What does “industrial printer” even mean?

Are these printers limited in their use?

Can they only be used in warehouse/industrial applications?

What the heck does “110Xi4” even stand for?

Our guide to the Zebra 110Xi4 will break down this printer’s most important features, along with some popular applications for this printer.

The Printer of a Thousand Features

Like Lon Chaney, the 110Xi4 is The Printer of a Thousand “Features”.

Let’s take a quick look at what these features are.

The Zebra 110Xi4 is one of four printers in the Xi4 Series. The other three printers are as follows:

Zebra 140Xi4 – 5.04″ print width
Zebra 170Xi4 – 6.6″ print width
Zebra 220Xi4 – 8.5″ print width

As you can see, each of these printers features a different maximum print width.

The 110Xi4 features a maximum print width of 4.09″.

This means that you can use the 110Xi4 to print shipping labels, asset-tags, and other standard sized labels.

One of the 110Xi4’s best features is it’s fast print speed; the 110Xi4 has a maximum print speed of 14 IPS, or 14 inches per second.

Multiple interface options are another strong point of the 110Xi4. This printer is available with the following interface options:

USB
Serial
Parallel
Bluetooth
Ethernet
Wifi (802.11 b/g)

A large variety of interface options means that you can easily integrate this printer into your workplace.

Print resolution is an important factor when selecting a printer. The 110Xi4 has you covered with three different print resolutions:

203 dpi
300 dpi
600 dpi

PLS recommends that you use higher dpi resolutions for smaller labels and high-definition barcodes.

Like all Zebra Industrial Printers, the 110Xi4 features the following printing modes:

Direct Thermal
Thermal Transfer 

Also, all 110Xi4 printers are manufactured to be “RFID Ready”.

This means that you’ll have the option to add an RFID Encoder to the printer, which will allow you to encode and print your own RFID labels and tags.

The RFID Encoder is sold as a separate accessory to the 110Xi4.

Zebra does offer the R110Xi4, which comes with an RFID Encoder installed into the body of the printer.

Let’s not forget the other accessories that can be installed onto the 110Xi4: a Label Cutter and a Rewinder with a peeler.

These options can be purchased with your 110Xi4, or you can purchase them later on and install them yourself.

Remember the best label rewinder for large-scale printing applications is available here, from PLS.

The Best Printer for Printing Narrow Labels

No one thinks about media drift until it happens to them.

What exactly is media drift?

Media drift is when a label drifts to one side while passing through the printhead. The end result is a label with a misprinted image.

Media drift is VERY common when you are printing onto narrow labels. Some examples of a narrow label include .50 inches, .75 inches, or even 1 inch.

Zebra printers all have media guides built into the printer, but most guides are better suited for standard label sizes, like a 4″ x 6″ label. Diagnosing a printing problem caused by media drift can be one of the most FRUSTRATING situations you’ll ever encounter.

This is where the 110Xi4, and the entire Xi4 Series, really shines.

The Zebra 110Xi4 has an additional media guide built into it’s body, which allows you to easily print onto narrow labels without any problems.

The 110Xi4’s ability to handle narrow media, combined with an optional high-definition 600 dpi printhead, makes it the perfect printer for manufacturing/laboratory/technological applications.

You’ll never find a better printer to print circuit board or specimen labels.

A Workhorse of a Printer for High-Volume Printing

The Zebra 110Xi4 is a workhorse of a printer, end of story.

Zebra Xi4 Series printers are legendary for their durability, outstanding print quality, fast throughput, long life and unparalleled reliability in demanding applications.

These qualities translate into low total cost of ownership, making them an ideal smart investment for businesses with high-volume, mission-critical and specialty labeling applications.

Xi4 models with 14”/356 mm-per-second print speeds provide one of the fastest technologies on the market, improving productivity in batch printing and print-and-apply lines.

A durable metal printhead mechanism delivers outstanding print quality over the long run, reducing or eliminating downtime for printhead replacement.

The long-proven Xi series platform is designed and built to work nonstop, all day, every day.

Quickly identify and resolve printer issues with early warning systems that indicate when to service the printhead and change ribbons/media, and with remote printer management/monitoring.

In life, you get what you pay for. If you pay a low price for a low-volume printer, then you’ll be restricting your workplace productivity, as well as exposing yourself to unexpected downtime when your printer breaks.

The 110Xi4 is an enterprise-class industrial printer, perfect for a variety of printing applications.

If your application requires a heavy amount of printing, then consider spending extra funds on an Xi4 Series industrial printer.

Contact PLS for Information on the 110Xi4

Purchasing a Zebra 110Xi4 is not always a simple process.

There are several different models of the 110Xi4 available; which one is right for you?

PLS can provide you with useful information and competitive pricing, whether you’re buying 1 or 10,000 110Xi4s.

Feel free to contact our sales reps at 844-458-1078, or email us anytime at info@professionallabelsolutions.com.

We’re happy to help!

