Overview
The Zebra ZE500-6 is a professional-grade industrial print engine designed for integration into high-speed print-and-apply systems. This thermal label printer supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing methods, making it suitable for a wide range of label materials and industrial automation applications. Built on industrial all-metal construction with modular design principles, the ZE500-6 delivers reliable performance in harsh manufacturing environments while minimizing downtime through easy maintenance access.
Key Features
- High-Speed Printing: 305mm/s print speed at 200dpi; 254mm/s at 300dpi
- Wide Print Width: Maximum print width of 168mm (6.6 inches)
- Dual Print Methods: Support for thermal-transfer or direct-thermal printing
- Industrial Construction: All-metal construction with 16MB SDRAM and 64MB flash memory
- Field Maintenance Design: Front-accessible platen, pinch and peel rollers removable in minutes; captured fasteners prevent hardware loss
- Resolution Flexibility: Change belts or alter resolution from 203 dpi to 300 dpi in minutes
- Connectivity Options: Standard Serial, Parallel, USB and wired Ethernet with optional wireless capabilities
- Enhanced Print Quality: Multi-level Element Energy Equalizer (E3) for superior print quality
Technical Specifications
- Print Width (Max): 168mm (6.6 inches)
- Print Speed: 305mm/s at 200dpi; 254mm/s at 300dpi
- Print Methods: Thermal-transfer or direct-thermal
- Resolution Options: 203 dpi or 300 dpi
- Memory: 16MB SDRAM, 64MB flash memory
- Dimensions: 245mm W x 438mm D x 300mm H
- Weight: 17.3kg (38.1 lbs)
- Media Range: Label and liner width 16mm to 114mm; maximum continuous print length 3,810mm
- Connectivity: Serial, Parallel, USB, Ethernet; optional wireless
- Display: Large graphical display with five-button menu; rotatable or remotely locatable up to two meters
- Applicator Interface: Integrated IO; switchable jumpers for 5V or 24V operation
- Sensors: Transmissive and reflective media sensors
Typical Applications
The ZE500 Series print engines are designed to keep mission-critical print-and-apply applications operating without interruptions, making the ZE500-6 ideal for:
- Shipping label and packing slip printing in logistics centers
- Product labeling on high-speed manufacturing lines
- Warehouse and distribution center automation
- Material handling systems with automated label applicators
- Cold-chain and pharmaceutical labeling
- RFID-enabled tracking systems (with optional RFID module)
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Automated print-and-apply labeling systems
- Industrial control networks with Serial, Parallel, USB, or Ethernet connectivity
- ZPL II universal language for Zebra printers
- Zebra label design software (ZebraDesigner compatible)
- 5V or 24V applicator interface systems (jumper-selectable)
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
The ZE500-6 is the successor to earlier Zebra print engine models in environments requiring 6-inch (168mm) print width. Verify compatibility with your system integrator before ordering to ensure proper mechanical and electrical integration.
Works With
- Zebra ZPL II command language and printer control
- Direct thermal and thermal-transfer ribbon media
- Standard Centronics parallel interface (legacy systems)
- Modern Ethernet-based print management and monitoring
- Optional RFID modules for enhanced tracking capabilities
