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Get the Right Stuff with Custom Labels and Dies for Your Barcode Printer

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One of the issues we frequently see with our customers is wasted time and money when it comes to printing barcode labels. Some are using labels that just don’t fit the application, but it’s “good enough”. Others are keeping such a broad variety of different types of labels that it’s not making good use of the media (and budget). At Avalon Integration, our goal is to get the right stuff with custom labels and dies for your barcode printer, so you can stop compromising.

Why Should You Use Custom Labels?

Zebra Custom Label Dies on a barcode being placed on a box for shipping

A custom label being placed on a box for shipping

With so many reasons, the real question should be, “Why shouldn’t you use custom labels?”

Think about the reason you would purchase anything customized. How many times have you ordered a meal in a restaurant and asked for a substitution? When you bought your last new car, did you choose options? And have you ever bought a suit and had it tailored? When something matters, you choose to get it right…right?

Your barcode labels are no exception. Each one contains important data—information that is critical to keeping your business on track. You need those barcodes to be crisp, clear, and stay that way.

In addition to the barcode itself, what other information does your label provider? Maybe you use color-coding or a certain shape to be able to quickly identify the status of the labeled item, like quality assurance or shipping priority. You might need a compliance label that’s also easy to identify.

Here are other features that can be customized to optimize the functionality of your labels and reduce the label management tasks.

  • Special shape or size: Fit the function to the form, rather than just get what’s available.
  • Pre-printed. Have your logo, graphics, UL mark, or any standard information pre-printed on your labels to get more imprints out of your thermal printer’s ribbon.
  • Color matching. If you have a Pantone or other ink that needs to be reproduced accurately, a custom label gives you precise color matches.
  • Perforation. Make it easier to feed and then separate your labels by getting custom labels with perforations.

Free Custom Dies, Too

Zebra Custom Dies for all your barcoding needs

Zebra Custom Dies for all your barcoding needs

Avalon Integration works with Zebra to offer our customers the same quality in supplies as in the hardware they engineer. With Zebra, we can choose from more 300 pre-tested materials—which leads to thousands of combinations. But we have the added value that there are no extra charges for custom dies. So, if you thought it was too expensive to get what you need, Zebra has the solution for that, too.

Ask yourself if “good enough” really IS good enough for your labels. Let Avalon Integration work with you, starting with a supplies assessment, to see where we can improve the processes with supplies that are better matched to your needs and equipment. You might even save money by consolidating your label inventory! Contact us to get started on getting what you really want.

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Prevent Downtime and Rush Charges with Proactive Supplies Management

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The production line is working efficiently to meet production demands. Things are progressing on schedule. Then the print on the barcode labels shows streaking. You throw out a batch and check the printer. You need a new ribbon. But there isn’t one. Production halts and someone is sent scurrying to get a replacement. Avalon Integration has been on the receiving end of these urgent calls. You can prevent downtime and rush charges with proactive supplies management.

Proactive supplies management keeps your operation running smoothly

Proactive supplies management keeps your operation running smoothly

Is it a problem? It might not seem like a big one until it happens. Then you can add up the cost of lost productivity—work that must be made up to stay on track. Calculate the expense of getting the supplies delivered in a rush, too.

Let’s rewind and look at a solution that prevents the unwelcome surprise of running out of barcode printer supplies.

Find a Managed Service Supplier for Proactive Supplies Management

Find Managed Service for Proactive Supplies Management

The right resource does more than fulfill orders. You need a provider who pays attention to the way you use your supplies (type, volume, order frequency) and adjusts accordingly. The right supplier will advise you of improvements you can make to your ordering, like consolidating labels to save money, using pre-printed barcode label media, or revising your quantities. Your barcode printer supplier should get to know you and your business to understand your processes and become a partner, not a salesperson.

It starts with a supplies assessment. Guide the provider through your operation, explaining how your labeling is done—the applications, printer types, and media. In many cases, when we’ve conducted these assessments, we’ve found significant potential for improving the processes and also saving money. So, it’s a smart investment of your time!

Take Adventure of Deeper Volume Discounts

Deeper Volume Discounts with Managed Supplies

We’ve discovered that by slightly changing the size of some labels, our customers gain efficiencies. They can reduce the number of label sizes in inventory and take advantage of deeper volume discounts.

