Users Manual Part 1

11
Printer Setup and Operation
Order Supplies and Accessories
5/9/19 ZT411/ZT421 Color Touch User Guide P1106464-001
Order Supplies and Accessories
The following things that you will need do NOT come with the printer:
• Communication/network cables (such as USB, serial, parallel, wired Ethernet)
•Media
• Ribbon (if your printer has a thermal transfer option)
Media
For optimal printing quality and proper printer performance across our product line, Zebra
strongly recommends the use of Zebra Certified Supplies as part of the total solution. A wide
range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to
enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent premature printhead wear. To
purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/supplies.
The Glossary on page 193 includes terms associated with media, such as black mark media,
gap/notch media, RFID media, fanfold media, and roll media. Use these terms to help
determine which type of media will be best for your needs.
Ribbon
Do I need to use ribbon? The media itself determines if you will need to use ribbon.
Thermal Transfer media requires ribbon while Direct Thermal media does not.
How can I tell if media is Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer? The easiest way is
to scratch the surface of the media rapidly with your fingernail. If a black mark appears where
you scratched, the media is Direct Thermal, and you do not need to use ribbon.
What kind of ribbon can I use? Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside
or outside. This printer can only use ribbon that is coated on the outside unless you purchase
and install the optional spindle that allows ribbon that is coated on the inside. Contact your
authorized Zebra reseller for ordering information.
How can I tell which side of the ribbon is coated? Press a corner of the sticky side of
a label to the outer surface of the roll of ribbon, and then peel the label off of the ribbon. If ink
particles adhere to the label, the outer side of the roll is coated. Repeat this test with the inner
surface if necessary to confirm the coated surface.
An alternate method is to unroll a short length of ribbon, place the outer surface against a piece
of paper, and scratch the inner surface of the ribbon with your fingernail. Lift the ribbon and
check for marks on the paper. If the ribbon left a mark, the outer side is coated.
DRAFT