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.

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