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ZE511/ZE521 Print Engines
Mission critical doesn’t compromise – neither do Zebra print engines
Your lines and equipment must stand up to the 24/7/365 test, but you need more than just durable performance. Keep your operations moving forward with Zebra’s rugged ZE511 and ZE521 print engines, intelligently engineered to make your work easier – today and tomorrow. These purpose-built essential workers deliver it all: fast print speeds and all-metal construction for demanding operation, innovative features and forward capabilities for years of use, onboard analytics and expedited maintenance elements to maximize uptime, along with optional field-installable RFID encoding for advanced tracking. And, they feature Zebra’s exclusive, industry-leading Print DNATM software suite that makes them easy to setup, manage, maintain and secure – onsite or remotely. So, go ahead. Push the limits. A Zebra print engine won’t let you down.
Innovation has Arrived
Extending the ZE500 Series Legacy
Advancing the ZE500 Series, ZE511 and ZE521 print engines build on this proven legacy with faster print speeds, performance-enhancing capabilities and evolving intelligence that make them stand apart. Added features such as the 4.3-inch, full-color LCD touch screen make operation easier. Add field-installable RFID printing and encoding capabilities featuring Zebra’s exclusive technology and new algorithms for easy calibration and media flexibility.
Engineered to Endure
Encased Design Withstands Harsh Environments
The 4-inch ZE511 and 6-inch ZE521 deliver rugged durability to push the limits. Engineered without the need for cooling fans, their external cabinets are designed to resist debris and water ingress making them ideal in dusty environments or where water may be splashed.
Easy to Use
Simple to Integrate and Operate
The ZE511 and ZE521 are incredibly easy to integrate and use. Deploy them anywhere with setup tools, wizards and emulation capabilities. The large color touch screen and intuitive user interface make setup and operation easy with minimal training. Mount the screen where it’s convenient for you, up to two meters from the print engine, and rotate the screen to match your space. See printer status at a glance, make expedited settings changes and access support.
Put it to Work for Years
Forward Focused to Match your Evolving Business Needs
Printers should add to your operations, not create obstacles. Remove the hassle with the ZE511 and ZE521, engineered to handle tomorrow’s technology. With the revolutionary Print DNA software suite, they have the innovative edge to grow with your business.
Push the limits. Non-stop printing plus evolving capabilities for your mission-critical operations.
For more information, please visit www.zebra.com/ze511-ze521
Proven to Perform
Outstanding Print Speeds and Quality
Keep your lines moving quickly with best-in-class print speeds, up to 18 inches per second. For 203 dpi use cases printing faster than 14 ips, select the optional high-speed printhead1. For premium print resolution, choose the 600 dpi option1.
Connect Your Way With Comprehensive Communication
Add your ZE511 or ZE521 to your existing wired and wireless networks or connect them directly to any PC. Every ZE511 and ZE521 comes with USB, Serial, Ethernet, a dual USB Host port and Bluetooth™ 4.1. Add an optional Parallel, 802.11 a/c wireless or Ethernet card to the open internal communication slot. And, with the included Print Touch tag (NFC), you can simply tap a compatible mobile device on the ZE511 or ZE521 to pair and print.
Simple to Maintain and Service
Predict Maintenance Needs to Minimize Downtime
Use onboard analytics to predict and schedule maintenance to prevent unexpected downtime. Troubleshoot remotely and swap out the extended-life modular drive quickly and easily via only three screws for offline servicing to keep workflows moving.
New Printhead Design Expedites Replacement
The ZE511 and ZE521 have an improved socketed printhead design that eliminates tools with the quick-release tab. Easily remove all three platen, pinch and peel rollers in minutes from the front of the print engine without the need to remove the unit from the print-and-apply system.
Interior Space and Frustration-Free Details
Captured fasteners eliminate lost hardware. Quickly access internal components via a hinged cage system that swings open wide for fast, simple maintenance, newly designed with even more interior workspace.
Explore Managed Print Services (MPS) With Assurance
Looking to gain control and visibility of your print engines with MPS? Zebra’s thermal printers with Print DNA, including the ZE511 and ZE521, make it easy. They’re engineered for durability, and they offer innovative remote management, analytics and security capabilities that make them the obvious choice for MPS.
With the Print DNA software toolset, your Zebra MPS provider can remotely manage and optimize your printers, track and automate supplies replenishment and ensure security. This leaves you free to lower your operating costs and minimize your IT workload.
Don’t Compromise – Drive Performance with the Most Innovative Software Suite
Simple to Deploy, Use, Manage and Secure
Now including Zebra’s innovative Print DNA software suite, powered by our Link-OS operating system, the ZE511 and ZE521 are incredibly easy to integrate, manage and secure.
Make Setup Efficient
Provision printers quickly and easily by mirroring using a USB flash drive including firmware, embedded files and settings. Or, configure using a mobile device and Zebra’s Printer Setup Utilities.
