Demands are rising and timelines are shrinking. The Zebra ZT231 Industrial Printer delivers the winning combination of the right features at the right price, along with the long-lasting quality expected from Zebra. It offers fast print speeds, high-resolution print quality, a large color touchscreen, and a future-forward, space-saving design. Optional capabilities like RFID, wireless connectivity, and media handling features can be added as needed. The printer includes built-in intelligence to make work easier and unmatched security to protect data.
A front view of the Zebra ZT231 industrial printer shows its compact design, featuring a large color touchscreen display and a bi-fold media access door.
Supported operating systems and connectivity include Android, Windows, Apple iOS (iPhone/iPad), and Wi-Fi Certified.
Key Features and Benefits
Simple Operation with Smart Features
Reduce training time with the ZT231's easy-to-use 4.3" full-color touchscreen. Users can see status at a glance, access wizards, and view helpful how-to videos. Changes can be made with a touch of a finger or gloved hand. The ZT231 seamlessly integrates into existing networks, featuring backwards compatibility and Printer Emulations to replace other brands without label format changes or code rewriting.
Make It Easy for Your IT Team
Leverage Zebra's robust Print DNA software suite for enhanced capabilities. Easily configure, troubleshoot, and manage printers onsite or remotely via a web-based dashboard. Users can compare printer security settings against best practices and adjust preferences to protect data from vulnerabilities.
The Smart Choice Now and Later
Expand the printer's capabilities with field-installable upgrades, such as a cutter or peeler, wireless connectivity, or UHF RFID encoding, as business needs evolve.
Built to Perform. Engineered to Endure.
With a durable metal frame, the ZT231 is ideal for light industrial environments. It can print crisp text and barcodes with optional 300 dpi resolution. Achieve industry-leading print speeds up to 12 ips at 203 dpi, ensuring advanced label throughput. Zebra is recognized as the #1 leader in barcode printing.
Get More Done with Greater Visibility
The ZT231 features an all-new architecture to process more jobs simultaneously and adapt to emerging technologies. Onboard analytics and printhead element out detection help plan maintenance in advance. Easy, tool-less platen and print head removal simplifies maintenance tasks.
Small Footprint, Big Access
The ZT231 is engineered with a space-saving, compact design and a bi-fold door that reduces the height needed to open the printer, optimizing workspace. Media loading is simplified with an intuitive design and color-coded cues. Adjustable sensors provide greater media flexibility, and the large ribbon roll capacity reduces the frequency of media changes.
Connect Your Way
Benefit from a variety of standard connectivity options including USB 2.0, Serial, Ethernet, and USB Host. Tap to pair and print with compatible mobile devices using the Print Touch tag (NFC). Optional connectivity includes a second Ethernet port, 802.11ac, or an Applicator port.
Get RFID Without Complication
Incorporate UHF RFID printing and encoding for enhanced visibility and tracking. Zebra's adaptive encoding technology offers greater media flexibility and simple RFID calibration, eliminating complex placement guidelines.
Software That Gives You a Serious Advantage
Zebra's Print DNA suite provides advanced software capabilities. Printer Profile Manager Enterprise allows for easy management, security, and troubleshooting of networked printers from any location. Its intuitive browser-based interface provides at-a-glance status updates, quick issue triage, and efficient performance of updates and maintenance.
Unparalleled, Peace-of-Mind Printer Security: Shield printers from cyber attacks with Zebra's PrintSecure, part of Print DNA. It enables easy configuration via secure connections, identification of vulnerabilities, blocking of unauthorized access, and detection of events.
Supplies, Service, and Support
Zebra Certified Supplies
Printing supplies are crucial for disseminating critical data. Zebra designs, produces, and rigorously pretests its labels and tags to ensure consistent, optimized performance in Zebra printers. This commitment provides industry-leading quality, service, and thermal printing 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™ Maintenance Plans offer enhanced coverage beyond standard warranty.
Specifications
Standard Features
- Print methods: direct-thermal or thermal-transfer
- Construction: metal frame and metal enclosures
- Bi-fold media door with large clear window
- Side-loading supplies path for simplified media and ribbon loading
- Thin film printhead with E3™ Element Energy™™™ Equalizer for superior print quality
- Three-color LEDs for quick printer status
- 4.3" color resistive touch screen with intuitive menu for quick operation and settings
- Communications: USB 2.0, RS-232 Serial port, 10/100 Ethernet, and USB Host
- ENERGY STAR® certified
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) technology for enhanced location precision
- ZebraDesigner Essentials - easy label design tool free at www.zebra.com/zebradesigner
- Real-Time Clock (RTC)
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | ZT231 Closed | ZT231 with Liner Takeup Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 17 in. L x 9.5 in. W x 11 in. H (432 mm L x 241 mm W x 279 mm H) | 17 in. L x 9.5 in. W x 12.75 in. H (432 mm L x 241 mm W x 324 mm H) |
| Weight | 20 lbs./9.1 kg | 24 lbs./10.9 kg |
*Dimensions are for the base model printer. Consult your sales representative for specifics regarding other configurations.
