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Brand: Zebra Technologies
Zebra ZE511 Print Engine for Label Applicators
Description
The Zebra ZE511 is a 4-inch print engine for label print-and-apply systems, conveyor lines and OEM labelling machines. It uses the same thermal transfer and direct thermal printing technology as the ZT series in an all-metal engine that integrators mount in an applicator, with right-hand or left-hand orientation, a rotatable 4.3 in. colour touch screen and an applicator interface.
A print engine for automatic labelling lines
Production lines that label cartons, drums, pallets or components automatically need an engine that integrates mechanically and electrically with the applicator. The ZE511 provides a quick-release thin-film printhead with E3 element energy equalizer, printhead element-out detection, adjustable transmissive and reflective sensors, a real-time clock and Link-OS, with 512 MB RAM and 512 MB Flash. The ZE521 is the wide sibling covered by the same specification sheet.
Resolutions are 203 dpi (8 dots/mm), 300 dpi (12 dots/mm) and 600 dpi (24 dots/mm) for the ZE511, with print speeds of 2.0 in. up to 18 in./s at 203 dpi direct thermal and 14 in./s at 203 and 300 dpi thermal transfer.
Technical specifications (ZE511)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print methods | Thermal transfer and direct thermal; right-hand or left-hand orientation |
| Resolution | 203, 300 or 600 dpi |
| Maximum print width | 4.1 in. (104 mm) |
| Print speed | 203 dpi: 2.0 to 18 in./s direct thermal, 2.0 to 14 in./s thermal transfer; 300 dpi: up to 14 in./s; 600 dpi: up to 6 in./s |
| Maximum continuous print length | 150 in. (3801 mm) at 203 dpi; 100 in. (2540 mm) at 300 dpi; 50 in. at 600 dpi |
| Maximum non-continuous print length | 39 in. (991 mm) at 203 and 300 dpi; 32 in. (990 mm) at 600 dpi |
| Media width (label and liner) | 0.625 in. (16 mm) to 4.5 in. (114 mm) |
| Media types | Continuous, die-cut or black mark |
| Media thickness | 0.0053 in. (0.135 mm) to 0.010 in. (0.254 mm) |
| Ribbon | 1.0 in. (25 mm) to 4.2 in. (107 mm) wide; up to 1970 ft (600 m); coated side in or out |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM (8 MB user); 512 MB Flash (64 MB user) |
| Interfaces | USB 2.0, RS-232, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.1, dual USB host, applicator interface; options include parallel and dual-radio Wi-Fi 802.11ac/Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Options | UHF field-installable RFID kit (RE40), extended peel bar kit, user-interface extension and mounting kit |
| Languages | ZPL and ZPL II, PDF Direct |
Applicator-specific limits to design around
The sheet specifies media supply tension of no more than 2.0 lb in peel mode (transients not above 4.0 lb), 350 g in tear mode and a take-up tension of 1 to 4 lb. Minimum label length in applicator mode with backfeed is 0.50 in. (12.7 mm). The first dot is 0.093 in. +/- 0.035 in. from the media edge and the distance from the mounting side of the mainframe to the media edge is 0.914 in. (23.2 mm). Vertical and horizontal media registration is within +/- 1.0 mm.
Related ZE521 and ordering notes
The ZE521 covers media 3.0 in. (76 mm) to 7.1 in. (180 mm) wide and a 6.6 in. print width at 203 or 300 dpi, with ribbon 3.0 to 7.1 in. Confirm engine orientation, resolution, interface, RFID kit, applicator mounting and media and ribbon before ordering. See also industrial automation accessories.
Integration notes: the ZE511 mounts to an applicator frame, and the sheet gives the mechanical reference for this, namely a distance of 0.914 in. (23.2 mm) from the mounting side of the mainframe to the media edge. Supply and take-up tension must stay within the limits quoted in the applicator-limits section, and the maximum label length is affected by option selections and firmware overhead, so confirm the real label length with the integrator. Zebra advises qualifying every application with thorough testing, and a trial run on the actual line speed is part of commissioning.
Documents and quotation
The Zebra ZE511 and ZE521 specification sheet (manufacturer PDF) is attached to this page. Send the applicator type, label size and line speed for a quotation from Seven Star LLC, an independent supplier in Muscat.
Datasheets & Documents
- Datasheet Zebra ZE511 and ZE521 Print Engines Specifications (manufacturer PDF) Download
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About brand
Zebra Technologies is an American maker of barcode printers, mobile computers, scanners and RFID equipment. It was founded in 1969 in Chicago as Data Specialties by Ed Kaplan and Gerhard Cless and took the Zebra name in 1986. Zebra is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, is listed on Nasdaq, and added Motorola Solutions' enterprise business in 2014.
Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat. We list Zebra label printers for warehouses, production lines and laboratories in Oman and the GCC.
Zebra Technologies company profile
| Founded | 1969, Chicago, Illinois, USA, as Data Specialties |
|---|---|
| Founders | Ed Kaplan and Gerhard Cless |
| Renamed | Zebra Technologies, 1986 |
| Headquarters | Lincolnshire, Illinois |
| Listing | Nasdaq (ZBRA) |
| Product families | ZT industrial and ZD desktop label printers, TC and MC mobile computers, DS and LI barcode scanners, RFID readers and tags, rugged tablets |
Milestones
- 1969: Data Specialties is founded in Chicago.
- 1986: The company becomes Zebra Technologies.
- 2014: Zebra acquires Motorola Solutions' enterprise business.
Zebra product series
Industrial printers include the entry ZT111, the mid-range ZT231, the ZT411 and the 6-inch ZT421, the heavy-duty ZT510 and the high-performance ZT610 and 6-inch ZT620. The ZE511 print engine is designed for label applicators. Desktop models include the ZD421 thermal transfer printer and the ZD621 with Ethernet and serial interfaces.
The printers use ZPL programming and the Link-OS operating system, with resolutions up to 600 dpi on selected models and RFID encoding available on some.
Where Zebra printers are used
Shipping and pallet labels, product and asset labels, warehouse location and bin labels, laboratory sample labels and automatic print-and-apply on packaging lines.
Zebra Technologies products we list
Ordering Zebra printers: what we need
Send the model, print width and resolution, label size and media type, print volume, ribbon type, interface (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, serial or USB) and any cutter, peeler, rewinder or RFID requirement.
Facts checked against Zebra's corporate history and filings, October 2026.
Browse Zebra Technologies products by category: Automation Accessories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ZE511 used for?
It is a print engine that integrators fit into label applicators and automated labelling systems.
What is the maximum print width?
4.1 in. (104 mm).
Which resolutions are available?
203 dpi, 300 dpi and 600 dpi.
Is there a wider version?
Yes, the ZE521 is covered by the same sheet and prints up to 6.6 in. (168 mm).
Which orientations are offered?
Right-hand or left-hand.
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