Your #1 Source for Custom Media, Including Custom Labels, Wristbands, ID Cards, and Tags

Researching and purchasing new hardware can be stressful for many end users.

That’s one of the reasons that we like to create specialized content to help you make the best purchasing decisions possible.

This Guide to Zebra Desktop Printers is full of easy-to-understand information and specifications on all of the different printer models that are currently available.

Let’s get started…

The Guide to Zebra Desktop Printers 

There are three families of Zebra Printers. They are as follows:

Mobile Printers
Desktop Printers
Industrial Printers 

Each family of printers is made up of several different printer models.

Let’s take a look at each tier of hardware that makes up the family of Zebra Desktop Printers.

Zebra Performance Desktop “GX” Series

The Zebra GX Series is part of the “Performance Desktop” Series of printers. These are all printers with a 4” print width, used in medical, retail, warehouse, and asset tracking applications.

Zebra’s “Performance Desktop” printers deliver best-in-class print speeds and features for improved efficiency and profitability.

Each model offers a variety of connectivity options, easy upgrades and integration with ZPL and EPL (GX models only) programming languages and reduced total cost of ownership as ENERGY STAR qualified printers.

All GX “Performance Desktop” printers feature media specs of a 1” core, with a 5” outer diameter.

• Zebra GX420D – Features a 4” print width, with direct thermal printing capabilities, with 203 dpi images. Available with various interface options. The “420” signifies a dpi of 203. The “D” stands for direct thermal. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra GX420T – Features a 4” print width, with BOTH direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities, with 203 dpi images. This printer uses a ribbon to print thermal transfer images. Available with various interface options.  The “420” signifies a dpi of 203. The “T” stands for thermal transfer. Check out our selection and prices here. 
  
• Zebra GX430T – Features a 4” print width, with thermal transfer printing capabilities. This printer does NOT offer any direct thermal printing. The images print at 300 dpi. Available with various interface options.  The “430” stands for 300 dpi. The “T” stands for thermal transfer. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra ZD500 – Features a 4”print width, with both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities, with both 203 and 300 dpi images. This printer uses a ribbon for thermal transfer images. Available with various interface options. This printer is essentially a combination of all of the GX models. Check out our selection and prices here.

The Zebra GX420D

Zebra Advanced Desktop “GK” Series

The Zebra Advanced Desktop Series of Printers is essentially a more budget-friendly version of the Performance Desktop Series.

Remember that a budget-friendly printer does not constitute a “cheap printer”. All Zebra Desktop Printers are manufactured with the highest quality control standards.

These printers all feature media specs with a 1” core, and a 5” outer diameter.

• Zebra GK420D – Features a 4” print width, with direct thermal printing capabilities, and a 203 dpi image. Available with various interface options. This printer does NOT offer thermal transfer printing capabilities. The “420” stands for 203 dpi. The “D” stands for direct thermal. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra GK420T – Features a 4″ print width, with direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities, with a 203 dpi image. Available with various interface options. The “420” stands for 203 dpi. The “T” stands for thermal transfer. Check out our selection and prices here.

The Zebra GK420D

Zebra Value Desktop Series

The Zebra Value Desktop Series is a budget-friendly tier of printers for simple applications.

The Value Desktop Series is essentially the perfect entry-level label printer. If you have a simple printing application, then one of these printers has your name on it.

These printers all have media specs of 1” core, with a 5” outer diameter.

• Zebra GC420D – Features a 4” print width, with direct thermal printing capabilities, and a 203 dpi image. Available with different interface options. The “420” stands for 203 dpi. The “D” stands for direct thermal. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra GC420T – Features a 4” print width, with thermal transfer printing capabilities, and a 203 dpi image. You will need a ribbon to use this printer. Available with different interface options. The “420” stands for 203 dpi. The “T” stands for thermal transfer. Check out our selection and prices here.

The Zebra GC420D

Compact Desktop Printer Series

The Zebra Compact Desktop Printer Series features two Next Generation label printers: the ZD410 and the ZD420.

The ZD410 and ZD420 feature user-friendly control panels, easy-to-load media options, and ultra-compact profiles that are easy to fit into your work space.

At PLS, we offer the best prices on these Zebra Desktop Printers.

We’ve also created blog posts that explain the different specs and features of each printer.

Check out our blog post on the ZD410 here.

Check out our blog post on the ZD420 here.

The media specs for the Compact Desktop Printer Series are a 1” core, with a 5” outer diameter.

• Zebra ZD410 – This printer features a print width of 2”, with direct thermal printing capabilities, and a 203/300 dpi image, depending on the model. This high dpi makes the ZD410 unique. Available with different interface options. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra ZD420 – This printer features a print width of 4″, with direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities, and a 203/300 dpi image, depending on the model.  The ZD420 is user-friendly and features an easy-to-load ribbon cartridge. Available with different interface options. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra TLP 2824 Plus – This printer features a print width of 2”, with direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities, and a 203 dpi image. The “T” in TLP stands for thermal transfer. Available with different interface options. Check out our selection and prices here.

