Zebra 105SL Plus ribbon — size, core and grade

About the 105SL Plus

The 105SL Plus is a Zebra thermal transfer printer at 203 or 300dpi, with a 104mm print width at both. Zebra's guide, a 2013 edition, gives one ribbon table for both resolutions: 20mm to 110mm wide, up to 450m, with a roll diameter of up to 81.3mm, on a 1-inch core. Our narrowest slit is 25mm, so a ribbon of 20 to 24mm is not a size we cut. Zebra's ZT400 and ZT600 guides describe an optional spindle for inside-wound ribbon. This guide describes none and says the printer can only use ribbon coated on the outside, so there is no inside-wound alternative to ask about. Paper labels run on wax (CW-11, CW-12), coated paper that needs more takes wax-resin (CW-22), and polyester or polypropylene takes resin (CW-28). Send us the model name exactly as it appears on the plate.

Zebra 105SL Plus specifications for ribbon

Source: Zebra documentation

Ribbon specification

Zebra's guide names no spindle for inside-wound ribbon on this printer, so order outside wound.

110mm × 450m is the standard size for this model. Because we slit in-house you are not restricted to it: you can order a narrower width that is still a few millimetres wider than your label, so less ribbon overhangs and goes to waste.

Load the ribbon the right way round

Zebra's guide says the ribbon must be coated on the outside. Put the roll on the supply spindle with the loose end unrolling clockwise, thread the ribbon over the media dancer and under the ribbon guide roller, take it under the printhead and onto the take-up spindle, then wind the spindle counterclockwise to remove slack. If the roll has no leader, the guide suggests attaching a strip of label stock about 6 to 12 inches long to the end of the ribbon. Use ribbon at least as wide as the label.

Which grade for a 105SL Plus

The printer does not decide the grade — the label material and the conditions it has to survive do.

Unsure? The ribbon selector narrows it in two questions, or see the full size chart listing the printer models we have checked.

Loading ribbon in a Zebra printer

Core sizes: ½ inch and 1 inch. Winding: Zebra desktops (GK, GX, GC) take outside-wound ribbon only. For the ZD series, Zebra's guides do not state the ink side, so we confirm the winding against your roll before dispatch. The ZT230, ZT231 and 105SL Plus are outside only; the ZT410, ZT420, ZT610 and ZT620 take outside wound as standard, and inside wound only with Zebra's optional spindle. Specify your model when ordering for confirmed compatibility.