
Zebra · Label printers
Zebra GK420d label printer
The GK420d is a Zebra direct-thermal-only desktop printer with fixed sensors that prints 19–108 mm wide labels at up to 127 mm/s. Both the USB variant and the USB + Ethernet (GK420E) variant are set up in GoodLabel Designer as the GK420D (ZPL, 203 dpi) model.
- Print method
- Direct thermal only
- Resolution
- 203 dpi (8 dots/mm)
- Print speed
- Up to 127 mm/s (5 ips)
- Max print width and length
- 104 mm · 991 mm
- Label and liner width
- 19–108 mm
- Media thickness
- 0.08–0.18 mm
Specifications
| Print method | Direct thermal only |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) |
| Print speed | Up to 127 mm/s (5 ips) |
| Max print width and length | 104 mm · 991 mm |
| Label and liner width | 19–108 mm |
| Media thickness | 0.08–0.18 mm |
| Media roll | Outer diameter up to 127 mm, core 25.4 mm / 38 mm |
| Sensors | Fixed reflective and transmissive sensors |
| Command language | ZPL II, EPL2 (automatic detection and switching) |
| Interfaces | USB 1.1, serial, parallel / Ethernet version: 10/100 LAN in place of serial and parallel |
| Sold variants | GK420D (USB), GK420E (USB + Ethernet), both direct thermal only |
| GoodLabel Designer model | GK420D (ZPL, 203 dpi) |
| Dimensions and weight | W 171 × H 152 × D 210 mm, 1.4 kg |
| Operating temperature | 4.4–41°C |
The GK420d is a Zebra direct-thermal-only desktop printer whose transmissive and reflective sensors are fixed in place, and it prints 19–108 mm wide labels at up to 127 mm/s (5 ips). It is sold in two variants, the GK420D with USB and the GK420E with USB + Ethernet, and in GoodLabel Designer both are set up as GK420D in the model list.
USB and Ethernet variants
The standard configuration comes with three ports: USB, serial and parallel. The GK420E variant is a USB + Ethernet configuration that drops the serial and parallel ports and adds a 10/100 LAN port.
Both variants are direct thermal only, so no ribbon is loaded. From the Designer's side, only the connection differs; the command language (ZPL) and resolution (203 dpi) are the same, so label files and printer settings are shared as they are.
ZPL commands the Designer sends
This model is a ZPL printer, so the Designer sends RAW commands directly instead of printing through the driver. The settings below are placed before the first label of every print job.
| Designer field | Command | What changes on the unit |
|---|---|---|
| Label width (mm) | ^PW | The print width follows the label width, so when you change media width you don't adjust the width setting on the unit separately. |
| Label height (mm) | ^LL | Sets the length of one label; the max print length is 991 mm. |
| Print method Direct thermal | ^MTD | The unit is direct thermal only, so select Direct thermal or Printer settings. |
| Media type Gap labels | ^MNY | The fixed transmissive sensor reads the gaps between labels. |
| Media type Continuous media | ^MNN | The unit's automatic media calibration is turned off, and one label is printed for each height set in the height field. |
| Density (0–30, default 21) | ~SD | Prints with the Designer setting instead of the density stored in the unit. |
If labels shift by one after changing rolls, click Auto detect in Troubleshoot to send ~JC. When you select GK420D in the Designer model field, the resolution is set right away to 203 DPI, the only option. To register the unit on the PC, download and install the Zebra universal driver v10 from Downloads.
Label roll width, core and thickness
- Label width including the liner is 19–108 mm, and within that, printing covers up to 104 mm of width.
- Rolls go up to 127 mm outer diameter, with a core inner diameter of 25.4 mm or 38 mm. Rolls larger than the unit are placed separately behind it and the media is fed through the fanfold feed slot.
- Media thickness is 0.08–0.18 mm, and die-cut labels, continuous labels, tags and receipt paper are used on rolls or fanfold.
- Continuous rolls have no gaps or marks, so leave detection on the transmissive (gap) sensor so the unit notices when media runs out.
Compatible with GoodLabel Designer
You can design and print labels for this model with GoodLabel Designer, our free label software. GoodLabel Designer · User Guide
FAQ
- I can't find the GK420E in the Designer model list.
- The list has only two lines: the direct thermal GK420D and the thermal transfer GK420T. The GK420E is the direct-thermal-only unit with Ethernet added, so select the direct thermal model and leave the resolution at 203 DPI.
- Does a 110 mm wide label roll fit?
- No. The GK420d's upper limit for label and liner width is 108 mm, so for 100 mm wide labels, choose a roll that is 108 mm or less including the liner.
- Can I load a ribbon and print thermal transfer?
- The GK420d is direct thermal only and has no ribbon spindle. The model in the same line that takes a ribbon is listed separately in the Designer as the GK420T, and only on that model is the Thermal transfer print method (^MTT) used.
Drivers & manuals
How to buy
- In Korea, this product is sold through our Korean online store. Korean product page →
- Outside Korea, contact us by email. Email: Contact →
- Or buy from an authorized dealer in your country.
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