In fast-paced warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, and retail environments, barcode labeling printers are the operational backbone of inventory control and dispatch. Succeeding Zebra’s legendary GK420t and ZD420 series, the Zebra ZD421 Thermal Transfer Desktop Printer (Model: ZD4A042-30EE00EZ) delivers a massive leap forward in processing power, flexible connectivity, and enterprise-grade security.


TBA
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Available To Order
- Free Delivery: Available for all Gauteng orders.
- Nationwide Delivery: For all other provinces R120 excl vat.
- Local Pickup: Free collection available from our premises.
Processing Time: Orders are ready for collection or dispatch within 2 to 4 working days after payment reflects in our account.
Equipped with USB 2.0, USB Host, Ethernet (LAN), and Bluetooth Low Energy 5 (BTLE5) out of the box.

Equipped with USB 2.0, USB Host, Ethernet (LAN), and Bluetooth Low Energy 5 (BTLE5) out of the box, this 4-inch label printer provides seamless integration across local workstations and networked enterprise environments alike.
Print Method: Thermal Transfer
Max Print Width: 104mm
Print Speed: 6ips
Interface Ports: USB + USBHOST + Ethernet + BTLE5
Warranty: 2 Years
Product Brand: Zebra
MPN: ZD4A042-30EE00EZ
Included Software: ZebraDesigner Essentials – easy label design tool
Ribbon Length: 74/300 meters
Key Performance Advantages of the Zebra ZD421
1. Zebra ZD421 Tri-Interface Connectivity: USB, Ethernet & BTLE5
Modern operations require flexibility in how hardware connects to software infrastructure. The ZD421 addresses complex deployment setups with a robust connectivity suite:
- USB 2.0 & USB Host: Enables direct plug-and-play desktop connection and straightforward firmware updates or configuration cloning via standard USB drive.
- Factory-Installed Ethernet (10/100 LAN): Connects directly into your local network, allowing multiple WMS, ERP, or POS terminals to send print jobs simultaneously.
- Bluetooth Low Energy 5 (BTLE5): Paired with the Zebra Printer Setup Mobile App (available on Android and iOS), BTLE5 allows technicians to set up, configure, and troubleshoot the printer wirelessly straight from a smartphone or tablet.
2. Zebra ZD421 Next-Generation Architecture & Memory
Built to run complex jobs without bottlenecking, the ZD421 is engineered with 30% more processing power than the ZD420 series and is up to 700% faster than legacy GK Series models.
- 512 MB Flash / 256 MB SDRAM: Generous onboard memory allows for rapid loading of complex graphics, truetype fonts, dynamic 2D barcodes, and standalone printing applications.
- Print Speeds Up to 6 Inches/Sec (152 mm/s): High-speed 203 DPI printing keeps shipping lines moving without missing a beat.
3. Zebra ZD421 Thermal Transfer Durability & Large Media Capacity
Direct thermal labels fade when exposed to sunlight, heat, or chemical abrasion. The ZD421 Thermal Transfer model uses a heated ribbon to fuse carbon onto paper or synthetic stock, creating crisp, smudge-proof labels designed to last for years in harsh conditions.
- 300-Meter Ribbon Roll Capacity: Accepts industry-standard 300 m (984 ft) ribbons on 1-inch cores, reducing media changeover frequency by up to 75% compared to standard 74 m ribbon setups.
- Movable Media Sensor: Features a full-width reflective black mark sensor and multi-position transmissive gap sensor, ensuring compatibility with virtually any label geometry.
4. Zebra ZD421 Intuitive 5-Icon User Interface
Replacing the confusing single-button interfaces of legacy printers, the ZD421 incorporates an upgraded control panel featuring 3 operation buttons (Feed, Pause, Cancel) and 5 LED status indicators. Operators can immediately identify printer status—including status, media, ribbon, network connection, and data processing—minimizing unnecessary help-desk tickets.
Advanced Software Security with Zebra Print DNA™
Networked label printers represent potential attack vectors if unmanaged. Powered by Zebra’s Link-OS®, the ZD421 includes Print DNA™ security tools such as PrintSecure. IT teams can manage, secure, update, and monitor entire printer fleets from a central dashboard while defending network endpoints against cyber threats.
Additionally, native PDF Direct support allows the printer to process and print PDF files sent directly from ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle) without converting them through printer driver software first.
Applications and Best Use Cases
- Warehouse & Logistics: Pallet tags, shipping waybills, compliance labels, and inventory racking tags.
