Zebra ZD421 Desktop Label Printers: Features and Specifications | Triton (2024)

The ZD421 is the next generation of desktop printers from Zebra. It offers more advanced features, flexibility, reliability, and security than any other printer in its class.

The new ZD421 features a host of upgrades from its predecessor, the Zebra’s popular GK Series, and ZD420 models. Among its upgrades, the ZD421 boasts a new, more intuitive user interface, powerful architecture, and field-upgradeable wireless kit.

The ZD421 features a dual wall frame construction for increased durability and improved printhead protection. With its small footprint, the ZD421 fits perfectly on a desktop or in any other limited space application.

The Zebra ZD421 is perfect for printing labels, tags, and barcodes in low to medium-volume applications.

The Zebra ZD421 is an advanced desktop printer with a sleek and modern design. The front panel on the printer has five LED status icons and three user interface buttons.

The five LED status icons are –

1. Printer Status Indicator/Power Indicator – Primary indicator for overall printer health and operational status.
2. Pause Indicator – Indicates if the printer is in Pause mode.
3. Data Indicator – Indicates the status of data transfer activity.
4. Supplies Indicator – Indicates media status
5. Network Indicator – Indicates network activity and status.

These LED icons are colour-coded so that you can quickly and easily identify the status of your printer.

The three user interface buttons are –

1. Pause/Resume Button – Pauses/Resumes print and media movement actions.
2. Feed (Advance) Button – Advances a label.
3. Cancel Button – Cancels print jobs.

It is worth noting that healthcare variants (ZD421-HC) feature more advanced design elements such as –

• They come in healthcare preferred white colour scheme.
• They are easy to clean and disinfectant-ready, thanks to their sealed button interface.
• They have UV-resistant casing that supports UV cleaning protocols.

The ZD421 is a high-performance desktop label printer built to handle advancing technology. It boasts an innovative architecture that is engineered for faster processing.

In comparison, the Zebra ZD421 is 30% more powerful than the ZD420 Series and 700% more powerful than the GK Series.

Moreover, the printer comes with 512 MB flash memory and 512 MB SDRAM. This helps to boost the printer’s performance even further.

Other than that, the ZD421 also has 64 MB of user-accessible non-volatile memory and 8 MB of user-accessible SDRAM. This allows users to store data and settings on the printer.

The Zebra ZD421 printer is powered by the one-of-a-kind Link-OS printer operating system. Link-OS comes with pre-installed tools, utilities, and programs that contribute to hassle-free printing.

The ZD421 comes with a moveable media sensor. The movable media sensor is located at the printhead assembly.

This media sensor automatically adjusts to the width of the label and moves with the label as it prints. This virtually allows you to use any media with the printer.

The Zebra ZD421 is Energy Star certified ( Energy Efficiency Level VI). This means that it meets the energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy.

As a result, the printer uses less power, which helps save money and reduce carbon footprint.

The Zebra ZD421 is a compact and lightweight printer. Therefore, it can be easily transported from one location to another.

The printer also comes with an optional battery accessory pack. This makes it possible to print labels even in remote locations without access to a power outlet. The battery pack also acts as a backup power source in case of a power outage.

*Battery accessory pack is not supported by the printer’s healthcare version (ZD421-HC).

Portability is a rare feature these days, and it is one of the many reasons why the Zebra ZD421 is a popular choice among users.

The Zebra ZD421 is compatible with SOTI, a leading mobile device management solution. This allows users to manage and control a fleet of printers from a central location.

SOTI also allows users to remotely monitor the printer, update firmware, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

The Zebra ZD421 desktop label printers use BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy 5) to communicate with android and iOS devices.

The ZD421 supports two printing modes- Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer.

Direct thermal mode is best suited for printing labels with a short shelf life. This printing mode uses heat-sensitive paper that turns black when exposed to heat. As heat is used to print labels, they may fade over time.

Thermal transfer mode, on the other hand, uses heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto the label. The ribbon is a wax or resin-based material. This printing mode is best suited for printing labels that need to withstand harsh environments or extreme temperatures.

Keep in mind that different Zebra ZD421 models support different printing modes.