Update, Troubleshoot and Monitor–All From a Single Location
With Zebra’s Printer Profile Manager Enterprise, part of Print DNA, you have the ability to easily manage, secure and troubleshoot your networked print engines from any location. And an intuitive browser-based interface lets you see status at a glance, quickly triage issues to minimize downtime and perform updates and maintenance.
Unparalleled, Peace-of-Mind Printer Security
Security risks are real and costly. Endpoints are becoming popular targets – including networked thermal printers and print engines. Shield yourself from cyberattacks with Zebra’s PrintSecure, part of Print DNA. Use it to easily configure your printers via secure connections, identify vulnerabilities, block unauthorized access and detect events before they happen.
Specifications
Standard Features
• Print Methods: Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing |
Printer Specifications
| Resolution | ZE511: 203 dpi/8 dots per mm ZE521: 203 dpi/8 dots per mm |
| Memory | 512MB SDRAM, 512MB Flash |
| Maximum Print Width | ZE511: 4.09 in./104 mm |
| Maximum Print Speed | ZE511: 18 ips/457 mm per second @ 203 dpi2 ZE521: 14 ips/356 mm per second @ 203 dpi |
| Media Sensors | Transmissive and reflective |
| Maximum Continuous Print Length | ZE511: 203 dpi: 150 in./3801 mm ZE521: 203 dpi: 150 in./3801 mm |
Media Characteristics
| Minimum Label and Liner Length | ZE511: ZE521: |
| Media Width | ZE511: .625 in./16 mm - 4.5 in./114 mm |
| Thickness | ZE511: 0.0053 in./0.135 mm to 0.010 in./0.254 mm |
| Media Types | Continuous, die-cut or black mark |
Ribbon Characteristics
| Standard Length | 1,968 ft./600 m |
| Width | ZE511: 1 in./25.4 mm to 4.2 in./107 mm |
| Core I.D. | 1 in./25.4 mm ID |
Operating Characteristics
| Environmental | Operating Temperature: 31°F to 104°F/0°C to 40°C |
| Electrical | Universal power supply with power-factor correction 90–264 VAC, 47–63 Hz |
| Agency Approvals | • Standards approvals: IEC 62368-1; EN 55032, Class A; EN 55035; EN 61000-3-2, 3-3 |
Physical Characteristics
| Depth | ZE511: 14.9 in./379 mm |
| Width | ZE511: 9.6 in./245 mm |
| Height | ZE511: 11.8 in./300 mm |
| Weight | ZE511: 34 lbs/15.4 kg |
Options and Accessories
| Communication | • Parallel port option card |
| Accessories | • Extend peel bar kit |
| RFID | • UHF field-installable RFID kit for 4 in. and 6 in. print widths |
Firmware
ZBI 2.0 — Optional powerful programming language that lets printers run stand-alone applications, connect to peripherals, and much more. |
Barcode Symbologies
Barcode Ratios: 2:1, 7:3, 5:2, and 3:1 |
Fonts and Graphics
Zebra Global printing solution including Unicode™ |
Consistently Exceptional Zebra Certified Supplies
Printing supplies can impact everything from printhead lifespan to operational efficiency. That’s why we design, produce and rigorously pretest our own line of thermal printing supplies to ensure consistent, optimized performance in your Zebra printer. We offer the widest selection of in-stock RFID labels and tags for general purpose, advanced and specialty use applications, in a variety of sizes and materials, using inlays from leading manufacturers. |
Service When You Need It
| You invest in Zebra printers to better serve your customers and boost operational efficiency. Now, you can ensure predictable performance and eliminate unbudgeted repair expenses with Zebra OneCare™. You get unmatched technical support direct from Zebra, as well as comprehensive repair services, including accidental damage and defined repair turn-around times. And Zebra’s Visibility Services provide the real-time insight into printer operational information you need to increase printer availability and optimize utilization within your workflows. www.zebra.com/zebraonecare |
Recommended Services
Zebra OneCare SelectTM | Comprehensive Coverage, including printheads, normal wear and accidental breakage |
| Zebra OneCare EssentialTM | Comprehensive Coverage, including printheads, normal wear and accidental breakage |
Footnotes
1. Available on the ZE511 model only For optimum print quality and printer performance, use Genuine Zebra supplies. Specifications subject to change without notice. |
Print DNA Software
This printer is supported by our Print DNA suite of software capabilities to get your printer up and running quickly and securely, and enable your printer to evolve with your business needs. Print DNA features may vary by model, and some features may require a license. For more information, please visit |
Markets and Applications
Manufacturing
Warehouse Management
Retail
Healthcare
ZEBRA and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2025 Zebra Technologies Corp. and/or its affiliates.
03/01/2023 HTML
