Unprinted Labels When Attempting to Print Using a ZM or ZT Series Printer

End Of Service Life (EOSL) Zebra no longer provide services or support for ZM400, ZM600, RZ400, and RZ600 products. This knowledge article is for your reference only and is no longer proactively updated.  For more details, refer to Discontinued Printers. If you are interested in upgrading your products, Contact Zebra.

NOTE This solution does not apply if the printer produces an image only on some of the labels. This means if you manage to print, for example, one label correctly and then the printer produces empty stickers. Ensure the printer is calibrated, verify label size in your application, and ensure the driver is set correctly. Video: Calibration Issues on ZM-Series,  ZT411 and ZT421: Ribbon and Media Sensor Manual Calibration Video: Manually Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on ZT410 and ZT420 Printers If there is a faded image of the partial print, this is likely a print quality issue. Refer to this article: ZM and ZT Series -- Resolving Print Quality Issues.

• Printhead Debris/Stuck Label: Clean printhead and platen roller 
  • Refer to User Guide: Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller.

• Wrong Media for Direct Thermal Application.

• Incorrect Media and Ribbon Match:

  • Ensure you are using the original Zebra media and ribbon.

• Software Configuration Issues:

  • Verify driver or software settings if self-test labels print correctly.
• Low Darkness/Burn Temperature:
  • Refer to  Setting the Darkness on a ZM Series, RZ, or ZT200 Series Printer or Setting the Darkness on a Tabletop Printers to set the darkness higher.
• Incorrect Sensor Settings: 
  • Refer to Positioning the Label Sensor for Unique Labels on Zebra Tabletop Printers.

• Improper Printer Configuration

• Printer Driver Issues:
  • Refer to Configure or Modify Basic ZDesigner Driver Version 8 Settings or ​​​​​​ Configure or Modify Basic ZDesigner Driver Version 5 Settings.
• Ribbon Inking on Wrong Side: 
  • Refer to Is Your Ribbon Inked on the Right Side?
• Label Format Printing Off:
  • Perform a Pause Self-Test.
  • ZM Self Test.
  • ZT411/ZT421 Pause Self-Test.
• Default the printer and allow the printer to recalibrate. 
  • Defaulting the ZM Printer 
  • Defaulting the ZT Printer
  • ZT411/ZT421 Loading Defaults

Direct Thermal Application

• Verify labels are Direct Thermal by rubbing your nail across the label. Watch this video and check the article Identify Type of Media.

 How It Works

• Thermal Transfer: Ribbon ink melts and transfers to the label surface.
• Direct Thermal: Heat-sensitive labels produce an image when heated.

Helpful Information

• Identify Type of Media
• Configure or Modify Basic ZDesigner Driver Version 8 Settings
• Configure or Modify Basic ZDesigner Driver Version 5 Settings