The Next Generation Zebra ZD410

We’ve also created Youtube videos to highlight the useful features and specs of the Zebra ZD410 and ZD420.

Check out our ZD410 video here.

Check out our ZD420 video here.

Cartridge Based Wristband Printers

The Cartridge Based Wristband Printer Series is solely comprised of the Zebra HC100.

The Zebra HC100 is a Wristband Printer that uses wristbands that are loaded into a cartridge. These wristband cartridges are then loaded into the printer.

This cartridge-based system allows end users to consistently print perfect wristbands.

Please note that the Zebra HC100 is not built for high-volume wristband printing. The HC100 print head will automatically shut down when it is overheated.

The HC100 is primarily used in healthcare applications, but it is also used in retail, outdoor, and sporting applications.

• Zebra HC100 – Features a print width of 1.1875″, with direct thermal printing capabilities, and 300 dpi images. Available with different interface options. Check out our selection and prices here.

The Zebra HC100 Wristband Printer

Wristbands can also be printed on other hardware, including Desktop and Industrial printers.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY OF THE PRINTERS IN THIS GUIDE ARE AVAILABLE IN A HEALTHCARE VERSION.

THE HEALTHCARE VERSION IS IDENTICAL TO THE STANDARD VERSION, EXCEPT FOR THE OUTER MATERIAL.

HEALTHCARE PRINTERS ARE ALL MADE FROM CHEMICAL-RESISTANT PLASTIC.

We hope that our guide to Zebra Desktop Printers has given you the information you need to make the best purchasing decisions possible.

Do you have any questions or concerns regarding Zebra Desktop Printers?

Contact Professional Label Solutions anytime at 1-844-458-1078, or email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com. Our reps are happy to help!

Your #1 Source for Printers, Printer Media, Software, & Accessories 

There are many reasons for this problem. After all, printers are a complex piece of equipment.

In order to select the right printer, you need to understand a variety of different factors.

Will you need thermal transfer or direct thermal printing capabilities? What is the maximum print width of your label? Will you need to print high-resolution barcodes? What core size will work best for you? What type of interface will expedite your application?

Questions of this nature can intimidate many customers; after all, there is nothing worse than selecting the wrong printer for your application.

Luckily, Zebra Technologies has created a hybrid printer that is good for nearly ALL printer applications.

This printer is the Zebra ZT230.

The Zebra ZT230 is a workhorse of a printer. Here are some reasons why it’s one of the best printers that you can purchase:

• The Zebra ZT230 offers BOTH direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities. This can save you time and money. Switching the printing capabilities is fast and easy. Only a few Zebra printers offer this option.
• The Zebra ZT230 can fit media for desktop and industrial printers. This means that it can fit media with either a 5 inch or an 8 inch outer diameter. Also, the roll holder can accommodate media with a core size of 1 inch or 3 inches. This means that you can easily switch between different sizes of media. You will not have to worry about ordering the wrong core size or outer diameter. 
• The Zebra ZT230 offers a maximum print quality of 300 dpi. This is higher than some Zebra desktop printers.
• There are a variety of useful interfaces available. The Zebra ZT230 offers interfaces in USB, Serial, Ethernet, Parallel, and Wi-Fi. 
• The Zebra ZT230 has a compact build for an industrial printer. It’s dimensions are 9.5″ x 10.9″ x 17″, with a weight of 20 lbs. 

In addition, the Zebra ZT230 features a very user friendly interior.

The interior features color coded cues that show the end user where to load the media and ribbon.

The interior also features illuminated multi-position transmissive and reflective sensors. These sensors are visible through the media for trouble-free sensor-position adjustment.

Here are some photos which highlight the inside of the ZT230:

Pictured are the print head, the ribbon roll holder, and the media roll holder.

Here’s the Zebra ZT230 with an open print head.

You can think of the ZT230 as a hybrid printer: it has the best qualities of a desktop and an industrial printer all in one.

The Zebra ZT230 is ideal for a variety of different applications, including the following:

• Manufacturing
• Asset Management
• Receiving/Shipping
• Reverse Logistics
• Lab Sample Tracking 
• Compliance Labeling
• Order Labeling
• Quality Control
• Prescription Labeling

The Zebra ZT230 offers a streamlined design and smaller footprint that takes up less physical space than previous models like the S4M.

Also, the ZT230 printer requires minimal operator training, and benefits from tool-less standard component maintenance and a durable design to minimize service

If you’ve ever been in a position where you’re not sure of the printer you’ll need, then take our advice. At PLS we highly recommend the ZT230 as an entry level label/barcode printer.

Feel free to browse our current stock of Zebra ZT230s here.

As always, please contact us at 1-844-458-1078 or email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com if you have any questions or concerns regarding the ZT230.

Your #1 Source for Printers, Printer Media, Software, & Accessories.