The Zebra ZT231 is an entry-level industrial barcode label printer designed for businesses looking to upgrade from compact desktop models without taking on the higher price tag of heavy-duty enterprise machinery. Combining a rugged metal chassis with high-speed printing, a user-friendly color touchscreen, and full-sized media capacity, the ZT231 delivers exceptional value for logistics, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare environments.
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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.
Zebra ZT231 4-inch industrial printer. Features 12 ips print speed, color touchscreen, metal frame – (ZT23142-T0E000FZ)
With print speeds up to 12 inches per second (12 ips) at 203 dpi, the ZT231 accelerates dispatch operations and minimizes bottlenecks at packing stations. For applications requiring micro-labels, fine text, or high-density 2D barcodes.
Print Method: Thermal Transfer
Max Print Width: 104mm
Print Speed: 12ips
Interface Ports: USB + USBHOST + Serial + Ethernet + BTLE
Warranty: 1 Years
Product Brand: Zebra
MPN: ZT23142-T0E000FZ
Included Software: ZebraDesigner Essentials – easy label design tool
Ribbon Length: 450 meters
1. Zebra ZT231 High-Speed Performance & Precision
With print speeds up to 12 inches per second (12 ips) at 203 dpi, the ZT231 accelerates dispatch operations and minimizes bottlenecks at packing stations. For applications requiring micro-labels, fine text, or high-density 2D barcodes.
2. Zebra ZT231 Intuitive 4.3-Inch Color Touch Screen
A major upgrade over legacy industrial printers, the ZT231 features a vibrant 4.3-inch color touch interface. System operators can quickly adjust settings, view real-time printer status, and navigate troubleshooting wizards using color-coded alerts—significantly reducing training time and operational errors.
3. Space-Saving Industrial Design
Engineered with a compact footprint and a bi-fold door, the ZT231 easily fits into tight workspaces, under counters, or on crowded packing tables. The side-loading mechanism allows operators to replace 8-inch label rolls and 450-meter ribbons in seconds.
4. Zebra ZT231 Advanced Connectivity & Field-Upgradable Options
Out of the box, the ZT231 features comprehensive standard interfaces, including Ethernet, Serial, USB, and USB Host. To adapt to growing operational needs, users can add field-installable accessories like Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1, a label peeler, a guillotine cutter, or UHF RFID encoding.
5. Powered by Zebra Print DNA
Driven by Zebra’s Print DNA software suite, the printer offers effortless setup, remote administration, and top-tier security protections against network vulnerabilities. Integrated emulation software allows the ZT231 to seamlessly replace legacy Zebra (ZPL/EPL) or non-Zebra command language printers without template modifications.
Zebra ZT231 Target Applications & Industry Uses
- Warehousing & Logistics: Shipping labels, receiving tags, cross-docking, pallet tags, and inventory identification.
- Manufacturing: Work-in-process (WIP) tracking, product labeling, compliance tagging, and packaging markers.
- Retail & E-commerce: Distribution center dispatch, price markdowns, product return processing, and shelf labeling.
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Specimen labeling, asset management, pharmacy distribution, and medical supply tracking.
Zebra ZT231 Print Specifications
- Print Engine / Technology: Direct Thermal (DT) & Thermal Transfer (TT)
- Print Resolution Options:
- 203 dpi (8 dots/mm)
- 300 dpi (12 dots/mm) (Optional upgrade)
- Maximum Print Speed:
- 203 dpi: Up to 12 ips (305 mm/s)
- 300 dpi: Up to 8 ips (203 mm/s)
- Maximum Print Width: 4.09 in. (104 mm)
- Maximum Print Length:
- 203 dpi: 157 in. (3,988 mm)
- 300 dpi: 73 in. (1,854 mm)
- Memory: 256 MB SDRAM | 256 MB On-board Linear Flash ROM (64 MB user-available)
Media & Ribbon Specifications
- Media Types: Continuous, die-cut, notch, black mark, tags, and ticket stock
- Media Width: 0.75 in. (19.4 mm) to 4.50 in. (114 mm)
- Media Thickness: 0.003 in. (0.076 mm) to 0.010 in. (0.25 mm)
- Media Roll Capacity:
- Outer Diameter (OD): 8.0 in. (203 mm) on a 3.0 in. (76 mm) ID core
- Alternative: 6.0 in. (152 mm) OD on a 1.0 in. (25 mm) ID core
- Ribbon Characteristics (Thermal Transfer models):
- Max Ribbon Length: 1,476 ft. (450 m)
- Ribbon Width: 1.57 in. (40 mm) to 4.33 in. (110 mm)
- Ribbon Core ID: 1.0 in. (25.4 mm)
- Winding Setup: Ink-side out (CSO)
- Sensors: Moveable Transmissive (gap) and Reflective (black mark) sensors
