Maintaining accurate records when managing inventory items is always daunting. But not when using the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer. It can help you maintain end-to-end transparency and track your product movement in real time by printing and encoding RFID labels. With its UHF (Ultra High Frequency) technology, you can print 1D and 2D barcodes. It also supports international characters, making it suitable for cross-border trading.
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- Ranking
- Specifications
- Pricing
- Display, Camera, Scanner
- Operating System and Programs
- How to Purchase
- Product Review
Product Ranking
Despite having exceptional performance, the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer doesn’t claim much of your working space because of its compact size. Furthermore, it has a reduced height even when open, thanks to its bifold door. Its print DNA is impressive, too, because it integrates seamlessly with your existing system by providing apps such as Browser Print, Cloud Connect, and Network Connect. It also claims less training time because of its ease of use.
Rating – 9.5/10
Product Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Weight | 9.1 kgs (20lbs) |
| Dimensions | 17 inches L x 9.5 inches W x 11 inches H (432 mm x 241 mm x 279 mm) |
| Print method | Thermal-transfer ; Direct-thermal |
| Resolution | 203 dpi (8 dots/mm)300 dpi (12 dots/mm) |
| Media Sensor | Reflective and movable transmissive sensors |
| Software | Print DNA |
| Memory | 256 MB SDRAM ; 256 MB Flash memory |
| Printing speed | 8 ips for 300 dpi12 ips for 203 dpi |
| Print length | 300 dpi 157 inches203 dpi 73 inches |
| Operating temperature | Direct-thermal 32℉ to 105℉ (0℃ to 40℃); Thermal-transfer 40℉ 105℉ ( 5 ℃ to 40℃) |
Product Pricing
The Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer is popular for its affordability among RFID printers of its kind. Its price ranges between $1,500 to $2,200. The price variation is primarily because of the resolution or dots per inch. For instance, printers with 300 dpi have a higher resolution and cost more than 203 dpi. Though a 300 dpi printer is slightly slower, it has enhanced printing quality, accommodating intricate barcodes, small fonts, and clearly defined graphics or photos.
You should speak to an EE expert to get the exact price of the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer. Apart from helping you choose the resolution suitable for your business, they’ll also recommend the accessories that will make the printer more efficient.
Pros and Cons
When you choose the Zebra ZT231 Printer, you’ll do more than save on cost and optimize your workspace. This printer is designed with a metal frame that prevents it from wearing fast in an industrial setting. In addition, it has an RFID technology capable of evolving, meaning you can adjust it to meet the ever-changing industry and business needs. These two features increase the lifespan of this printer.
The print DNA offers more than you could ask for. First, it allows you to control, monitor, and troubleshoot your networked printers remotely. Second, it features Zebra PrintSecure, which shields you from cyber attacks on your printer network endpoints. Finally, you can integrate it into your business without difficulty because it has three setup apps (Print Setup Utilities, Print Profile Manager Enterprise, and Pairing Solution) that offer guidance.
One hurdle in using print DNA is that some of its applications require a license. Without it, you’ll be restricted from accessing some features and configurations. This will also bring compatibility and inconsistency issues if some printers in your network have licenses and others don’t. Also, you must keep up with updates to ensure the license remains valid and compatible.
Although the Zebra ZT231 Printer supports two printing methods, each has its downside. Direct thermal printing is less durable: the printed labels or tags are more susceptible to fading over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, or chemical exposure. On the other hand, thermal transfer printing is slower, especially for high-resolution or color labels. This might impact efficiency in high-volume printing environments.
Display, Camera, Scanner
If you’re looking for an RFID printer with a scanner and a camera, the Zebra ZT31 RFID printer won’t be an ideal choice because it has neither. However, it might be the right choice if you want a printer with the latest display technology. It comes with a 4.3-inch three-color LED touchscreen display, making it easier to monitor printer status, preview label design, and configure printer settings. The display also gives access to setup wizards and step-by-step instruction videos for common tasks.
In terms of the detail and clarity the printer can reproduce when printing images, text, or graphics, you have two options: 203 dpi and 300 dpi. The 203 dpi is a low resolution and is suitable for printing basic texts and simple graphics. On the other hand, 300 dpi is a higher resolution, ideal for printing fine texts and graphics.
Operating System and Programs
The Zebra ZT231 RFID printer runs the LinkOS operating system, which gives it a range of capabilities, including access to Zebra’s print DNA platform. As such, it supports three Zebra print command languages. The first is the ZBI 2.0 (Zebra Basic Interpreter), which allows you to connect the printer to peripherals and operate standalone applications. Second, you have ZPL and ZPL II that help with intricate label formatting. The final one is EPL and EPL 2 (Eltron Programming Language), which generally makes printing easy. Also, this printer supports out-of-the-box emulation programming language. With it, you can copy languages from other vendors and integrate them into your system.
Print DNA comes with several applications compatible with Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. So, you won’t have incompatibility issues deploying this printer into your work ecosystem. Furthermore, you have flexibility in determining how the printer can communicate with other devices. You can choose Ethernet, USB Host, and Bluetooth Low Energy.
