Desktop label printer

Zebra ZD421

Compact desktop printing with smart functionality

Print speeds up to 6 ips (152 mm/s)
Selectable resolution: 203 or 300 dpi
Direct thermal & thermal transfer variants available
Field-upgradeable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth & Ethernet available
Intuitive operation with 3 buttons & LED icons
Special healthcare models with disinfectable housing

The Zebra ZD421 is a versatile 4-inch desktop printer designed for businesses that require high flexibility, improved usability, and modern connectivity. It is available in direct thermal, thermal transfer roll, and thermal transfer cartridge versions, including models specifically for healthcare (HC). With print resolutions of 203 or 300 dpi and print speeds of up to 152 mm/s (6 ips), it delivers precise print results for labels, tags, and patient wristbands. Media handling has been optimized, the user interface redesigned, and optional WLAN/Bluetooth as well as Ethernet or serial connectivity is available. Ribbon replacement and maintenance are quick and easy. The ZD421 series clearly outperforms its predecessors, such as the ZD420 and GK series, in terms of performance and functionality, offering high security and scalability and making it ideal for logistics, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing. For anyone who needs reliable, intuitive printing today and in the future.

Zebra ZD421 for printing shipping labels in logistics

Zebra ZD421 for printing shelf labels in the retail sector

Zebra ZD421 printer for self-checkout in the retail sector

The ZD421 offers both factory-installed and field-upgradeable media handling: a peeler (label applicator) and cutter can be installed as options. Media guidance, media changes, and contact points have been redesigned with color-coded touch points to simplify daily handling. A movable sensor enables detection of gaps, black marks, or notches across the entire width.

Compared to the ZD420 series, the ZD421 delivers around 30% more performance headroom, and compared to the older GK series even up to 700% more performance. It processes tasks more in parallel, offers faster processing, and greater stability, for example with more complex label formats or special printing requirements. This makes it more future-proof and more efficient in operation.

A special feature of the ZD421 is the ribbon cartridge model (ZD421C), which allows easy ribbon loading – fast, intuitive, and error-free. In addition, conventional ribbon rolls (74 m or 300 m) are available, which, combined with the USB host port and LED status indicators, enable very efficient operation, especially when color is required or long ribbons are used.

The healthcare version (ZD421 HC) is specifically designed for medical environments: the housing materials are UV-stabilized and disinfectable, and the power supply complies with the IEC 60601-1 standard. In addition, the ZD421 offers features for secure network integration, up-to-date software features, and modern interfaces—making it particularly well suited in terms of hygiene, security, and compliance.

Technical specifications

Printing specifications

Printing process

Thermal transfer, Thermal direct

Print width up to

108 mm

Print length max.

991 mm

Printhead resolution

203 dpi, 300 dpi

Print speed up to

152 mm/sec

Printhead technology

Flathead

PDF direct printing

Print media

Material width (labels and liner material)

15 - 118 mm

Material thickness

0.08 - 0.19 mm

Ribbon

Ribbon width

33 - 109.2 mm

Core diameter

25.4 mm

Maximum length

74 m (1/2") / 300 m (1")

Winding

Outside

Hardware

Display

Zebra Keyboard Display Unit (ZKDU)

RAM

256 MB

ROM / flash memory

512 MB

Flash memory expansion as an option

–

SD memory card slot

–

USB memory stick slot

Interfaces

RS232, USB host dual, Bluetooth 4.1, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (retrofit option), Ethernet 10/100 BaseT

Software

Emulations

ZPL

Programming language

ZPL II; EPL 2; XML; ZBI

Physical aspects

System dimensions (HxWxL)

189 x 202 x 267 mm

Weight

2.3 kg

Authorisations

CE, FCC, CCC, ICES-003

Ambient temperature

4.4 - 41°C

Rel. humidity non-condensing

10 - 90 %

Frequency

50 - 60 Hz

Datasheet Zebra ZD421 (PDF)

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