Zebra ZT231 industrial barcode printer

Name: Zebra ZT231
Brand: Zebra

ZT231 specifications

Status

Available. Manufacturer-designated successor to the ZT230

Print method

Thermal transfer and direct thermal

Resolution

203 dpi (8 dots/mm) standard, 300 dpi optional

Print speed

203 dpi 51-305 mm/s (2-12 ips), 300 dpi 51-203 mm/s (2-8 ips)

Max print width

104 mm (4.09 in)

Max print length

203 dpi 3,988 mm, 300 dpi 1,854 mm

Media width and thickness

Width 19.4-114 mm, thickness 0.076-0.25 mm (including liner)

Media roll

203 mm OD (76 mm core) or 152 mm OD (25 mm core)

Minimum label length

Tear-off 17.8 mm, peel 12.7 mm, cutter 25.4 mm

Ribbon

Width 40-110 mm, up to 450 m, 25.4 mm core, ink side out

Memory

256 MB SDRAM (32 MB user), 256 MB flash (64 MB user)

Interfaces

USB 2.0, USB host, RS-232C serial, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth LE / 802.11ac Wi-Fi optional

Display

4.3-inch color touch (resistive)

Dimensions and weight

H 279 x W 241 x L 432 mm, 9.1 kg

Operating temperature

Thermal transfer 5-40°C, direct thermal 0-40°C, humidity 20-85% (non-condensing)

A 4-inch model that succeeds the ZT230 and weighs less than the ZT411

The ZT231 is the 4-inch industrial printer that Zebra designated as the successor to the discontinued ZT230. Its print width is 104 mm, the same as the ZT411, but at 9.1 kg it is more than 7 kg lighter than the ZT411's 16.33 kg.

The printer measures H 279 x W 241 x L 432 mm and sits on a workbench. It has a metal frame with a plastic housing, and the cover folds twice as it opens and has a large clear window.

4.3-inch touch display and automatic calibration

Settings are changed on the 4.3-inch color resistive touch display on the front. The status indicator is a three-color LED. When the power is turned on or the head is closed, the printer feeds 2-3 labels and sets the media length on its own.

The ZT230 topped out at 152 mm per second, while the ZT231 reaches 305 mm per second at 203 dpi.

Print speed by resolution

Resolution	Print speed	Narrowest barcode bar	Max continuous print length
203 dpi (standard)	51-305 mm/s	4.9 mil (about 0.125 mm)	3,988 mm
300 dpi (optional)	51-203 mm/s	3.3 mil (about 0.084 mm)	1,854 mm

ZPL II is the standard printer language. EPL formats run only on the 203 dpi model, and EPL line mode is for direct thermal models only.

Label roll and ribbon specifications

Labels can be 19.4-114 mm wide and 0.076-0.25 mm thick. The limit is 203 mm OD for rolls on a 76 mm core and 152 mm OD for rolls on a 25 mm core.

Ribbons are 40-110 mm wide and 450 m long on a 25.4 mm core, and only ribbons wound with the ink side out are used. For black mark media, the mark density must exceed 1.0 ODU and the background must be 0.3 ODU or less for the sensor to distinguish the mark.

Cutter, peel, and liner rewind options

With the front guillotine cutter, labels are cut from 25.4 mm long. The peel option dispenses labels one at a time and handles labels down to 12.7 mm. Liner rewind is a factory-installed option that winds the entire liner from one 8-inch media roll. An applicator interface for connecting to an automatic label applicator is also optional.

RFID models include an RE40 reader/encoder and encode UHF EPC Gen2 V2.1 and ISO/IEC 18000-63 tags. The minimum tag pitch is 16 mm.

Cleaning and printhead replacement

The mechanical parts are self-lubricating, so no oiling is needed. Clean the printhead, platen roller, media sensors, peel bar, and media path with alcohol or compressed air, and wipe the housing with a lint-free cloth. The ZT231 printhead is designed to fit genuine Zebra parts only.

The Windows driver and manuals are at ZT231 driver download.

FAQ

What is the difference between the ZT231 and the ZT411?

Both are 4-inch industrial printers with a 104 mm print width. The ZT411 reaches up to 356 mm/s at 203 dpi and offers resolutions up to 600 dpi, while the ZT231 reaches up to 305 mm/s at 203 dpi and goes up to 300 dpi. On the other hand, the ZT231 weighs 9.1 kg, lighter than the ZT411 (16.33 kg), and accepts labels from 19.4 mm wide.

Can it take label rolls with a 1-inch (25 mm) core?

Yes. Rolls on a 25 mm core fit up to 152 mm OD, and rolls on a 76 mm (3-inch) core fit up to 203 mm OD.

Can I use my ZT230 ribbons on the ZT231?

ZT230 ribbons (width 51-110 mm, up to 450 m, 25 mm core) fall within the ZT231 ribbon specifications of 40-110 mm wide and up to 450 m. The ribbon must be wound with the ink side out.

What should I check first if the label position keeps drifting?

First check that the gap between labels is within 2-4 mm (3 mm recommended). When the power is turned on or the head is closed, the printer feeds 2-3 labels and calibrates automatically, so after changing media, close the head once and then print again.

Where can I get the driver?

The Windows driver and manuals are on the ZT231 download page (/support/downloads/zt231/).

Zebra ZT231