One of the other valuable solutions is more efficient color-coding. For printing like quality assurance labels, having “pass” and “fail” labels easily visible by color is a distinct advantage, but it can get costly to print color. Zebra IQ Color labels are perfect for this type of application. These labels have invisible color zones. The color is activated, not printed when it goes through your direct thermal printer. With one label, you can print your color-coded labels in up to three different colors (plus black).

We’d like to see how we can use our expertise to your benefit. Contact Avalon Integration to schedule a free assessment.

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Get ROI When You Match Your Barcode Printer to the Label Use

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There are no real shortcuts to quality, just smart choices. Your barcode label printing is no exception. You could try to use the same ribbons or media for a variety of label applications, but unless they all serve the same purpose, you’re wasting time and money. Avalon Integration’s experts remind you that you get ROI when you match your barcode printer to the label use.

Zebra 110xi4 Barcode Printer in a Warehouse with man pushing a dolly

There are literally thousands of options for thermal printer media, so you can pinpoint the perfect match that handles the way your printer operates and produces labels that withstand the conditions they face.

Here are the factors that contribute to choosing the right supplies for your barcode printer.

Barcode Printer Type

Make Sure you have the Right Printer for the Right Label

If you’re producing your labels on a thermal printer, you use either a direct thermal or thermal transfer printing technology. Direct thermal applies heat directly to the media, so you need labels that have been chemically treated to react to the heating process. Direct thermal is a good choice for short-term labels, but the print fades over time, even faster when exposed to sunlight or heat. Thermal transfer is a process that applies heat to a ribbon, which then transfers the ink to the media. The result is a more durable print that resists exposure to light and heat. The label media presents a wider variety: paper, vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, and polyimide. You must match the media to your printer’s technology. It’s not interchangeable.

Barcode Printer Speed

A Zebra Barcode Printer Printing a Label Very Fast

Each printer has a specified print speed. High-speed printers require labels and media that are designed for them. Be sure you know the calibration of any media before you use it in your printer. For the best quality in a high-speed thermal printer, choose a high-speed wax ribbon.

Barcode Printer Resolution

Zebra High Resolution Barcode Printer

The printer’s resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi). The higher the dpi, the finer the resolution. For micro-labels, you probably print at 600 dpi, while many applications are fine at 203 or 300 dpi. Again, match your barcode label to the printer to ensure quality.

Surface Shape and Material

Zebra Supplies Are Versatile for Any Job

Is your label being applied to a flat surface or a curved one? Is it smooth, like metal, or rough, like cardboard? These are important considerations for your barcode label supplies. Choose a substrate that is designed to adhere to the surface you’re labeling so that you don’t have to worry about labels falling off—which is a costly error.

Environmental Conditions

Media Environmental Specifications

Think about what the label will endure. Will it be exposed to bright sunlight or extreme temperatures? To stay adhered to and readable for the life of the label, pay attention to the media’s environmental specifications.

Chemical Resistance

Zebra Printers are Chemical Resistance for any environment

Similar to the exposure to environmental elements, be aware of the chemicals that might come in contact with the label. Some synthetic substrates are engineered to withstand chemicals of different strengths, from alcohol and gasoline to acetone and xylene.

With all these factors that impact the quality of your barcode labels, make sure your supplier understands how you’re using the supplies. If you’re unsure, ask for samples so you can test the media before ordering a large amount. Avalon Integration strongly recommends Genuine Zebra Supplies because of its consistent quality. We know that every product has been extensively tested and meets the specifications.

There’s another reward for using Zebra supplies. You’ll never pay for another printhead replacement as long as you keep using Genuine Zebra Supplies. That’s about $400 savings per printhead. Enroll for free in the Printhead Protection Program. And when you need someone who truly understands how to make the most of your barcode label printing, talk to us at Avalon Integration.

Please don’t waste your money on bargain barcode printer supplies. They aren’t a bargain at all. Instead, contact Avalon Integration to make the right choice and we’ll pay you back with the Printhead Protection Program. It’s free to enroll and the rewards are substantial!

