ZE521 RFID

• Supports tags compatible with UHF EPC Gen 2 V2, ISO/IEC 18000-63 and RAIN RFID protocols 
• Prints and encodes tags with a minimum pitch of 0.6 in./16 mm
• Adaptive Encoding Technology simplifies RFID setup and eliminates complex RFID placement guidelines
• RFID job monitoring tools track RFID performance
• Globally certified in more than 70 countries for RFID to support multinational deployments
• RFID log records all RFID data with timestamps, ensuring complete traceability
• RFID ZPL commands provide compatibility with existing Zebra RFID printers
• Support for industry standard multi-vendor chip-based serialization (MCS)
• Integrated Zebra RE40 RFID Reader/Encoder

• Print Methods: Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing
• Orientation: right-hand or left-hand
• 4.3 in. color touch screen with intuitive menu for quick operation and settings 
• Industrial all-metal construction
• Communications: USB 2.0, RS-232 Serial, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.1, Dual USB Host, Applicator Interface
• Adjustable transmissive and fixed reflective media sensors
• Quick release, thin film printhead with E3 Element Energy Equalizer for superior print quality
• Real-time clock
• Rotatable screen
• Zebra Designer Essentials: easy label design tool free at
• ENERGY STAR certified
• PDF Direct

ZE511: 203 dpi/8 dots per mm
300 dpi/12 dots per mm (optional)
600 dpi/24 dots per mm (optional)

ZE521: 203 dpi/8 dots per mm
300 dpi/12 dots per mm (optional)

ZE511: 4.09 in./104 mm
ZE521: 6.6 in./168 mm

ZE511: 18 ips/457 mm per second @ 203 dpi2
 14 ips/356 mm per second @ 300 dpi
6 ips/152 mm per second @ 600 dpi

ZE521: 14 ips/356 mm per second @ 203 dpi
12 ips/305 mm per second @ 300 dpi

Maximum Continuous Media Print Length
ZE511:  203 dpi: 150 in./3801 mm
300 dpi: 100 in./2540 mm
600 dpi: 50 in./1270 mm

ZE521: 203 dpi: 150 in./3801 mm
300 dpi: 100 in./2540 mm

ZE511:
• Applicator mode, backfeed on: 0.50 in./12.7 mm
• Applicator mode, backfeed off: 0.25 in./6.4 mm
• Stream mode: 0.25 in./6.4 mm
• Rewind mode: 0.25 in./6.4 mm “loose loop”
• Tear-off mode, backfeed on: 0.50 in./12.7 mm
• Tear-off mode, backfeed off: 0.25 in./6.4 mm

ZE521:
• Applicator mode, backfeed on: 3.0 in./76.2 mm
• Applicator mode, backfeed off: 1.0 in./25.4 mm
• Rewind mode: 1.0 in./25.4 mm “loose loop”
• Tear-off mode, backfeed on: 3.0 in./76.2 mm
• Tear-off mode, backfeed off: 1.0 in./25.4 mm

ZE511: .625 in./16 mm - 4.5 in./114 mm

ZE521: 3 in./76 mm - 7.1 in./180 mm

ZE511: 0.0053 in./0.135 mm to 0.010 in./0.254 mm
ZE521: 0.003 in./0.076 mm to 0.012 in./0.305 mm

ZE511: 1 in./25.4 mm to 4.2 in./107 mm
ZE521: 3 in./76 mm to 7.1 in./180 mm

Operating Temperature: 31°F to 104°F/0°C to 40°C
Operating Humidity: 20% to 95% non-condensing R.H.
Storage/Transportation Temperature: -40°F to 160°F/-40°C to 71°C
Storage Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing R.H.

• Standards approvals: IEC 62368-1; EN 55032, Class A; EN 55035; EN 61000-3-2, 3-3
• Product markings, but not limited to: cTUVus; CE; FCC A; ICES-003; VCCI; RCM; CCC; EAC;  S-Mark; KCC; BSMI; India-BIS; In-Metro; Energy Star

ZE511: 14.9 in./379 mm
ZE521: 17.2 in./438 mm

ZE511: 9.6 in./245 mm
ZE521: 9.6 in./245 mm

ZE511: 11.8 in./300 mm
ZE521: 11.8 in./300 mm

ZE511: 34 lbs/15.4 kg
ZE521: 38 lbs/17.3 kg

• Parallel port option card
• Dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi™ and Bluetooth option card
• 10/100 Ethernet option card

• Extend peel bar kit
• User Interface extension and mounting kit

ZBI 2.0 — Optional powerful programming language that lets printers run stand-alone applications, connect to peripherals, and much more.
ZPL and ZPL II — Zebra Programming Language provides sophisticated label formatting and printer control and is compatible with all Zebra printers.

Barcode Ratios: 2:1, 7:3, 5:2, and 3:1
Linear Barcodes: Code 11, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 with subsets A/B/C and UCC Case Codes, ISBT-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC and EAN 2-or 5-digit extensions, Plessey, Postnet, Standard 2-of-5, Industrial 2-of-5, Interleaved 2-of-5, Logmars, MSI, Codabar and Planet Code
2D Barcodes: Codablock, PDF417, Code 49, DataMatrix, MaxiCode, QR Code, TLC 39, MicroPDF, RSS-14 (and composite), Aztec

Zebra Global printing solution including Unicode™
Swiss 721 font standard
Bitmap fonts A to H and GS symbols are expandable up to 10 times, height- and width-independent
Smooth-scalable font Ø (CG Triumvirate™ Bold Condensed3) is expandable dot-by-dot, height- and width-independent
IBM® Code Page 850 International Characters
Firmware support for downloadable TrueType™ fonts
Additional fonts available
Supports user-defined fonts and graphics, including custom logos

Printing supplies can impact everything from printhead lifespan to operational efficiency. That’s why we design, produce and rigorously pretest our own line of thermal printing supplies to ensure consistent, optimized performance in your Zebra printer. We offer the widest selection of in-stock RFID labels and tags for general purpose, advanced and specialty use applications, in a variety of sizes and materials, using inlays from leading manufacturers.

You invest in Zebra printers to better serve your customers and boost operational efficiency. Now, you can ensure predictable performance and eliminate unbudgeted repair expenses with Zebra OneCare™. You get unmatched technical support direct from Zebra, as well as comprehensive repair services, including accidental damage and defined repair turn-around times. And Zebra’s Visibility Services provide the real-time insight into printer operational information you need to increase printer availability and optimize utilization within your workflows.

Comprehensive Coverage, including printheads, normal wear and accidental breakage
Priority access 24x7 live technical support and software updates
Advance Replacement and Express Shipping (Next Day Device Replacement)
Standard Commissioning
Online Return Material Authorization (RMA) support

Comprehensive Coverage, including printheads, normal wear and accidental breakage
Priority access 8x5 live technical support and software updates
Three-day depot repair turnaround time plus free return ground shipping
Online Return Material Authorization (RMA) support

1. Available on the ZE511 model only
2. Maximum print speed is 18 ips/457 mm per second at 203 dpi in direct thermal mode. Maximum print speed is 14 ips/356 mm per second at 203 dpi in thermal transfer mode.
3. Contains UFST® from Agfa Monotype Corporation

For optimum print quality and printer performance, use Genuine Zebra supplies.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

This printer is supported by our Print DNA suite of software capabilities to get your printer up and running quickly and securely, and enable your printer to evolve with your business needs. Print DNA features may vary by model, and some features may require a license. For more information, please visit