Zebra ZD421d / ZD421t

Zebra ZD421d and ZD421t are desktop label printers with a print width of up to 108 mm. They print shipping, product and warehouse labels as well as asset tags, e.g. at packing stations, in goods receiving or in the office. ZD421d prints direct thermal, without ribbon. ZD421t also prints thermal transfer, with ribbon, on paper or synthetic (film) labels, which gives a durable print.

Key features

• 203 dpi at up to 152 mm/s or 300 dpi at up to 102 mm/s: 203 dpi covers shipping and logistics labels, 300 dpi suits small labels with fine text and dense 2D barcodes.
• Rolls up to 127 mm in diameter, 12.7 and 25.4 mm cores, 38, 51 and 76 mm with adapters: the printer takes rolls from various suppliers as well as fan-fold media fed through the rear slot. Media width from 15 to 108 mm (ZD421d) or up to 112 mm (ZD421t).
• Movable media sensor: detects gaps, black marks and notches, so non-standard labels and tags are positioned correctly.
• ZPL II, EPL2 and PDF Direct: templates made for older Zebra printers work without changes, and PDF files can be sent straight to the printer.
• Field upgrades: the Ethernet module, RS-232 port, 802.11ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.1 module, cutter and dispenser (peeler) are installed in a printer already in use, with no trip to a service center.
• Battery power: the optional battery base with a 2750 mAh battery lets you print without a power outlet, e.g. on a cart moved between racks.
• Link-OS and Print DNA: remote configuration, firmware updates and printer monitoring. Initial setup is done from a phone (app over Bluetooth Low Energy or by tapping the Print Touch tag).
• 3-year manufacturer warranty, printhead 1 year or 1 million inches: the printhead and platen roller are user-replaceable parts, so the printer does not have to be sent away. Coverage can be extended with Zebra OneCare.

How to choose a variant

• Print method. ZD421d (direct thermal) is smaller and lighter (1.35 kg) and needs no ribbon. Direct thermal print fades over time until the label becomes unreadable, so choose ZD421d for shipping labels and other short-lived labels. ZD421t (thermal transfer, 2.05 kg) prints with 300 m or 74 m ribbons on paper and synthetic labels. Choose it when the label has to stay readable for a long time, e.g. on fixed assets, finished goods or warehouse locations.
• Resolution. 203 dpi means higher speed (up to 152 mm/s) and a 104 mm print width, the standard for logistics labels. Choose 300 dpi (up to 102 mm/s, 108 mm print width) for small labels, fine product text and dense Data Matrix or QR codes.
• Connectivity. Every variant has USB, USB Host and Bluetooth Low Energy for setup from a phone. The Ethernet version fits workstations on the company network. The Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 version prints wirelessly, including from mobile computers. Ethernet and 802.11ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.1 can be added later as modules, while Wi-Fi 6 is best chosen factory-installed.