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Using the Right Supplies in Your Thermal Printer Delivers Long-Term Rewards

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It happens all the time. A customer calls us with a printer that isn’t working right. “The labels are smudged.” “The barcodes won’t scan.” “The printer keeps jamming.” And our first question is, “What kind of ribbon and media are you using?” Because Avalon Integration’s team has learned that the rewards for using the right thermal printer supplies deliver long-term rewards.

Zebra Thermal Printer Printing a Barcode in a clothing store

There are lots of “bargains” to be found when shopping for thermal printer ribbons and media. But those discounted deals come with their own hidden cost. Inferior products cause anything from poor print quality and adhesion to printer failure.

For example:

  • Dust and debris from subpar media are left behind in the printer. It leads to abrasion and build-up that gradually leads to a printer problem.
  • The adhesive oozes from the label and into the inner workings of the printer, creating a sticky mess that causes the barcode printer to seize up.
  • Inferior ribbons wrinkle or break, which requires the cost and time to replace them.

So, while you save money on buying the supplies, you spend those savings (and more) on printer repair, the waste of your IT staff’s help desk time, and the cost of replacing the low-quality supplies. In some cases, the use of cheap supplies on an ongoing basis will shorten the lifespan of your thermal printer, costing you in both ROI and total cost of ownership.

Is it worth it to save a few bucks now on Thermal Printer Supplies?

A Worker Peeling a Label in a Warehouse

When we recommend a product to an Avalon Integration customer, it’s our reputation on the line. One of the main reasons Avalon Integration recommends Genuine Zebra Supplies is that we know we can count on them for consistent quality. When you have a brand that works—whether it’s a barcode label or an automobile—you stick with it, right?

Zebra manufactures all of its labels, tags, receipt paper, and thermal printer ribbons according to strict standards. They test them with the same diligence. From one order to the next, you don’t have to worry about the quality, because they’ve gone to great lengths to ensure it.

When you commit to using Genuine Zebra Supplies in your barcode printer, you gain more than consistent quality and far fewer repairs. Zebra and Avalon Integration will supply you with free printhead replacements for as long as you own your Zebra printer. All you have to do is continue to feed it only Zebra supplies.

When you figure that an average printhead costs about $400, you’re reducing the TCO while increasing the quality, life, and reliability of your Zebra printer.

Get Premium Barcode Printer Consumables.

ZC100 Thermal Printer - Printing Card Closeup

Please don’t waste your money on bargain barcode printer supplies. They aren’t a bargain at all. Instead, contact Avalon Integration to make the right choice and we’ll pay you back with the Printhead Protection Program. It’s free to enroll and the rewards are substantial!

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Proactively Manage Your Consumables to Avoid Downtime and Rush Orders

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How much time and money does it cost you when you run out of barcode printer supplies? First, a worker goes looking for ribbons, labels, and media, only to discover that “someone” forgot to reorder. So, you have a printer that can’t print. More downtime. Then you place a rush order, with the rush charges attached. By making the effort to proactively manage your consumables, you can avoid downtime and rush orders (the reactive alternative).

Avalon Helps to Avoid Downtime

Don’t Rely on Someone to Remember Let Us Help

Avalon Will Stop Anything From Causing You Downtime

Avalon Integration can help you take control of your thermal printer supplies. Don’t rely on that “someone” to remember. Leave the job to us. We’ll monitor your usage and ship sufficient supply inventory so you don’t run out, but aren’t overstocked. We’ll also take the time to understand your barcode printing uses. In some cases, we can offer suggestions that can not only improve the quality and efficiency of your printing but also save money.

See Some Downtime Examples

  • Some thermal printer ribbons are designed for high-speed printing. If you’re not using the right ribbons, you could be getting subpar results.
  • You could color-code your barcode labels without the expense of color printing. Zebra IQ Colour creates up to four color zones (including black) that are activated by your printer. These thermal printer labels can be customized to place the zones in the colors and areas where you need them.
  • Inferior media can cause printer jams and damage from the build-up of dust, debris, and ooze adhesive. When you use quality, you get quality. In fact, with the Printhead Protection Program, we’ll provide free printhead replacements when you commit to using only genuine Zebra supplies. Decrease sensor errors.
  • A curved surface is best served by a flexible label, like polypropylene and polyolefin.
  • A resin thermal printer ribbon produces better quality on gloss stock, while a wax ribbon is more suitable for matte surfaces.
  • A resin ribbon provides a more durable image than either wax or wax-resin, with excellent protection against scratching, smudging, and exposure to harsh and extreme chemicals.
  • Depending on your use cases, preprinted labels could be cost-effective; however, with free custom dies from Avalon Integration and Zebra, custom labels are fast and affordable, and might be the better option.