- Retail Operations: Price tags, shelf labeling, asset tracking, and click-and-collect fulfillment.
- Manufacturing: Work-in-progress (WIP) tracking, product identification, and serial number tags.
- Healthcare & Labs: Specimen tracking, prescription labeling, and blood bag identification (Healthcare-specific white casing variants also available).
| Category | Specification | Details |
| Print Specifications | Print Technology | Thermal Transfer (uses ribbon roll) & Direct Thermal |
| Print Resolution | 203 dpi / 8 dots per mm (Standard) 300 dpi / 12 dots per mm (Optional) | |
| Max Print Speed | 203 dpi: Up to 6 in./sec (152 mm/s) 300 dpi: Up to 4 in./sec (102 mm/s) | |
| Max Print Width | 203 dpi: 4.09 in. / 104 mm 300 dpi: 4.27 in. / 108 mm | |
| Max Print Length | 39.0 in. / 991 mm | |
| Media & Roll Specs | Media Width | 0.585 in. / 15 mm to 4.41 in. / 112 mm |
| Max Media Roll O.D. | 5.0 in. / 127 mm Outer Diameter | |
| Media Roll Core I.D. | 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) & 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) standard (1.5″, 2.0″, and 3.0″ supported via optional core adapters) | |
| Media Thickness | 0.003 in. (0.08 mm) min. to 0.0075 in. (0.1905 mm) max. | |
| Media Types | Roll-fed or fan-fold, die-cut or continuous with/without black mark, tag stock, continuous receipt paper, wristbands | |
| Sensors | Full-width moveable reflective/black mark sensor; multi-position transmissive/gap sensor; Head-up sensor | |
| Ribbon Specs | Ribbon Length Capacity | Up to 984 ft. / 300 m (1″ core) or 244 ft. / 74 m (0.5″ core) |
| Ribbon Ratio | 1:4 media-to-ribbon ratio (300 m) 1:1 media-to-ribbon ratio (74 m) | |
| Ribbon Width | 1.33 in. / 33.8 mm to 4.3 in. / 109.2 mm | |
| Ribbon Outer Diameter | 2.6 in. / 66 mm (300 m) or 1.34 in. / 34 mm (74 m) | |
| Ribbon Core I.D. | 1.0 in. / 25.4 mm (300 m) or 0.5 in. / 12.7 mm (74 m) | |
| Hardware & Performance | Processor / OS | Link-OS® printer operating system |
| Memory | 512 MB Flash; 256 MB SDRAM (64 MB user-available non-volatile Flash, 8 MB user-available SDRAM) | |
| User Interface | 5 status LED icons, 3-button controls (Feed, Pause, Cancel) | |
| Construction | Dual-wall frame with OpenACCESS™ clamshell design | |
| Real Time Clock | Standard Real Time Clock (RTC) included | |
| Connectivity & Options | Standard Interfaces | USB 2.0, USB Host, Bluetooth Low Energy 5 (BTLE5) |
| Factory or Field Options | 10/100 Ethernet (LAN), Wi-Fi (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 4.1 dual radio, RS-232 Auto-sensing Serial (DB-9) | |
| Field-Installable Handling | Dispenser / Peeler (with label-taken sensor), Cutter module | |
| Firmware & Software | Emulations / Languages | ZPL II®, EPL2™, XML, ZBI 2.0™, PDF Direct |
| Security Suite | Print DNA™ basic tools with Zebra PrintSecure | |
| Fonts & Graphics | 16 resident expandable ZPL II bitmap fonts, 2 resident scalable ZPL fonts, native OpenType support, Unicode compliant | |
| Physical & Environmental | Dimensions (L x W x H) | 10.5 in. x 8.0 in. x 7.44 in. / 267 mm x 202 mm x 189 mm |
| Weight | 4.52 lbs. / 2.05 kg | |
| Electrical Specs | Auto-detectable 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz; ENERGY STAR® certified; Level VI efficiency | |
| Operating Temperature | 40°F to 105°F / 4.4°C to 41°C | |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 90% non-condensing | |
| Barcodes Supported | 1D Barcodes | Code 11, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, ISBT-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Interleaved 2-of-5, Industrial 2-of-5, Standard 2-of-5, Logmars, MSI, Codabar, Planet Code |
| 2D Barcodes | PDF417, MicroPDF417, Data Matrix, QR Code, Micro QR, Aztec, MaxiCode, Codablock, Code 49 |


