The Best Print-and-Apply Printer: Zebra’s ZE500 Print Engine

Screen Shot 2020-07-07 at 9.46.01 AM.png

When you’re configuring or upgrading a print-and-apply labeling system, the last thing you want to deal with is your printer breaking down or hassling with set up, adjustments, or maintenance to your print engine.

To avoid those headaches, Chicago Coding Systems recommends Zebra’s ZE500 print engine—the best print-and-apply print engine on the market today. 

Here are five core reasons why Zebra’s ZE500 receives our top recommendation.

1. Durability and Performance

In high-volume labeling applications, it’s all about keeping your labeling operations running smoothly, without interruption. A flawless operation can be difficult, especially if your system sits in a harsh environment where debris, dust, and water can wreak havoc on your print engine.

Zebra’s ZE500 print engine is built with an external cabinet that is resistant to debris, dust, and even water wash-downs. In addition, its all-metal construction allows the print engine’s components to easily withstand the most demanding print requirements.

2. Easy Setup and Use

Print-and-apply problems often start with printers that require agonizing, time consuming set-up. Zebra’s ZE500 is far from agonizing. The ZE500 print engine simplifies everything with a large, graphical display and a simple, intuitive five-button menu that will have you up and running in no time. Even after the initial setup, the user-friendly display makes it easy to change settings and configurations.

The display can also be rotated, or remotely located up to two meters away (with an optional kit), allowing for easy accessibility for unusually mounted applications.

3. Hassle-Free Deployment and Integration

Zebra’s print setup utilities and ZebraNet Bridge Enterprise make it easy to deploy and integrate your printer with other devices, networks, and systems. The same tools provide quick, simple, and hassle-free ways to manage and troubleshoot your print engine.

4. Easier Servicing and Maintenance

To keep print-and-apply equipment running flawlessly, you need fast and easy maintenance; the ZE500 Series delivers both. Its unique mechanical design simplifies and shortens maintenance and consumable replacement time.

You can easily remove the platen, pinch and peel rollers in minutes from the front of the unit without needing to remove the engine from your print-and-apply system. Captured fasteners also eliminate lost hardware, and the pinch and peel rollers are now one part in order to eliminate confusion and installation issues. Additionally, you can quickly access internal components via a hinged cage system that swings open for fast, simple maintenance.

Ultimately, you can change belts or alter resolution from 203 dpi to 300 dpi, or vice versa in minutes. The end result is a dramatic reduction in downtime for routine servicing and maintenance, without shutting down your operations for changes or upkeep.

5. Simple Print Quality Adjustment

The ZE500 Series also simplifies print quality adjustments. It’s easy to maximize your print and image quality with its outboard cam system. The cam system adjusts the printhead to the platen roller on all three axis no matter what media you are using. Two printhead toggles help maximize pressure dispensation across the printhead so you can further adjust your print quality.
These five advantages are just some of the many benefits our customers are getting from Zebra’s ZE500 print engine. If you are looking for the best print-and-apply printer for your labeling operations, contact Chicago Coding Systems now to learn more.