Zebra ZT411 ribbon wrinkles or tears: causes and fixes
Creased, torn or melted ribbon on a ZT411? Check the loading, heat settings, printhead pressure, coated side and ribbon width.
In this guide
A wrinkled ribbon shows up as creases in the used ribbon, fine diagonal grey lines on blank parts of the label, or long tracks with no print. A torn or melted ribbon is the same problem with too much heat. On the ZT411 the fix is almost always in the loading, the heat settings or the printhead pressure.
The ZT411 user guide does not describe a ribbon tension setting you can adjust. Do not look for one: work through the fixes below instead.
Find your symptom
| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Creases across the ribbon, diagonal grey lines on labels | Ribbon loaded wrongly | Fix 1 → |
| Wrinkles with very dark print, or ribbon tears or melts | Burn temperature too high | Fix 2 → |
| Wrinkles on one side, long tracks with no print | Wrong or uneven printhead pressure | Fix 3 → |
| Labels walk from side to side | Media guide out of position | Fix 4 → |
| Ribbon breaks, little or no ink on the label | Ribbon coated on the wrong side | Fix 5 → |
| Ribbon narrower than the labels | Printhead runs on bare label edges | Fix 6 → |
Fixes
1. Ribbon loaded wronglyMost common cause
CauseThe roll is not fully on the supply spindle, the ribbon does not run straight under the printhead, or it was not tightened on the take-up spindle.
Fix
- Let the printhead cool, open the media door and lift the printhead-open lever.
- Push the ribbon roll as far back on the supply spindle as it goes, with the loose end unrolling as shown in the printer.
- Run the ribbon under the printhead assembly and around its left side, keeping it as far back as it will go.
- Wrap it around the take-up spindle and turn the spindle several times to tighten and line it up.
- Lower the lever until it locks, close the door and press PAUSE.
Remove used ribbon at every roll change. Cut it before the take-up spindle, never on the spindle, then turn the ribbon release knob to the left and slide the used ribbon off.
Video: Zebra Technologies
2. Too much heat: wrinkles, tears or meltingDarkness and speed
CauseThe burn temperature does not suit the ribbon. When darkness is too high, the ribbon can soften, wrinkle or burn through, and the printhead wears faster.
Fix
- Lower Print › Print Quality › Darkness a step at a time until the print is still solid but the ribbon runs clean.
- If needed, adjust Print › Print Quality › Print Speed as well.
- Check that your label software and the Windows driver do not send a higher darkness with each job.
- After a melted ribbon, clean the printhead and platen roller thoroughly.
Our faded print guide explains darkness, the Print Quality Assistance wizard and cleaning in detail.
3. Wrong or uneven printhead pressurePressure dials
CauseThe ZT411 has two printhead pressure dials, inside and outside, each with positions 1 to 4. If one side presses harder than the other, the ribbon is pulled unevenly and creases.
Fix
- Set both dials to the starting positions for your label width.
- Print a few labels and adjust one position at a time.
- Keep the lowest pressure that still prints well.
| Label width | Inside dial | Outside dial |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mm (1 in) | 4 | 1 |
| 51 mm (2 in) | 3 | 1 |
| 76 mm (3 in) | 2.5 | 1.5 |
| 89 mm (3.5 in) or wider | 2 | 2 |
| What you see | Change |
|---|---|
| Print too light overall | Raise both dials one position |
| Left side too light | Raise the inside dial one position |
| Right side too light | Raise the outside dial one position |
| Labels drift to the left | Raise the outside dial or lower the inside dial one position |
| Labels drift to the right | Raise the inside dial or lower the outside dial one position |
Video: Zebra Technologies
4. Labels walk from side to sideMedia guide
CauseThe media guide is not against the edge of the labels, so the labels drift and drag the ribbon with them.
Fix
- Slide the media guide in until it just touches the edge of the labels.
- If the labels still drift, adjust the pressure dials: raise the outside dial if they move left, or the inside dial if they move right (see Fix 3).
- If the problem continues, the printhead or platen may be fitted incorrectly. Contact us for service.
5. Ribbon coated on the wrong sideRibbon breaks or does not print
CauseThe standard ZT411 uses ribbon coated on the outside of the roll. Ribbon coated on the inside does not transfer ink and can break.
Fix
- Press the sticky side of a label onto the outside of the roll and peel it off. Ink on the label means the outside is coated and the ribbon fits.
- No ink? Try the inside. You can also lay a short length on paper, outer side down, and scratch the back: a mark on the paper means the outside is coated.
- Replace inside-coated ribbon with outside-coated ribbon. If you need to use inside-coated ribbon, ask us about Zebra's optional ribbon spindle for it.
6. Ribbon narrower than the labelsRibbon width
CauseWhere the ribbon does not cover the label, the printhead runs on bare label material and wears faster.
Fix
- Use ribbon at least as wide as the label liner, ideally slightly wider.
