Zebra ZD421

The ZD421 is the 4-inch printer in Zebra's ZD400 range, sharing the 5-status-icon, 3-button interface, Zebra DNA software and ZPL/EPL backward compatibility with the ZD411. Its distinguishing feature is the ribbon cartridge option: a few seconds to load, one-way and fool-proof, with a smart chip in the ribbon that reports how much is left — Zebra's only thermal printer offering it, against the conventional open ribbon roll on the ZD421t.

Print speed is up to 6 in./s (152 mm/s) at 203 dpi over a 108 mm maximum print width (direct thermal), with up to 991 mm of label length. Media runs 15-108 mm wide on rolls up to 127 mm OD; the thermal-transfer roll build takes 33.8-109.2 mm ribbon up to 300 m, while the cartridge build is fixed at 109.2 mm. Memory is 512 MB Flash and 256 MB SDRAM. USB 2.0 and USB Host come standard, with Ethernet, Serial, or a dual-radio 802.11ac/Bluetooth 4.1 or 802.11ax/Bluetooth 5.3 wireless kit as factory- or field-installable options.

All three build types — direct thermal, thermal transfer roll, and ribbon cartridge — are also available as healthcare-compliant models: white colour scheme, an IEC 60601-1-compliant power supply, disinfectant-ready UV-resistant plastics and a sealed-button interface. An optional battery and carrying case turn the ZD421 into a portable printer for point-of-application use; an enclosed power supply accessory allows cord-free installation.