Zebra

Zebra ZD421c Label Printer Thermal Transfer, 203dpi, 6ips, USB/Ethernet/BTLE, Ribbon Cartridge

SKU: 

ZD4A042-C01E00EZ

Zebra QuickLoad 203 is a 203 dpi thermal transfer desktop label printer built for fast, reliable barcode and label printing in retail, healthcare, logistics, and light industrial environments. It prints at up to 6 inches per second and supports a 4.09-inch maximum print width, making it well suited for shipping labels, inventory tags, patient ID bands, and other daily labeling tasks. Its ribbon cartridge design enables quick, one-way loading.
Description
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The Zebra ZD421C Printer Series is a compact, desktop thermal transfer label printer family engineered for demanding business and healthcare labeling tasks. Designed for bedside, laboratory, pharmacy, retail and light industrial environments, the series delivers reliable barcode and identification printing with easy ribbon cartridge loading, healthcare-ready materials and multiple connectivity options. Available across variants with 203 dpi and 300 dpi resolutions and print speeds up to 6 inches per second, the ZD421C line balances clarity, throughput and hygienic design to support specimen labels, wristbands, medication tags, shipping and asset labels while simplifying deployment and daily operation in shared or clinical workflows.

Key Features

  • Healthcare-ready design: Disinfectant-compatible plastics, sealed buttons and medical-grade power options support hygienic use in clinical settings.
  • Cartridge ribbon system: Instant, one-way ribbon cartridge loading with a smart chip for monitored ribbon replacement reduces downtime and simplifies service.
  • Flexible print performance: Multiple SKUs offer 203 dpi and 300 dpi resolutions and print speeds up to 6 ips to match needs for durability or high-detail output.
  • Broad connectivity: Integrated USB, USB Host, Ethernet and wireless options (Bluetooth, BTLE, Wi‑Fi 802.11ac/802.11ax class variants) enable easy integration into varied IT environments.
  • Compact desktop form factor: 4‑inch class footprint with OpenACCESS media loading and multi-sensor support fits crowded workstations and bedside stations.

Specifications

  • Brand: Zebra
  • Product Family: ZD421
  • Product Name: Zebra ZD421C Printer Series
  • Product Type: Barcode printer
  • Printer Type: Desktop
  • Print Method: Thermal Transfer (selected SKUs also support Direct Thermal)
  • Print Resolution: 203 dpi; 300 dpi (depending on SKU)
  • Maximum Print Speed: Up to 6 ips (varies by SKU)
  • Print Width: 4.00 in / 4.09 in (model dependent)
  • Maximum Media Width: 4.0–4.9 in
  • Connectivity: USB, USB Host, Ethernet, Bluetooth / Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), Wi‑Fi (802.11ac/802.11ax class on select SKUs)
  • Memory: Flash 512 MB (typical); SDRAM 256 MB (on some SKUs)
  • Features / Includes: Ribbon cartridge, OpenACCESS media loading
  • Ribbon Smart Chip: Yes (on cartridge-enabled SKUs)
  • Modular Connectivity Slot: Yes (select SKUs)
  • Durability / Use Case: Healthcare-ready / commercial
  • Dimensions: Typical example 10.00 x 8.0 x 7.0 in (SKU dependent)
  • Weight: Varies by configuration (examples range from ~5.0 lb to 9.2 lb)
  • Printer Language: EZPL

Main Features

  • Rugged: Commercial

  • Print Speed: 6 in/s

  • Equipment Format: Desktop

  • DPI: 203 dpi

  • Connection: USB, Ethernet, Serial

  • Optional Upgrades: Peeler, Cutter

  • Max Width: 5 mm

  • Printing Technology: Thermal Transfer

Technical Specifications
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Technical Information
Recommended Use Label/Receipt Print
Print Color Capability Monochrome
Maximum Mono Print Speed 5.98 in/s
Maximum Print Resolution (dpi) 203
Maximum Print Width 4.09"
Barcode Symbology Supported
  • 1D
  • Code 11
  • Code 39
  • Code 93
  • Code 128
  • ISBT-128
  • UPC-A
  • UPC-E
  • EAN-8
  • EAN-13
  • UPC
  • EAN With 2 or 5 Digit Extension
  • Plessey
  • POSTNET
  • Standard 2 of 5
  • Industrial 2 of 5
  • Interleaved 2 of 5
  • LOGMARS
  • MSI
  • Codabar
  • Planet Code
  • 2D
  • Codablock
  • PDF417
  • Code 49
  • Data Matrix
  • Maxi Code
  • QR Code
  • Micro PDF
  • AZTEC
Real Time Clock Yes
Application/Usage
  • Desktop
  • Retail
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation & Logistic
  • Manufacturing
Features Dual Wall Frame
Connectivity Technology Wired
Print Technology Thermal Transfer
Memory
Standard Memory 256 MB
Flash Memory 512 MB
Interfaces/Ports
USB Host Yes
USB Yes
Network & Communication
Ethernet Yes
Ethernet Technology Fast Ethernet
Bluetooth Yes
Near Field Communication (NFC) Yes
Display & Graphics
Display Screen Yes
Screen Size 4"
Display Screen Type LCD
Media Types & Handling
Media Type
  • Roll Fed
  • Fanfold
  • Tag Stock
  • Continuous Receipt
  • Continuous Paper
  • Wristband
Media Sensor
  • Full Width Sensor
  • Moveable Reflective/Black Mark Sensor
  • Multi-position Transmissive/Gap Sensor
Media Thickness 7.48 mil
Maximum Roll Diameter 5"
Maximum Label Width 2.24"
Maximum Label Length 39.02"
Fonts & Emulation
Language Emulation
  • ZPL II
  • EPL II
  • XML
  • ZBI
  • EPL
  • ZPL
Software
Operating System Supported
  • Link - OS
Power Description
Power Source AC Supply
Frequency
  • 50 Hz
  • 60 Hz
Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature 40°F (4.4°C) - 105°F (40.6°C)
Operating Relative Humidity 10% - 90%
Storage Temperature 40°F (4.4°C) - 140°F (60°C)
Storage Relative Humidity 5% - 95%
Physical Characteristics
Height 5.9"
Width 7"
Depth 8.7"
Miscellaneous
Package Contents
  • ZD421 4-inch Desktop Printer
  • empty ribbon take-up cores (1 in. and 0.5 in.)
  • 2 x 300 m ribbon core adapters for non-Zebra ribbon
  • AC power supply
  • Power cord(s)
  • USB cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Regulatory Guide
Platform Supported
  • PC
  • Android
  • iOS
Energy Star Yes
Environmentally Friendly Yes
Environmental Compliance Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
Warranty
Limited Warranty 2 Year
Documents
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Product document zd421.pdf ZD4A042-C01E00EZ Product document zd421.pdf MOD-ZD421C