How to Purchase Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer
Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer has high and low printing resolutions curated for different business needs. This influences the price of the printer. If you’re not well-versed with RFID printers, this can complicate the purchase decision. As such, the best way to purchase a Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer is to consult an expert. They’ll evaluate the label size, text, and image details suitable for your business and advise you on the best resolution.
Market and Applications
If you are attracted to the versatility and performance of the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer, you might be wondering if it’s applicable in your industry. Below is a discussion of the areas where this printer can excel:
- Manufacturing: This printer is an invaluable tool in manufacturing because it helps track items through the production lifecycle. For instance, it can print labels for the production stage of a work-in-progress to streamline timelines. For finished goods, it can print serial numbers to track each item during packaging and storage easily.
- Transport and logistics: Barcodes provide a unique identification code for each item or shipment. This code contains important details such as product type, quantity, origin, destination, and specific handling requirements. By scanning the barcode, transportation personnel can quickly and accurately identify the contents of a shipment, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that the right items are being transported to the right location.
- Healthcare: There are many hospital areas in which the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer would be applicable. In the laboratory, the printer can generate labels for identifying samples and specimens, preventing mix-ups, and ensuring accurate results. The printer labels also come in handy in the blood bank as they help store essential data such as blood type, expiration date, and donor information. Also, the labels are useful in unit-dose labeling by generating tags that carry medication information, dosage instructions, and patient details.
- Inventory tracking: If you deal with batches of inventory in a store or warehouse, the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer can help you print item barcodes. This way, you can tell which items are in or out of stock. With these details, you can always maintain optimal stock levels.
- Returns management: The Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer can help monitor returns by generating return labels with barcodes or QR codes. This makes it easier to process returns, update inventory levels, and track reasons for returns, contributing to better inventory decision-making.
Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer Review
Are you still wondering if the Zebra ZT231RFID printer suits your business? Let’s go beyond the specifications and look at reviews that distinguish it from other scanners.
Reduced Learning Time Even for New Printer Users
Users with zero experience with Zebra RFID printers have trained themselves to use this printer in a short period. Its user interface is simple, they can take advantage of three apps specifically loaded with training materials on how to operate the printer. Also, it has a large color touchscreen, which is operable with gloved hands or finger touch. So they can easily monitor and control the printing process.
Adaptable to Any Working Environment
Convenience is also a big plus with the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer. It’s easy to tweak it to match your business needs thanks to this printer’s Print DNA. Beyond that, it’s designed for industrial use so it can withstand harsh conditions. You won’t need to stop your work for constant repairs or incur replacement costs soon after purchasing.
Power and Batteries
The Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer is a thermal printer and requires a constant power supply to operate efficiently. As such, instead of using a battery, it sources power from an electrical outlet using a cord.
It has a universal auto-ranging (Power Factor Correction compliant) power supply. This indicates that the power supply can adjust to many voltage inputs, allowing it to be usable in regions with different electrical systems. Also, it’s designed to improve efficiency in power usage while minimizing wastage, which is an environmentally friendly aspect. Regarding voltage, the printer can handle 100 to 240 Volts Alternating Currency (VAC) and a frequency range of 50 to 60 Hertz (Hz).
Accessories and Add-Ons
While the printer can operate efficiently on its own, the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer has accessories and add-ons that complement and help expand its functionality and improve efficiency. Below are some of the accessories you can buy for this printer:
- Zebra printer cutter: Zebra understands that not everyone enjoys manual cutting after printing. To that end, it has front-mount guillotine cutters that work in conjunction with the printing process. Once the printing is complete, the printer cutter activates and cuts the continuous sheet into individual labels or stickers according to predefined specifications.
- Zebra keyboard display unit (ZKDU): A ZKDU would be an appropriate tool if you prefer standalone printing. It provides an interface through which you can interact with the printer, input commands, configure settings, and monitor printing.
- Zebra printheads: If you intend to use your printer in a busy environment, you’ll need spare printheads for a few reasons. First, the constant movement of tiny nozzles expelling ink can lead to deterioration, affecting the accuracy and quality of the printed output. Also, if the ink dries and accumulates in the nozzles, it can block the ink flow.
- Zebra cleaning swabs: Your printer won’t be able to operate optimally if you don’t occasionally clean it. With continued use, dust and debris will accumulate in inaccessible areas, reducing print quality and causing paper jams. The printhead might also get clogged with ink leading to print quality issues such as streaks or missing lines. You’ll need swabs to keep your printer clean.
- UHF field-installable RFID kit: You can choose the Zebra ZT231 Printer with or without RFID technology. If you choose the former, you’ll need to buy the RFID kit and install it in your printer.
Talk to an Expert
By now, you might have decided that the Zebra ZT231 RFID Printer is the right one for your business. Before buying one or several to form a network across your branches, you need to talk to an expert first. They will evaluate if this is the right printer for your business and help you with setup and configuration. Also, they’ll ensure you have the right accessories for optimal performance. Get in touch with the Energy Electronics team and request a quote. We’ll get in touch within one business hour.
