Zebra ZD230TA label printer

Zebra · Label printers

Zebra ZD230TA label printer

The ZD230TA is the newer ZD230 thermal transfer model with a ribbon sensor, a center-to-left black mark sensor and auto-switching to other printer languages. GoodLabel wax ribbon 300M is confirmed for width only: measure core and roll OD on your roll and choose a variant wider than the label roll.

Print method
Thermal transfer and direct thermal
Resolution
203 dpi (8 dots/mm, dot size 0.13 mm); 300 dpi is a manufacturer option
Print speed
102 mm/s or 152 mm/s (203 dpi)
Max print width
104 mm (203 dpi)
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 33.02–110 mm (TA/DA spec sheet) / 33–110 mm (2024 Korean thermal transfer user guide)
Sensors
Ribbon sensor, head-open sensor, black mark sensor (movable from center to left), gap sensor (fixed)
How to buy

Specifications

Print methodThermal transfer and direct thermal
Resolution203 dpi (8 dots/mm, dot size 0.13 mm); 300 dpi is a manufacturer option
Print speed102 mm/s or 152 mm/s (203 dpi)
Max print width104 mm (203 dpi)
Ribbon300 m (core 25.4 mm, OD 66 mm, 4 media rolls) · 74 m (core 12.7 mm, OD 34 mm, 1 media roll), width 33.02–110 mm (TA/DA spec sheet) / 33–110 mm (2024 Korean thermal transfer user guide)
SensorsRibbon sensor, head-open sensor, black mark sensor (movable from center to left), gap sensor (fixed)
Media width25.4–112 mm
Label length25.4–990 mm
Media thickness0.06–0.1905 mm
Media rollOuter diameter up to 127 mm, core 12.7 mm / 25.4 mm (38.1 mm with adapter)
Command languageZPL II, EPL2, other printer languages (automatic detection and switching)
InterfacesUSB 2.0 (USB-to-serial cable sold separately)
Sold variantsNewer ZD230TA (USB)
GoodLabel Designer modelZD230 (ZPL, 203 dpi)
Dimensions and weight267 × 202 × 192 mm, 1.8 kg
Operating temperature5–40°C

The ZD230TA is the newer ZD230 thermal transfer model with a ribbon sensor, a black mark sensor that moves only from the center to the left, and 8 MB of flash, and it switches automatically between ZPL II, EPL2 and other printer languages. The 40–110 mm width variants of the GoodLabel wax ribbon 300M meet the width requirement for non-Zebra 300 m ribbons (33–110 mm); the other requirements, a 25.4 mm ID cardboard core and a roll OD of 66 mm or less, are checked on the roll you receive.

Wax ribbon variants by label roll width

If the ribbon is narrower than the label roll, both ends of the head touch the media directly without ribbon and wear out quickly. The wax ribbon 300M variants start at 40 mm in 10 mm steps, so measure the roll width including the liner with a ruler and choose the wider entry in the table below.

Label roll width (including liner)300M variant to choose
Under 40 mmWax 40mm
40 mm to under 50 mmWax 50mm
50 mm to under 60 mmWax 60mm
60 mm to under 70 mmWax 70mm
70 mm to under 80 mmWax 80mm
80 mm to under 90 mmWax 90mm
90 mm to under 100 mmWax 100mm
100 mm to under 110 mmWax 110mm

This 300M roll has the ink side out, and the 300 m ribbon adapter that came with the unit holds non-Zebra rolls. The core and OD requirements are the same as for the standard model and are collected in the ribbon section of the ZD230T page.

Label specifications the ZD230TA accepts

  • Media width is 25.4–112 mm and thickness is 0.06–0.1905 mm (TA/DA spec sheet 2024-06).
  • Label length in the feed direction is from 25.4 mm to 990 mm, and the print width is 104 mm at 203 dpi.
  • Rolls go up to 127 mm outer diameter; standard cores are 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm, and 38.1 mm cores are loaded with the optional adapter.
  • Fanfold labels go in through the feed slot at the back of the unit, and the unit reads three kinds of label separation: gap, black line and notch.

Designer settings when a ribbon is loaded

Select ZD230 in the Designer model list; the sold variant is a 203 dpi unit, so it matches the 203 DPI that is set without resolution buttons.

When a ribbon is loaded, click Thermal transfer for the print method in Printer settings so that ^MTT is sent before the first label. If barcodes printed on art paper with a wax ribbon are light, raise the density in the Print window a little at a time from 21 to 23, then 25, send it with ~SD, and read it again with a scanner.

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

Do I use a wax ribbon for Yupo labels too?
The GoodLabel wax ribbon 300M is sold for art paper and Yupo. In Zebra's ribbon grade classification, wax is for paper labels, wax-resin suits matte synthetic stock, and resin grade suits synthetic labels exposed to chemicals or abrasion.
The ribbon ran out, but printing does not stop.
The ZD230TA knows the ribbon has run out and stops printing only when it reads the silver reflective strip at the end of a Zebra ribbon roll. While using ribbons without this strip, open the cover and check the remaining amount by eye.
How does it print when the Designer print method is set to 'Printer settings'?
When you select this button, the Designer does not send the ^MTT or ^MTD command, so the unit prints with the print method stored in it. Where days with a ribbon loaded and days with direct thermal paper loaded are mixed, click either Thermal transfer or Direct thermal.

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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