To make sure you’re getting the best value from your thermal printing supplies, schedule a free assessment with Avalon Integration. We can determine opportunities for improved productivity, efficiency, and cost savings.

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Proper Printer Maintenance: Extend the Life of Your Printer, Lower the TCO

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Do you follow the routine maintenance schedule on your car? Do you go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and check-up? With everything going on in your life, it’s easy to overlook recommended care. If your car is running fine and your teeth don’t hurt, there’s no urgency for those check-ups, right? The downside is that, by ignoring preventive care, you risk the damage that can occur from this negligence. The same holds true for your barcode printer. Proper printer maintenance will extend the life of your printer and lower the total cost of ownership (TCO).

Printer printing a barcode in a warehouse

When dirt, debris, dust, and oozing adhesive build up inside your thermal printer, you’ll see the result: poor quality printing and printer jams. When this happens, your printer might already be damaged. The printhead—the most expensive part of a thermal printer—is very sensitive and easily damaged.

Get Proactive with Your Printer Care Maintenance

Proactive Printhead Cleaning Maintenance with a Thermal Printhead Cleaning Pen

Take a proactive approach to printer maintenance. Schedule a printer cleaning every time you change the ribbon on a thermal transfer printer or every other time you change the roll on a direct thermal printer. Gain the rewards for conducting this routine maintenance on a regular schedule.

  • Eliminate repair costs that result from a dirty printer.
  • Extend the printhead’s life and reduce the printhead replacement frequency and cost
  • Reduce the cost of downtime and media for reprinting
  • Decrease sensor errors.
  • Minimize media jams
  • Avoid the damage caused by workers who try to fix the jammed or dirty printer.

Tips for Routine Printer Cleaning and Maintenance

Tips to keep a Printer clean in the Warehouse

You can clean your thermal printer quickly and easily. The process removes build-up from the printhead, label path, and ribbon path. Before you clean the printer, select “Diagnostic Mode” and print a test label to see if the printhead is printing properly. Use this as a gauge to measure the print quality after the cleaning.

Then, follow these routine printer cleaning tips:

  • Turn off the power before attempting to clean the printer or open the printhead.
  • Remove any jewelry that could scratch the printhead or fall inside the printer (e.g., ring, watch, bracelet).
  • Never touch the printhead or sensors. Use a small, soft, clean brush to remove the dust.
  • Use only a cleaning solution that is approved by the manufacturer.

Purchase a Printer Cleaning Kit from Avalon Integration Today!

Printer Cleaning Kit from Zebra and Avalon Integration

You can purchase a printer cleaning kit from Avalon Integration. Keep a supply on hand so it’s always available when the maintenance is due. Proactive care prevents reactive repair!

If you need repair or service for your data collection hardware, talk to us at Avalon Integration. We partner with industry leaders, like Zebra, and support the products and solutions we sell with expert knowledge and technical expertise.

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Get Free Zebra Printheads with the Printhead Protection Program

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You expect your thermal printer to keep working reliably, with little or no effort, other than reloading the media and replacing the ribbon as needed.  But if you want to gain the best return on investment and the lowest total cost of ownership for your barcode printer, you’ve got to put more into it—more thought and more quality. When you do, you earn free Zebra printheads with the Printhead Protection Program from Avalon Integration.

Yes, free. And for as long as you own your Zebra printer.

Maintain and Save Money with the Printhead Protection Program

Do The Right Thing with Zebra Supplies by utilizing the Printhead Protection Program

Avalon Integration and Zebra want to encourage you to “do the right thing” when it comes to maintaining your thermal printer. That means regular cleaning and using only quality supplies. Inferior printer supplies—like ribbons, cards, and labels—can damage your printer. The media leaves behind dust, dirt, and debris that builds up. The result is poor print quality and a ruined printhead. Then, you pay for repairs, replacement, and the time and cost of downtime and reprinting. So, your “savings” on these bargain printer supplies are actually costing you more money.

