The ZD421c is the ribbon cartridge model of the ZD421 series and takes media up to 118 mm wide, the widest in the series. The ribbon is simply slid in as a 74 m cartridge, and the printer automatically reads the smart chip on the cartridge.
Where the ribbon roll model, the ZD421t, reduces changes with 300 m ribbons, the ZD421c is changed in seconds without winding ribbon.
One cartridge type and print width by resolution
| Item | ZD421c | ZD421t (reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon | 74 m cartridge, one width, 109.2 mm | 74 m and 300 m rolls, width 33.8-109.2 mm |
| Media width | 15-118 mm | 15-112 mm |
| Print width | 104 mm at both 203 and 300 dpi | 203 dpi 104 mm, 300 dpi 106 mm |
| Size and weight | 254 x 202 x 177 mm, 2.3 kg | 267 x 202 x 189 mm, 2.05 kg |
The cartridge comes in only one width, 109.2 mm, so the wide ribbon is used up even when printing narrow labels. If most labels are narrow, the ZD421t roll method, where ribbon width is chosen from 33.8 mm to match the label, wastes less ribbon.
4 steps to change the 74 m cartridge during printing
- Leave the printer on even when the ribbon runs out (turning it off erases the print data it has received).
- Open the cover and remove the used cartridge.
- Insert a new 74 m cartridge aligned with the slot guides and push until it clicks into place.
- Close the cover and press FEED once, and the stopped print job resumes.
97.3% alcohol for cleaning chip contacts
Use 97.3% pure medical alcohol to clean the chip contacts. If an authentication error appears with an undamaged genuine cartridge, lightly moisten a cotton swab with this alcohol and wipe only the chip contacts, without soaking them.
Fan-fold media guide adjustment
Fan-fold media comes in from the back and out the front, and on the cartridge model the media guide spacing is set with the gold wheel. Turning the wheel away from you widens it, and turning it toward you narrows it. The roll models, ZD421t and ZD421d, are set with the slide lock on the left guide, so the method is different.
The driver and user guide are at ZD421 download, and connectivity modules and the installation order are covered on the ZD421 direct thermal model page.
