Zebra Technologies GX430t, GX420t manual GX Series Thermal Printers

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Introduction

GX Series Thermal Printers

GX Series Thermal Printers

The Zebra GX model is the best in class desktop thermal printer with the widest range of features. The GX420t printer provides thermal transfer and direct thermal printing at speeds up to 6 ips (inches per second) at a 203 dpi (dots per inch) print density. The GX430t printer provide thermal transfer and direct thermal printing at speeds up to 4 ips at a 300 dpi print density. Both the GX420t and GX430t support both ZPL and EPL Zebra printer programming languages and a wide variety of interface and feature options.

The G-Series™ printer features:

Automatic printer language detection and switching between ZPL and EPL programming and label formats.

OpenAccess™ design for simplified media loading.

The industry’s easiest ribbon loading design.

Color-coded operator controls and media guides.

Resident scalable font, supports font download, Unicode fonts and resident bitmap fonts.

Improved printer performance: faster print speeds, 32-bit processor, and VCSEL laser media sensing.

Printhead test and maintenance reporting.

The GX printers offer a wide range of printer options:

Label Dispense (Peel-Off)

Internal 10/100 Print Server and Ethernet Interface

Moveable Black Mark Sensor

Receipt and general media cutters

On-board RTC (Real Time Clock) and Full Flash memory

Asian Language support with printer configuration options for the large Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Japanese, or Korean character sets.

This users guide provides all of the information you will need to operate your printer on a daily basis. To create label formats, refer to your programming guides or label design applications such as Zebra Designer.

Your printer, when connected to a host computer, functions as a complete system for printing labels and tags.

Note • Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or label design software. Refer to the driver or software documentation for more information.

980612-001 Rev. A

GX420t / GX430t User Guide

12/14/07

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Contents Zebra GX420t / GX430t Proprietary Statement Iii Environmental Management About This Document Who Should Use This Document How This Document Is OrganizedAmericas ContactsWeb Site Europe, Africa, Middle East, and IndiaDocument Conventions Icons UsedContents Print Operations Maintenance Xii Introduction GX Series Thermal Printers What’s in the Box? Unpack and Inspect the PrinterYour Printer Opening the printerPrinter Features GAPMoveable Blackline Sensor Option Media Cutter Operator Controls Power Switch Feed ButtonStatus Light Closing the printer Lower the top cover Press down until the cover snaps closedIntroduction What’s in the Box? Getting Started Attaching Power Loading Roll Media Preparing MediaPlacing the Roll in the Media Compartment Getting Started Loading Roll Media Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed Loading Transfer Ribbon Getting Started Loading Transfer Ribbon Getting Started Loading Transfer Ribbon Your printer is now ready to print Printing a Test Printer Configuration Label Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Interface Cable RequirementsUSB Interface Requirements Serial Communications EPL Y Command Parallel Port Ethernet Communicating with the Printer Universal Serial Bus USB CommunicationsPrint Operations Determining Printer Configuration Thermal PrintingModes of Printing Print Media TypesTypes of Media Roll and Fanfold Media Adding a New Transfer Ribbon Replacing SuppliesDetermining Thermal Media Types Replacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon Adjusting the Print WidthAdjusting the Print Quality Media Sensing Coated Side of Ribbon When to Use RibbonRibbon Overview Ribbon Scratch Test Printing on Fan-Fold Media Print Operations Printing on Fan-Fold Media Printing with Externally Mounted Roll Media Externally Mounted Roll Media ConsiderationsFonts and Your Printer Identifying Fonts in Your PrinterGetting Asian Fonts Localizing the Printer with Code PagesAsian fonts and Other Large Font Sets Stand Alone Printing Sending Files to the Printer Transferring files with the Firmware DownloaderPrint Operations Sending Files to the Printer Print Meter Printer Options Label Dispenser Option XA MMP XZPrinter Options Label Dispenser Option Printer Options Label Dispenser Option Moveable Blackline Sensor Option Black Marks Printer Options Moveable Blackline Sensor Option Maximum Paper Weight thickness up to 180 g/m2 0.0077 Cutter OptionLoading Media with the Cutter Option Printer Options Cutter Option Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed ZebraNet 10/100 Internal Print Server Option Printer Network Configuration Status Label RTC and Full Flash Memory Option Asian Fonts Printer Accessory KDU Printer Accessory KDU and G-Series Printer Serial Port Adapter Installation KDU Plus Printer Accessory 45mA + 120mA + 25mA + 50mA Max. CurrentMaintenance Cleaning See Cleaning the Printhead onCleaning the Printhead Media Path Considerations Sensor Cleaning Platen Cleaning and Replacement Maintenance Cleaning Other Printer Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Replacing the Printhead Post Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Troubleshooting Status Light Error Resolutions Status Light DescriptionsPrinter is receiving data Printhead is over temperaturePrinthead needs to cool down Media is outPrinted image does not look right Print Quality ProblemsNo print on the label Programmer’s Guide Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button Manual Calibration Recalibration Troubleshooting TestsPrinting a Configuration Label Resetting the Factory Default Values Communications DiagnosticsTroubleshooting Communications Diagnostics Feed Button Modes Flash Sequence ActionPower On Modes Appendix Universal Serial Bus USB Interface Parallel Interface Ieee 1284-AEthernet Interface Serial Port Interface Pin DescriptionConnecting the Printer to a DTE Device

GX420t, GX430t specifications

Zebra Technologies has established itself as a leader in the printing solutions market, especially with the introduction of its GX series of thermal printers. Among the most notable models are the GX430t and GX420t, both widely recognized for their reliability, versatility, and advanced features.

The GX430t printer boasts a high-resolution printing capability of up to 300 dpi, making it ideal for applications where clarity and detail are paramount. This makes the printer particularly useful for producing labels that require intricate graphics and small text. On the other hand, the GX420t provides a resolution of 203 dpi, which is still impressive for standard label printing applications. Both models support a range of media types, including labels, tags, and wristbands, making them adaptable to various industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

One of the standout features of the GX series is their ease of use. Both models incorporate a straightforward, user-friendly interface with a large graphic LCD display that simplifies operation and configuration. The printers are designed for quick setup and maintenance, with features like a clamshell design that allows for fast media loading. Additionally, both models come with USB and serial connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.

Both the GX430t and GX420t utilize thermal transfer and direct thermal printing technologies, offering flexibility depending on the application's requirements. The thermal transfer method enables the use of different ribbon types and materials, facilitating high-quality prints that are durable and smudge-proof. This is particularly important in environments where labels face wear and tear.

Another significant characteristic is their compact size, which makes them suitable for both desktop and mobile use. The GX series printers are designed for speed, with print speeds of up to 4 inches per second for the GX420t and slightly higher for the GX430t, enhancing productivity in busy environments.

Moreover, Zebra Technologies ensures that these printers are equipped with advanced management and monitoring capabilities. The ZebraSetup Utilities enable easy configuration, and the printer's status can be monitored in real-time, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operation.

In conclusion, the Zebra Technologies GX430t and GX420t printers stand out in the market due to their high-resolution printing capabilities, ease of use, and robust connectivity options. Their range of features makes them ideal for various industries, where reliable and high-quality label printing is essential. As businesses continue to seek efficient solutions for their labeling needs, these models provide a reliable choice, ensuring quality and performance as top priorities.