Zebra ZT231 / ZT231R

Zebra ZT231 is a semi-industrial label printer with a metal frame and a 104 mm print width, the successor to the ZT230. It works at warehouse, packing and light-industry stations where logistics, shipping and product labels are printed throughout the shift. ZT231R is the same printer with a built-in UHF RFID encoder: it prints the label and encodes the chip in a single pass.

Key features

• 203 dpi at up to 305 mm/s or 300 dpi at up to 203 mm/s: 203 dpi is enough for logistics and shipping labels, while 300 dpi helps with small text, small 2D codes and product labels.
• Metal frame and housing in a compact size: 432 × 241 × 279 mm and 9.1 kg, so the printer takes little space at the workstation. The bi-fold cover with a window needs less clearance above the printer when opened.
• 4.3-inch color touch display: printer status and settings, including RFID settings on the ZT231R, are changed from the on-screen menu without a computer. Three-color LEDs show the status at a glance.
• Large label and ribbon rolls: label rolls up to 203 mm in diameter on a 76 mm core and 450 m ribbons mean fewer media changes during a shift. The printer takes media from 19.4 to 114 mm wide and from 0.076 to 0.25 mm thick.
• Standard connectivity: USB 2.0, RS-232, 10/100 Ethernet, USB host and Bluetooth Low Energy. Wi-Fi 802.11ac comes factory-fitted in some variants or as a card added later. Wi-Fi 6 is not available.
• ZPL and ZPL II, plus EPL on 203 dpi models: ZPL is shared across Zebra printers, so label formats from earlier printers of this brand can still be used. EPL makes it easier to work with legacy systems.
• Upgrades after purchase: the peeler, cutter, Wi-Fi card, second Ethernet card, applicator interface and UHF RFID module are installed on site. The exception is the peeler with liner take-up, which is factory-fitted only.
• Print DNA: Zebra software for configuring, updating and remotely managing networked printers. Feature availability depends on the model, and some features require a license.

How to choose a variant

• Print method. Thermal transfer prints through a ribbon, so print durability is matched to the material by choosing the ribbon, including for film labels. Direct thermal needs no ribbon and is enough for short-life shipping labels. Thermal transfer operates from 5°C, direct thermal from 0°C, both up to 40°C.
• Resolution. 203 dpi gives higher speed and EPL support. Choose 300 dpi when the label carries a lot of small content or small 2D codes.
• Media handling. Tear-off is standard. The peeler presents a label ready to apply at the packing station, and the version with liner take-up also rewinds the liner. The cutter cuts tags and continuous media.
• Wi-Fi. Choose a Wi-Fi variant when there is no network outlet at the workstation. A Wi-Fi card can also be added later.
• RFID. The ZT231R variants on this page are thermal transfer with tear-off, 203 or 300 dpi. The RE40 encoder supports UHF EPC Gen2 v2.1, ISO/IEC 18000-63 and RAIN RFID tags, and Adaptive Encoding selects the encoding settings automatically. The minimum RFID label pitch is 16 mm. For a different RFID configuration, add the UHF RFID module to a ZT231.