts and Graphics

16 resident expandable ZPL II bitmap fonts, two resident scalable ZPL fonts, five resident expandable EPL2 fonts, native open-type font support, Unicode compliant. China units include SimSun simplified Chinese font.

Markets and Applications

Retail: Shelf labels, Price markdowns, Return tags, Asset and inventory labels, Food information labels, Receipts, Pharmacy labels.
Healthcare: Lab and specimen labels, Prescription labels, Patient ID wristbands, Blood and IV bag labels, Patient record labels, Asset labels.
Transportation & Logistics: Shipping and receiving labels, Packing slips, Asset labels.
Light Manufacturing: Agency labels, Product labels, Apparel tags, Work-in-Process (WIP), Inventory labels, Shipping labels.
Government: Asset labels, Record labels.
Services/Hospitality: Service reminder labels, Ticketing.

Regulatory and Compliance

Includes compliance with various standards such as IEC 60950-1, IEC 62368-1, EN55022, FCC Class B, IC, and more. RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU compliant. For a complete list, visit www.zebra.com/environment.

Included in the Box

Printer, empty ribbon take-up cores (1 in. and 0.5 in.)*, 300 m ribbon core adapters for non-Zebra ribbon (2)*, AC power supply, power cord(s), USB cable, Quick Start Guide, Regulatory Guide. (*Empty ribbon take-up cores and ribbon core adapters included with ZD421 thermal transfer models only).

Recommended Services

Zebra OneCare™ maintenance plans offer peak performance and device uptime, protecting critical operations. Options include Comprehensive Coverage, Select Coverage, Advance Replacement, and Standard Commissioning. Visit www.zebra.com/zebraonecare for details.

Product Warranty

ZD421 printers are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 2 (two) years from the date of shipment. For the complete warranty statement, please visit www.zebra.com/warranty.

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