Zebra ZD421 offers two print resolutions –

• 203 dpi (8 dots/mm)
• 300 dpi (12 dots/mm)

The printing speed of the printer varies depending on the print resolution. Here is the printing speed of Zebra ZD421 –

• At 203 dpi – up to 152 mm/s (6ips)
• At 300 dpi – up to 102 mm/s (4ips)

Zebra ZD421 supports the following print media –

• Roll-fed or fan-fold
• Label stock (die cut or continuous, direct thermal or thermal transfer)
• Tag stock (die cut or continuous, direct thermal or thermal transfer)
• Continuous receipt paper (direct thermal)
• Wristband stock (direct thermal or thermal transfer) (Z-Band 4000)

The Zebra ZD421 supports a wide range of barcode symbologies, fonts, and graphics.

The printer supports 2:1 and 3:1 bar code ratios.

The Zebra ZD421 supports the following 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
• Planet Code

The Zebra ZD421 supports the following 2D bar codes –

• Codablock
• PDF417
• Code 49
• DataMatrix
• MaxiCode
• QR Code
• MicroPDF
• Aztec

When it comes to font and graphics the Zebra ZD421 does not disappoint. The printer supports the following 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
• Supports user-defined fonts and graphics, including custom logos

*Printer units sold in China include SimSun simplified Chinese font.

ZD421 supports the following print languages –

• ZPL II
• EPL 2
• XML
• ZBI
• PDF Direct

The ZD421 comes with a wide range of connectivity options. This makes it easy to integrate the printer into any existing network.

The Zebra ZD421 desktop label printers support the following connectivity options –

• USB host port (2.0)
• USB device port (2.0)
• Ethernet port (transmission rate: 10/100 Mbps) (optional)
• Serial port (RS-232 & DB-9) (optional)
• Dual wireless radio with 802.11ac certified Wi-Fi (optional)
• Bluetooth 4.1 (MFi-certified)
• NFC support

The ZD421 is compatible with the following operating systems –

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• IOS

There is a wide range of options and accessories available for the Zebra ZD421 desktop label printers.

Some of the most popular options and accessories include –

• Cutter module
• Dispenser/Peeler module
• ZKDU – Zebra keyboard display unit
• ZD-Series Battery (2750 mAh) for cordless operation
• Carrying case for printer and battery
• Mounting adapter plate
• Media core adapters to accommodate 1.5 in., 2 in., and 3 in. ID core sizes
• Attached power supply for cord-free installation

The Zebra ZD421 comes with three types of media sensors, namely –

• Full width
• Moveable reflective/black mark sensor
• Multi-position transmissive/gap sensor

The media specifications of the printer differ based on the model you choose.

Here is the media specification of the printers –

Thermal transfer models support the following –

Ribbon cartridge models support the following –

Direct thermal models support the following –

Here are the ribbon specifications of the Zebra ZD421 printers –

The Zebra ZD421 operates on an auto-detectable (PFC Compliant) 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz power supply.

The healthcare models of the printer come with IEC60601-1 certified power supply.

The power cord is included with the printer.

The operating conditions of the printer are as follows –

• Operating Temperature – 40°F to 105°F (4.4°C to 41°C)

• Storage Temperature – -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C)

• Operating Humidity – 10% to 90% non-condensing

• Storage Humidity – 5% to 95% non-condensing

Zebra ZD421 desktop label printers are light in weight and compact in design.

The dimensions and weight of the printer vary according to the model you choose.

Here are the details –

Dimensions (L x H x W) – 10.5 in. x 8.0 in. x 7.44 in. (267 mm x 202 mm x 189 mm)

Weight – 2.05 kg (4.52 lbs.)

Dimensions (L x H x W) – 10.0 in. x 8.0 in. x 7.0 in. (254 mm x 202 mm x 177 mm)

Weight – 2.3 kg (5.0 lbs.)

Dimensions (L x H x W) – 8.69 in. x 6.98 in. x 5.93 in. (220.8 mm x 177.5 mm x 150.7 mm)

Weight – 1.35 kg (2.98 lbs.)

The box of Zebra ZD421 desktop label printers includes the following items –

• Printer unit
• Ribbon take-up cores (1 in. and 0.5 in.)*
• 300 m ribbon core adapters for non-Zebra ribbon*
• AC power supply
• Power cord(s)
• USB cable
• Quick start guide
• Regulatory guide

* Included with Zebra ZD421 thermal transfer models only.