Zebra · Label printers
Zebra ZD230T label printer
The ZD230T is the standard thermal transfer model of the Zebra ZD230, taking 74 m and 300 m ribbons; in the store it is listed after the newer ZD230TA. Non-Zebra 300 m ribbons go on the included adapter (width 33–110 mm), and in GoodLabel Designer, Thermal transfer on the ZD230 model sends ^MTT.
- Print method
- Thermal transfer and direct thermal
- Resolution
- 203 dpi (8 dots/mm), dot size 0.13 mm
- Print speed
- 4 ips (102 mm/s) or up to 6 ips (152 mm/s)
- Max print width
- 104 mm
- Ribbon
- 300 m (core 25.4 mm, OD 66 mm, 4 media rolls) · 74 m (core 12.7 mm, OD 34 mm, 1 media roll), width 33.8–109.2 mm (2021 technical specifications) / 33–110 mm (2024 Korean thermal transfer user guide)
- Non-Zebra 300 m ribbon requirements
- Use the included adapter; 25.4 mm ID cardboard core, width 33–110 mm, OD 66 mm or less (same for standard and newer models)
Specifications
| Print method | Thermal transfer and direct thermal |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 203 dpi (8 dots/mm), dot size 0.13 mm |
| Print speed | 4 ips (102 mm/s) or up to 6 ips (152 mm/s) |
| Max print width | 104 mm |
| Ribbon | 300 m (core 25.4 mm, OD 66 mm, 4 media rolls) · 74 m (core 12.7 mm, OD 34 mm, 1 media roll), width 33.8–109.2 mm (2021 technical specifications) / 33–110 mm (2024 Korean thermal transfer user guide) |
| Non-Zebra 300 m ribbon requirements | Use the included adapter; 25.4 mm ID cardboard core, width 33–110 mm, OD 66 mm or less (same for standard and newer models) |
| Media width | 25.4–112 mm (2021 technical specifications; the 112 mm max in thermal transfer mode is the same in the 2024 user guide) |
| Label length | Min 25.4 mm, max 991 mm (2021 technical specifications) / 990 mm (2024 Korean thermal transfer user guide) |
| Media thickness | 0.08–0.1905 mm (2021 technical specifications), 0.06–0.1905 mm (2024 Korean thermal transfer user guide) |
| Media roll | Outer diameter up to 127 mm, core 12.7 mm / 25 mm |
| Command language | ZPL II, EPL2 |
| Sold variants | Newer ZD230TA (USB), ZD230T (USB) |
| GoodLabel Designer model | ZD230 (ZPL, 203 dpi) |
| Dimensions | 267 × 197 × 191 mm (thermal transfer model) |
| Operating temperature | 5–41°C |
The ZD230T, the standard thermal transfer model of the Zebra ZD230, takes ribbon rolls in two lengths, 74 m and 300 m. It is offered alongside the newer ZD230TA (USB) as a variant, and the standard model is the ZD230T (USB). In GoodLabel Designer, both variants are set up as the single ZD230 model.
Choosing a ribbon length
| Ribbon length | Core ID · roll OD | Ratio to label rolls | Suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 m | 25.4 mm · 66 mm | 4 label rolls per ribbon roll | Shipping work that uses several label rolls a day |
| 74 m | 12.7 mm · 34 mm | 1 label roll per ribbon roll | Small jobs where the label roll and ribbon are changed together |
The empty core on the take-up spindle must have the same inner diameter as the loaded ribbon to keep the ribbon from wrinkling.
Requirements for non-Zebra ribbons
Non-Zebra 300 m rolls, such as the GoodLabel wax ribbon 300M, are mounted on the 300 m ribbon adapter that came with the unit. Rolls that fit the adapter have a 25.4 mm ID cardboard core, a roll OD of 66 mm or less and a ribbon width of 33–110 mm, and these requirements apply equally to the standard ZD230T and the newer ZD230TA. Non-Zebra ribbons 74 m long do not need the adapter.
The ribbon must be wider than the label roll, including the liner. The GoodLabel wax ribbon 300M comes in eight width variants, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 and 110 mm, so the 60 mm variant fits a 58 mm roll and the 110 mm variant fits a 100 mm roll.
The Zebra ribbon width range is given as 33.8–109.2 mm (2021 ZD230 technical specifications) and 33–110 mm (2024 Korean thermal transfer user guide P1129638-02KO), depending on the document.
Designer print method buttons and ribbons
The print method in Printer settings has three buttons: Printer settings, Direct thermal and Thermal transfer. When a ribbon is loaded, click Thermal transfer and ^MTT is added to the first label of the print job.
- If you select Printer settings, the print method command is left out and the unit prints with the method currently stored in it.
- When you switch to a direct thermal paper roll, remove the ribbon from the unit and click Direct thermal (^MTD). Zebra specifies that a ribbon should not be loaded when printing on direct thermal media.
- If the first label is faint, raise the density in the Print window (0–30, default 21) a few steps and send it again with ~SD.
On the Windows side, the connection needs only the Zebra universal driver v10 posted in Downloads.
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
- Are the Designer settings different for the standard ZD230T and the newer ZD230TA?
- They are the same. The Designer model list has only the single ZD230 line for both, and the resolution is also only 203 DPI, so print method, media type and density are sent with the same ZPL commands.
- Barcodes on art paper labels print faint.
- Raise the density in the Print window one or two steps at a time from the default of 21 and print again. The density range for ZPL printers is 0–30; also check that the print method is set to Thermal transfer.
- Can I alternate between 74 m and 300 m ribbons on one unit?
- The ZD230T accepts both lengths. The 74 m ribbon has a 12.7 mm core and the 300 m ribbon a 25.4 mm core, and the empty core on the take-up spindle must have the same inner diameter as the loaded ribbon to avoid ribbon wrinkles.
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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