Hardware & Operation
- Construction: Rugged metal frame with metal media cover and bi-fold door with clear viewing window
- Display / UI: 4.3-inch full-color resist-touch screen LCD with intuitive menu navigation and color-coded status icons
- Control Buttons: Power, Feed, Pause, and Cancel
- Printhead Technology: Thin film printhead with E3™ (Element Energy Equalizer™) for superior print quality
Connectivity & Interfaces
- Standard Built-in Interfaces:
- USB 2.0 High Speed
- RS-232 Serial Port
- Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)
- USB Host Port (for standalone operation with keyboards or scanners)
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for local setup via mobile app
- Optional Wireless Connectivity (Field or Factory Installable):
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band with Bluetooth 4.1 card
Software, Emulations & Barcodes
- Language / Emulations: Auto-detection for ZPL, ZPL II, EPL, and EPL2 (Supports XML-enabled printing and ZBI 2.0)
- Software Suite: Powered by Zebra Print DNA (includes Setup Utilities, Printer Profile Manager Enterprise, and security defense features)
- Linear (1D) Barcodes: Code 11, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 (subsets A/B/C), ISBT-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Interleaved 2-of-5, Industrial 2-of-5, Standard 2-of-5, Codabar, Planet Code, Postnet, Plessey, MSI, Logmars
- 2D Barcodes: PDF417, MicroPDF417, Code 49, DataMatrix, MaxiCode, QR Code, Micro QR, Aztec, Codablock, TLC 39, RSS-14 / GS1 DataBar
Physical & Electrical Specifications
- Dimensions:
- Standard: 432 mm (L) x 241 mm (W) x 279 mm (H)
- With Liner Take-up Unit: 432 mm (L) x 241 mm (W) x 324 mm (H)
- Weight:
- Standard: 9.1 kg (20 lbs)
- With Liner Take-up: 10.9 kg (24 lbs)
- Power Supply: Universal auto-ranging internal power supply
- Input: 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz (ENERGY STAR® certified)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
- Operating Humidity: 20% to 85% non-condensing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between the Zebra ZT230 and the Zebra ZT231?
The ZT231 is the upgraded direct replacement for the legacy ZT230 model. Key upgrades on the ZT231 include:
- User Interface: A 4.3-inch full-color resistive touchscreen replacing the older monochrome LCD/keypad.
- Faster Print Speeds: Up to 12 ips at 203 DPI (compared to 6 ips on the ZT230).
- Standard Connectivity: Comes standard with Ethernet, USB Host, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), whereas Ethernet was an add-on card on the ZT230.
- Memory: Upgraded to 256 MB SDRAM / 256 MB Flash.
- RFID Support: Optional field-installable UHF RFID kit capability.
2. Does the Zebra ZT231 support both Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer printing?
Yes. The Zebra ZT231 is available in both Direct Thermal (no ribbon required) and Thermal Transfer configurations (using thermal ribbons up to 450 meters in length).
3. What ribbon roll size does the Zebra ZT231 take?
The ZT231 supports industry-standard 450-meter (1,476 ft) ribbons on a 1-inch (25.4 mm) core, with ribbon widths ranging from 51 mm to 110 mm. Using 450m ribbons significantly reduces down-time for ribbon roll changes in high-volume environments.
4. Can I drop the Zebra ZT231 into an environment using non-Zebra printers or older models?
Yes. The ZT231 features backwards compatibility with older Zebra printers using ZPL and EPL printer languages. Additionally, via Zebra’s Print DNA software suite, it supports pre-installed emulations for other major printer brands (including Datamax and Intermec languages) for seamless drop-in replacement.
5. Can I run the ZT231 as a standalone printer without a connected PC?
Yes. Thanks to the built-in USB Host port, you can connect a USB barcode scanner or USB keyboard directly to the ZT231 to enter data and trigger label printing tasks without needing a dedicated computer.
6. Is the printhead easy to replace on the Zebra ZT231?
Yes. The ZT231 features a tool-less platen roller and printhead removal design, allowing site operators to replace wear-and-tear components quickly on-site without calling out technical service support.
7. What options can be retrofitted or added to the ZT231 after purchase?
The ZT231 is modular and allows field-installable upgrades, including:
- Front-mount Peeler (with or without liner take-up spindle)
- Front-mount Guillotine Cutter
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi / Dual Band Wireless card
- UHF RFID encoding and printing module
