Zebra ZD230 / ZD230t / ZD230TA ribbon — size, core and grade

About the ZD230

Zebra makes the ZD230 in direct thermal and thermal transfer models, and its tech specs give ribbon details for the thermal transfer ones only, the ZD230t and the ZD230TA. A direct thermal unit has no ribbon to buy. The transfer models take two rolls: 74m on a ½-inch core, with a roll diameter of up to 34mm, or 300m on a 1-inch core, with a roll diameter of up to 66mm. The ZD220t takes only the 74m roll, so the 300m option is what sets the ZD230 apart. Zebra lists ribbon from 33mm to 110mm wide, or 33.8mm to 109.2mm on its ZD230t sheet. Our narrowest slit is 25mm, so 33mm is the narrowest width this printer is specified for. Zebra's guide says non-Zebra 300m rolls need a 1-inch fibreboard core and the core adapters packed with the printer, and it does not state which side the ink is on. For paper labels use wax: CW-11 on uncoated paper, CW-12 on semi-gloss or coated paper. Polyester and polypropylene need wax-resin or resin.

Zebra ZD230 / ZD230t / ZD230TA specifications for ribbon

Source: Zebra documentation

Ribbon specification

Zebra's guide says this printer requires ribbon made by Zebra, with a reflective ribbon-out trailer and a core notched on the left side (on both sides for 74m rolls). Our Zebra ZD rolls carry a reflective trailer and a notched core; check with us before ordering for a ZD230.

110mm × 74m is the standard size for this model. Because we slit in-house you are not restricted to it — if your label is 60mm, order a ribbon a few millimetres wider rather than paying for 110mm and wasting the overhang.

Load the ribbon the right way round

Zebra's guide says to load the ribbon with the notches on the left side of both the ribbon core and the empty take-up core, and to use a take-up core with the same inside diameter as the ribbon roll, which avoids wrinkling. Use ribbon wider than the media, which protects the printhead.

Which grade for a ZD230

The printer does not decide the grade — the label material and the conditions it has to survive do. The ZD230 runs all three families.

Unsure? The ribbon selector narrows it in two questions, or see the full size chart covering every major printer.

Loading ribbon in a Zebra printer

Core sizes: ½ inch and 1 inch. Winding: Zebra desktops (GK, GX, GC) take outside-wound ribbon only, and Zebra's FAQs point the ZD series to the same ribbons. 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.