Zebra GK420d Review
Zebra thermal-transfer and direct-thermal label printers offer high-density label printing for a variety of industrial applications. Weber’s line includes compact, economical models from Zebra for low-volume printing, as well as specially designed models for more high-performance applications.
The GK420d is built to be durable and long-lasting. It features a compact design of 8.5 x 7 x 6”, and a sturdy casing that should last for quite some time to come so long as you don’t directly drop the label printer on the ground. It only weighs 6.61 pounds, so setting it on a higher shelf or in a secluded spot, only to retrieve it when you need it, isn’t an issue.
Overall, the design and the size of the GK420d reinforce its position as an accessory tool that’s ideal for offices or workplaces that need to produce labels frequently. It’s easy to maneuver where it needs to go and, as you’ll see, it can produce labels quickly enough that you won’t need to stand around waiting for a new batch to finish.
Zebra GK420d Review
Loading
Opening and closing the GK420d is accomplished by using the bright colored button on the left-hand side of the printer when it is facing you. This releases a secure latch that pops the top of the GK420d open and allows you to insert a new roll of thermal paper when you run out.
The printer features an easy media load functionality. This means that the GK420d automatically lines up any loaded media on to the thermal paper, so your labels come out looking great each time. This helps you avoid wasting any thermal paper, as well.
There’s a built-in odometer that tells you how much footage is left in the current thermal paper roll before you need to reload. The easy reloading and odometer cement the GK420d’s worthiness as a fast workplace printer that can easily be placed on a front-end counter and used with reliability.
Connectivity
The GK420d can connect via a USB, serial, or parallel ports, giving you lots of options when the time comes to get some labels turning. The USB port is the most versatile by far, and the GK420d is able to interface with various computer media formats to churn out whatever labels you need.
Fonts/Options
The GK420d comes with 16 resident fonts built into its software. You can switch between these once you plug the printer into any computer using the USB interface with a few clicks of your mouse. It also has several extra VPL and expandable EPL2 fonts for your needs. If you want to use a custom font, the GK420d also allows for native open type font support.
The GK420d can also produce barcodes at ratios of 2:1 and 3:1, although the former size cannot be rotated. It also comes packed with several linear barcodes and two-dimensional QR or data matrix codes. Again, all of these can be selected once you plug the printer into a computer and activate the preloaded software.
It still supports user-designed fonts and graphics so long as you use a ZPR or EPL-compatible program to load them into the GK420d’s memory.
Thermal Paper
The GK420d is compatible with direct thermal label rolls, although pay attention to the dimensions of your rolls before trying to jam them in. The printer accepts rolls with a 1-inch core and a maximum diameter of about 5 inches. This leaves a maximum media width, or printable space, of 4.25 inches.
This GK420d produces labels using direct thermal technology instead of relying on expensive and toner. This results in you spending less money overall to print out as many labels as you need, although you will need to purchase more thermal paper every time you run out. Still, thermal paper is cheaper in the long run, even if you print a ton of labels.
Printing Speed and Quality
Printing speed clocks in at about one inch of label every second, and each inch is produced at 203 dpi, or dots per inch, resolution. You can produce an entire label in just seconds with the speed offered by the GK420d. In addition, this high resolution ensures that any logos or labels that you produce with the printer will be crisp and clear for workers and customers alike.
You shouldn’t notice any smearing or problems with the image since the GK420d uses thermal paper rather than ink or toner. If you do find any issues with your labels or logos, investigate the digital file on your computer and make sure that no corruption is going on when the file is being transferred to the GK420d itself. It’s more likely that any issues are on the digital end rather than the physical end.
Warranty
The GK420d’s manufacturers do offer limited parts and labor warranties for one year after the purchase. This is a great additional perk that you should definitely take advantage of if you find that the printer you received didn’t come in perfect condition.
Given the overall sturdiness of the GK420d as a whole, we don’t expect many people to need to use the parts warranty. But it’s nice to know that it comes with the purchase at no extra cost to you.