Genuine Zebra Supplies for Consistent Quality

Genuine Zebra Supplies offered through the Printhead Protection Program

Genuine Zebra supplies are manufactured according to very stringent and uncompromising standards and processes. This adherence guarantees consistent quality, from one run to the next. Because Zebra designed and engineered the thermal barcode printers, they are the experts at knowing the best supplies to run them. So, when they offer to support that promise with free printhead replacements for life, Avalon Integration confidently recommends genuine Zebra supplies.

Zebra Printhead Protection Program Is Free to Enroll

Free to Enroll to the Printhead Protection Program

The Zebra Printhead Protection Program from Avalon Integration is free to enroll. There’s no membership fee. Just agree to feed your Zebra thermal printer ONLY genuine Zebra supplies and we will give you free printhead replacements when you need them—which will be less often because these quality consumables will prevent the premature wear and tear that the bargain supplies cause

Join the Printhead Protection Program and you can eliminate printhead replacement costs from your budget. You’ll also extend the life of your Zebra printer, which lowers the total cost of ownership. Contact Avalon Integration, checkout Avalons technical support blog or click here to enroll.  

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The ROI of Preventive Maintenance on Your Barcode Label Printer

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Preventive maintenance is important, you know you need to take care of your car to keep it running smoothly, so you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Also, you can recognize that regular check-ups are vital to maintaining your health and catching potential issues before they become serious.

You should treat your barcode label printer with the same consideration. Following a preventive maintenance schedule reduces downtime and repair costs and extends the life of your printer. Dirt, dust, debris, and adhesive build up in your printer, damaging the printhead and compromising the quality of your barcode. The printhead is the most expensive and sensitive component in your thermal printer. Replacing it prematurely from lack of maintenance is an expense you can avoid.

Start Maintenance by Simply Cleaning Your Printer

cleaning-the-printer - Avalon Integration

Every time you change the label roll or thermal printer ribbon, clean the printhead. Use a cleaning card, cleaning pen, or cleaning roller to safely handle this task. You can also use 70% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or cotton swab, but be very careful you don’t apply too much or rub too hard. Turn off the printer and remove any jewelry that could scratch the printhead. Click here for instructions for cleaning your thermal printer.

Use Preventive Maintenance to Protect your investment

preventive maintenance - protect-your-investment - Avalon Integration

Routine maintenance should be periodically performed on your thermal printer—operation, settings, print quality, and more—by a certified technician. Just like your health check-up, this procedure assesses every aspect of your barcode printer. The technician identifies potential problems and makes adjustments to prevent equipment breakdown. During this procedure, the service technician might make recommendations for the way you use your printer, like the type of media or ribbon you’re using and printer settings that provide quality without straining the equipment.

A printer maintenance contract puts the responsibility of protecting your investment in the hands of your provider. The return on investment for proactive preventive maintenance is reflected in the extended life of your printer, reduced downtime and cost from preventable repairs, and a lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Talk to us at Avalon Integration about your data collection and thermal printing needs—from hardware and software to supplies, service, and repair, we deliver end-to-end solutions for warehouse, manufacturing, and field operations.

Contact us today to learn more.

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How to Choose the Right Barcode Labels

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Barcodes look simple enough, and technology has made it easy to use this process for data collection. But with so many uses for barcodes today, you need to pay attention to the label media you choose. Some are designed for specific purposes, like cold storage or affixing to a curved surface. If you don’t choose the right barcode labels, you’ll risk losing the data that this process is intended to provide. That could mean anything from printer damage and downtime to a product recall.

Understand Barcode Labels Easily with “PRESS”

When assessing your options, we follow the acronym “PRESS” that is suggested by Zebra, one of the global leaders in barcode printers, labels, and supplies.

P = Printer: Choose a barcode label that matches the specifications of your thermal printer: print speed (inches per second or ips) and print resolution (dots per inch or dpi). Some labels are designed to print at faster or slower speeds, and won’t serve you well at a different print speed. If you’re using a high-resolution printer (e.g., 600 dpi), don’t expect a label designed for 300 dpi to produce the same clarity and definition.