Printer Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 203 dpi/8 dots per mm; 300 dpi/12 dots per mm (optional) |
| Memory | 256 MB SDRAM memory; 256 MB on-board linear Flash memory |
| Maximum Print Width | 4.09 in./104 mm |
| Maximum Print Speed | 12 ips (203 dpi); 8 ips (300 dpi) |
| Media Sensors | Moveable transmissive and reflective sensors |
| Maximum Print Length | 203 dpi: 157 in/3988 mm; 300 dpi: 73in/1854 mm |
Media Characteristics
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Label and Liner Length | Tear mode: 0.7 in/18 mm; Cutter mode: 1 in/25 mm; Peel mode: 0.5 in/13 mm |
| Media Width | 0.75 in./19.4 mm to 4.50 in./114 mm |
| Media Roll Size | 8.0 in./203 mm O.D. on a 3.0 in./76 mm I.D. core; 6.0 in./152 mm O.D. on a 1.0 in./25 mm I.D. core |
| Media Thickness | 0.003 in./0.076 mm to 0.010 in./0.25 mm |
| Media Types | Continuous, die-cut, notch, black mark |
Firmware
- ZBI 2.0™: Optional powerful programming language for stand-alone applications and peripheral connectivity.
- ZPL and ZPL II™: Zebra Programming Language for sophisticated label formatting and printer control, compatible with all Zebra printers.
- EPL and EPL2™: Eltron Programming Language for simplified label formatting and legacy application compatibility (available on 203 dpi models only).
Barcode Symbologies
Linear Barcodes:
- Code 11, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 (with subsets A/B/C and UCC Case Codes), ISBT-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC and EAN with 2 or 5 digit extensions, Plessey, Postnet, Standard 2-of-5, Industrial 2-of-5, Interleaved 2-of-5, Logmars, MSI, Codabar, Planet Code
2D Barcodes:
- Aztec, Codablock, PDF417, Code 49, Data Matrix, MaxiCode, QR Code, MicroPDF417, TLC 39, RSS-14 (and composite)
Fonts and Graphics
- Z7 bitmapped, 1 smooth-scalable (CG Triumvirate™ Bold Condensed)
- Pre-loaded Unicode™-compliant scalable fonts for EMEA character sets
- International character sets supporting IBM® Code Page 850
- Supports user-defined fonts and graphics, including custom logos
- ZPL II drawing commands including boxes and lines
- 64 MB user available Flash memory storage for downloadable objects; 32 MB user-available SDRAM
Markets and Applications
Manufacturing
- Work-in-process
- Product ID/serial numbers
- Packaging labeling
- Receiving/put-away labeling
Transportation and Logistics
- Order picking/packing
- Shipping/receiving
- Cross-docking
- Compliance labeling
Healthcare
- Laboratory labeling
- Blood bank labeling
- Asset tracking
- Unit-dose labeling
- Pharmacy labeling
Retail
- Buy online pick up in store labeling
- Return tagging
- Price labeling
- Shipping labeling
Options and Accessories
Communication
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi option card
- 10/100 Ethernet option card
- Applicator Interface
Media Handling
- Peel - a front-mount, passive-peel with no take-up spindle
- Peel - a front-mount, passive-peel with liner take-up spindle (factory-fit only)
- Cutter - a front-mount guillotine cutter
RFID
- UHF field-installable RFID kit
Keyboard Display Unit
- ZKDU™ keyboard display units for stand-alone printing applications
Ribbon Characteristics (Thermal-transfer option only)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Length | 1,476 ft./450 m |
| Width | 2 in./51 mm to 4.33 in./110 mm |
| Core | 1.0 in./25.4 mm |
Operating Characteristics
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating Temp. | Thermal transfer: 40°F to 105°F/5° to 40°C; Direct thermal: 32°F to 105°F/0° to 40°C |
| Storage/Transportation Temperature | -40°F to 140°F/-40° to 60°C |
| Operating Humidity | 20% to 85% non-condensing |
| Storage Humidity | 5% to 85% non-condensing |
| Electrical | Universal auto-ranging (PFC-compliant) power supply 100-240 VAC; 50-60 Hz; ENERGY STAR certified |
Agency Approvals
- IEC 62368-1, EN55022 Class B, EN55024, EN55035, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, FCC Class B, ICES-003, FCC 15.209; 15.247(d), IC RSS 247, EN 300 328, EN 301 893, EN 62311, cTUVus, CE Marking, UKCA, VCCI, RCM, S-Mark, CCC, CU EAC, BSMI, KCC, and BIS
Software and Services
Print DNA Software
This printer is supported by Zebra's Print DNA suite of software capabilities, designed to get printers up and running quickly and securely, and enable them to evolve with business needs. Print DNA features may vary by model, and some features may require a license. For more information, please visit www.zebra.com/printdna.
Managed Print Services (MPS) Made Simple
Zebra printers offer innovative remote management, analytics, and security capabilities, making them ideal for MPS. With the Print DNA software suite, a Zebra MPS provider can remotely manage and optimize printers, track and automate supplies replenishment, and ensure security. For more information, please visit www.zebra.com/managed-print-services.