- The ZT411 takes ribbon 51 to 110 mm wide, up to 450 m long, on a 25 mm (1 in) core with a maximum roll diameter of 81.3 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Can I adjust ribbon tension on the Zebra ZT411?
The ZT411 user guide does not describe a ribbon tension setting. Fix wrinkles with correct loading, lower darkness or speed, and balanced printhead pressure.
Why does my ribbon wrinkle only on one side?
Usually the printhead pressure is uneven or the labels drift. Set the media guide against the label edge, then balance the inside and outside pressure dials.
What causes diagonal grey lines on blank labels?
Fine, angled grey lines are a typical sign of a wrinkled ribbon. Reload the ribbon and check darkness and pressure.
Which side of the ribbon should face out on the ZT411?
The coated (ink) side faces out on the standard printer. Inside-coated ribbon needs Zebra's optional ribbon spindle.
Can I use a ribbon narrower than my labels?
It is not recommended. Use ribbon at least as wide as the labels to protect the printhead.
Used in this guide
Compatible consumables and accessories for the Zebra ZT411.
Compatible ribbons
| Product | Width | Length | Type | Ink side | Core | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Zebra 5095 Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 300 m05095BK06030 | 60 mm | 300 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 18,87 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 4800 Resin Ribbon 80 mm × 450 m04800BK08045 | 80 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 26,12 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 5095 Resin Ribbon 83 mm × 300 m05095BK08330 | 83 mm | 300 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 26,10 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 5095 Resin Ribbon 89 mm × 450 m05095BK08945 | 89 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 41,78 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2100 Wax Ribbon 102 mm × 450 m02100BK10245 | 102 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 13,15 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2100 Wax Ribbon 106 mm × 450 m02100BK10645 | 106 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 13,66 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 5095 Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 300 m05095BK11030 | 110 mm | 300 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 34,59 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 5095 Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m05095BK06045 | 60 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 28,18 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 80 mm × 450 m03200BK08045 | 80 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 18,33 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 5095 Resin Ribbon 83 mm × 450 m05095BK08345 | 83 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 38,98 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 89 mm × 450 m02300BK08945 | 89 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 9,86 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 102 mm × 450 m02300BK10245 | 102 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 11,30 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 5095 Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m05095BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 51,67 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 4800 Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m04800BK06045 | 60 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 19,59 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 83 mm × 300 m02300BK08330 | 83 mm | 300 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 6,26 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 89 mm × 450 m03200BK08945 | 89 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 20,37 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 4800 Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m04800BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 35,90 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 60 mm × 300 m02300BK06030 | 60 mm | 300 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 4,52 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 83 mm × 450 m02300BK08345 | 83 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 9,18 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 300 m02300BK11030 | 110 mm | 300 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 8,30 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m02300BK06045 | 60 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 6,65 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 83 mm × 300 m03200BK08330 | 83 mm | 300 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 12,81 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 300 m02300GT11030 | 110 mm | 300 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 8,72 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 300 m03200BK06030 | 60 mm | 300 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 9,24 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3400 Wax/Resin Ribbon 83 mm × 450 m03400BK08345 | 83 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 15,08 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2300 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m02300BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 12,19 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3400 Wax/Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m03400BK06045 | 60 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 10,88 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 2100 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m02100BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 14,18 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m03200BK06045 | 60 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 13,73 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 1600 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m01600BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 9,28 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 300 m03200BK11030 | 110 mm | 300 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 16,98 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3400 Wax/Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m03400BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 19,98 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m03200BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 25,19 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Image Lock Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 300 m74776 | 60 mm | 300 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 105,63 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra Image Lock Resin Ribbon 80 mm × 300 m74777 | 80 mm | 300 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 140,85 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra Resin Ribbon 83 mm × 450 m74702 | 83 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 143,02 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 4800 Resin Ribbon 89 mm × 450 m04800BK08945 | 89 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 29,06 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5319 Wax Ribbon 102 mm × 450 m05319BK10245 | 102 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 22,97 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra Image Lock Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 300 m74917 | 