Zebra GK420d Direct Thermal Desktop Label Printer
- 4 inch print width, direct thermal, monochrome
- 5 inches per second print speed
- 203 dpi print resolution
- USB and serial ports, parallel named in the title
- EPL and ZPL languages built in
- 9.13 x 12.95 x 8.07 inches, depth by width by height
- 70 watts power consumption
- 90 day limited warranty
Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A sensible desktop label printer for shipping and barcode work at low to medium volume, with built in label languages for fitting into existing systems. It needs direct thermal media, and the warranty is short.
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ASIN: B00EUN90SGModel: GK420dCategory: Label Printers
Overview
Not an office printer for letters and reports, this Zebra desktop unit is a direct thermal label printer that forms black images by heating coated label media. It runs the EPL and ZPL label languages and connects to a PC over USB or serial.
Standard EPL and ZPL support plus USB and serial ports make it easy to drop into an existing shipping or labeling setup. The limit is the direct thermal method: there is no ribbon option in the listing, so prints rely on heat sensitive labels.
Who it's for
Shipping stations, mail rooms and offices printing address, barcode and file folder labels are the target. Shops that need ribbon printing or high volume runs should skip it.
Pros and cons
- EPL and ZPL languages built in
- Compact desktop footprint
- USB and serial ports
- Direct thermal design prints with heat only
- Short ninety day warranty
- Prints only on direct thermal media
- Monochrome output only
- Spec sheet wrongly lists it as laser
Performance notes
Print quality on a direct thermal printer depends on the label stock, because the image forms where the head heats the coated media. Darkness and speed settings interact, so pushing the top speed on poor media can fade fine barcodes. Integration effort is governed by the label language your software sends, and both Zebra languages are supported.
Specifications
| Brand | Zebra Technologies |
|---|---|
| Model | GK420d |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item weight | 3 pounds |
| Item dimensions d x W x h | 9.1 × 12.9 × 8.1 inches |
| Print width | 4 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Printer output type | Monochrome |
| Print speed | 5 inches |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Power consumption | 70 watts |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Connectivity | USB, serial (parallel per title) |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty description | 90 days |
| Other details | |
| Resolution | 203 x 203 DPI |
| Printer type | Direct Thermal |
| Print media | Direct Thermal Labels |
| Programming languages | EPL, ZPL |
| Specific uses | Address, shipping, mailing, file folder, barcode and binder labels, name tags |
Frequently asked questions
What comes in the box with the Zebra GK420d?
The listing does not include a box contents list. Confirm with the seller whether labels, a USB cable and a power supply ship with the printer.
Is the Zebra GK420d a laser printer?
No. One spec field calls it a laser printer, but it is a direct thermal desktop label printer with monochrome output.
Does the GK420d need ink or a ribbon?
It is a direct thermal printer, so it prints on heat sensitive direct thermal media. The listing does not mention ribbon support.
What labels can the Zebra GK420d print?
The listing names address, shipping, mailing, file folder, barcode and binder labels plus name tags, all on direct thermal media.