Your thermal printer’s specs will also identify the material thickness and roll size, as a minimum and maximum output size.

R = Resistance: Will your barcode label have to withstand tough conditions, like exposure to chemicals or contact with other surfaces? Some label media is coated to protect the printed barcode from chemicals, light, and abrasives that could smudge or destroy the barcode. Window cleaners and water are considered weak; alcohol and bleach are moderate chemicals; but oil, gasoline, acetone, and xylene can ruin a label that isn’t printed on the right media. Exposure to UV and fluorescent light can fade it.

E = Environment: Barcodes that will be exposed to extreme temperatures require a specific type of substrate and adhesive that stands up to those conditions. If you’re producing barcodes for products or parts that will come in contact with intense cold (freezers, outdoors), heat (sterilizing), or moisture (steam, rain, snow), look for a synthetic barcode label that is manufactured for these environmental situations.

S = Surface: Consider the type of surface where the label will be applied. A smooth surface could be flat or curved, and that makes a difference in the media. A rough surface presents a different challenge. The type of surface material also impacts the barcode label adhesive you choose. Metal, paper, plastic, and corrugated have different characteristics for adhesion.

S = Size: The dimensions of your label are obviously critical to choosing the right barcode labels. Are you printing multiple labels side by side? Would rolls be the better choice for your printing volume? Your supplier can advise you on the best choice to fit the size of the barcode labels.

Avalon Integration can guide you through the barcode label choices so you’re sure to get the ideal pairing with your printer and purpose. We have partnered with Zebra to ensure the quality, consistency, and unmatched selection of thermal printing supplies. We also provide pre-printed labels and custom labels. Contact Avalon Integration to maximize the ROI in your barcode label printing.

Contact us today to learn more.

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Get up to $550 Cash Rebate When You Upgrade to Zebra ZT600 from Avalon

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When you rely on your thermal printer to deliver heavy-duty performance, you can’t afford to hold onto an outdated printer. The cost of downtime, repairs, and replacement supplies eats into your profitability. Avalon Integration has partnered with Zebra to give you a solution to questionable barcode label printer performance.

The Zebra ZT600 industrial printer series was introduced last year, as an upgraded replacement to the company’s legendary Xi4 industrial printers, which already lead the industry in performance, durability, print speed, and quality. When we learned that Zebra had raised the standard for barcode label printing in tough environments, we knew our customers needed to explore it.

ZT600 Two Front Facing View

Then, Zebra helped us sweeten the deal with a cash rebate for these new printers. Buy a ZT610 or ZT620 thermal printer from Avalon Integration and get $250 back for a ZT610 and $500 for a ZT620 when you trade in your current industrial printer—even if you’re not using a Zebra model. Add in the Zebra OneCare Printer Service and you’ll receive an additional $50 cashback.

The cash rebate provides an incentive for making the move to the ZT600 barcode label printers, but there are many more reasons to upgrade now.

ZT600 Right Side View Printing

Zebra has incorporated “future-facing technology” in the ZT600 Printer Series—improvements that are designed to extend the life and value of your printer investment.

  • The ZR610’s 600 dpi resolution prints micro-labels are as small as 3 mm—ideal for circuit boards, chips, and miniature components.
  • Highly precise registration produces micro-consistent printing without waste.
  • Adaptable design enables field upgrades.
  • Long-life printheads reduce replacement costs and downtime.
  • Printhead pressure toggles with color-coded pressure indicators make it fast and easy to complete simple adjustments.
  • Zebra Link-OS Printer Profile Manager Enterprise, Mobile Device Management connectors, and Visibility Services streamline device and network management.

ZT600 Left Side View Printing

In addition, the ZT600 printers have kept the features that distinguished the Xi:

  • All-metal components resist extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and dirt.
  • Side-loading and guided media paths simplify the task and reduce the printer’s footprint.
  • Built-in thermal management eliminates vents and fans to prevent dust and debris.
  • High-quality construction delivers superior quality, speed, and reliability.

Now is a great time to move up to more reliable, higher quality barcode label printing. Talk to us at Avalon Integration about the Zebra ZT600 industrial printers and the GO Zebra trade-in program.

Contact us today to learn more.

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