110 mm | 300 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 193,66 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5100 Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m05100BK06045 | 60 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 44,56 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 2100 Wax Ribbon 80 mm × 450 m02100BK08045 | 80 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 10,32 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5100 Resin Ribbon 83 mm × 450 m05100BK08345 | 83 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 61,82 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5100 Resin Ribbon 89 mm × 450 m05100BK08945 | 89 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 66,09 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 102 mm × 450 m03200BK10245 | 102 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 23,35 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5100 Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m05100BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 81,70 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra Resin Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m74736 | 60 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 86,16 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 1600 Wax Ribbon 83 mm × 450 m01600BK08345 | 83 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 7,00 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5319 Wax Ribbon 89 mm × 450 m05319BK08945 | 89 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 20,02 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 3400 Wax/Resin Ribbon 102 mm × 450 m03400BK10245 | 102 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 18,51 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m74912 | 110 mm | 450 m | Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 189,53 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 1600 Wax Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m01600BK06045 | 60 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 5,05 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5319 Wax Ribbon 83 mm × 450 m05319BK08345 | 83 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 18,68 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 2100 Wax Ribbon 89 mm × 450 m02100BK08945 | 89 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 11,49 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5319 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 300 m05319GD11030 | 110 mm | 300 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 74,66 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 2100 Wax Ribbon 60 mm × 450 m02100BK06045 | 60 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 7,74 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 3400 Wax/Resin Ribbon 89 mm × 450 m03400BK08945 | 89 mm | 450 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 16,16 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5319 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m05319BK11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 24,78 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5319 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m05319BL11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 89,82 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 5319 Wax Ribbon 110 mm × 450 m05319RD11045 | 110 mm | 450 m | Wax | Outside | 25.4 mm | 89,82 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 3200 Wax/Resin Ribbon 110 mm × 300 m03200GT11030 | 110 mm | 300 m | Wax/Resin | Outside | 25.4 mm | 17,84 €+VATOut of stock | View |
Compatible labels
| Product | Size (W × H) | Material | Labels / roll | Core | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000T76180 | 101.6 × 152.4 mm | Normal Paper | 950 | 76 mm | 22,53 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T800630-205 | 76.2 × 50.8 mm | Normal Paper | 3292 | 76 mm | 28,20 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Ultimate 3000T White880350-152 | 101.6 × 152.4 mm | Synthetic | 950 | 76 mm | 133,81 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T76051 | 50.8 × 25.4 mm | Normal Paper | 5180 | 76 mm | 19,50 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T3006324 | 57.15 × 31.75 mm | Normal Paper | 5087 | 76 mm | 22,81 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T880114-019 | 38.1 × 19.05 mm | Normal Paper | 6742 | 76 mm | 18,37 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T76054 | 69.85 × 31.75 mm | Normal Paper | 4240 | 76 mm | 24,37 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Ultimate 3000T76536 | 76.2 × 50.8 mm | Synthetic | 2779 | 76 mm | 121,62 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Ultimate 3000T76014 | 69.85 × 31.75 mm | Synthetic | 4295 | 76 mm | 100,31 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra Z-Ultimate 3000T76535 | 50.8 × 25.4 mm | Synthetic | 5249 | 76 mm | 79,11 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000T76178 | 88.9 × 25.4 mm | Normal Paper | 5180 | 76 mm | 21,03 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Ultimate 3000T White87539 | 60 × 30 mm | Synthetic | 5000 | 76 mm | 89,94 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000T3005091 | 100 × 150 mm | Normal Paper | 1000 | 76 mm | 25,34 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000T76175 | 76.2 × 50.8 mm | Normal Paper | 2740 | 76 mm | 18,16 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Ultimate 3000T880350-050 | 101.6 × 50.8 mm | Synthetic | 2740 | 76 mm | 133,81 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000T76173 | 57.15 × 31.75 mm | Normal Paper | 4240 | 76 mm | 15,43 €+VATOut of stock | View |
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Zebra 8000T Void Matte3006690 | 50.8 × 25.4 mm | Synthetic | 2500 | 76 mm | 99,30 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Ultimate 3000T3004608 | 76.2 × 57.15 mm | Synthetic | 3010 | 76 mm | 123,70 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T3006326 | 101.6 × 76.2 mm | Normal Paper | 2238 | 76 mm | 37,16 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000T3002066 | 76.2 × 76.2 mm | Normal Paper | 2150 | 76 mm | 38,86 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000D87809 | 101.6 × 152.4 mm | Thermal Paper | 950 | 76 mm | 28,28 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000D3006307-T | 57 × 32 mm | Thermal Paper | 4470 | 76 mm | 17,79 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000D3005807 | 76.2 × 50.8 mm | Thermal Paper | 3100 | 76 mm | 25,31 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000D3007096-T | 101.6 × 152.4 mm | Thermal Paper | 950 | 76 mm | 28,88 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T3007206-T | 101.6 × 63.5 mm | Normal Paper | 1100 | 25.4 mm | 16,48 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T3007201-T | 50.8 × 25.4 mm | Normal Paper | 2580 | 25.4 mm | 9,21 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T3006318 | 57.15 × 31.75 mm | Normal Paper | 2100 | 25.4 mm | 10,74 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T3007205-T | 69.85 × 31.75 mm | Normal Paper | 2100 | 25.4 mm | 12,47 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Perform 1000T880003-025D | 38.1 × 25.4 mm | Normal Paper | 2580 | 25.4 mm | 7,99 €+VATIn stock | |
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Zebra Z-Select 2000T800273-205 | 76.2 × 50.8 mm | Normal Paper | 1370 | 25.4 mm | 12,57 €+VATIn stock |
More Zebra ZT411 guides
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