Issue / Question
How to solve the print quality issues?
How to set up communications for the printer?
Applicable To
ZXP1 Series and ZXP3 Series
Resolution / Answer
ZXP Series 1 and ZXP Series 3 Printer Setup Overview
The Zebra ZXP Series 1 and ZXP Series 3 Card Printers can be used in a wide variety of applications using many different media types to suit your printing needs.
There are 4 sections in this article:
Understanding your media
Zebra ZXP Series 1 and ZXP Series 3 Card Printers support PVC and PVC Composite cards. It is recommended that these cards are 15mil-40mil in thickness. Only Zebra ribbon is supported in the printer for printing. The specs within the link below provide more detail on what the printer will support as far as media is related.
Media Related Information
Card Type
ZXP1 and ZXP3 Card Printers support many different card types, but it is required to stay within the specs of what the printer can handle to ensure proper operation.
Refer to the table below for the card specifications:
| Types | PVC and PVC Composite |
| Card Width/Length | ISO CR-80-ISO 7810: 2.125" x 3.375" (54mm x 86mm) |
| Card Thickness | 015" to .040" (For optimum performance, use standard .030" cards) |
| Magnetic Stripe Spec | ISO 7811 |
| Smart Card Contact (ZXP3 only) | ISO7816-1,2,3,4 |
| Smart Card Contactless MIFARE (ZXP3 only) | ISO14443A/B |
Ribbon Information
| ZXP Series 1: | ZXP Series 3: |
| The ZXP Series 1 is designed to work only with Zebra True Colours ix-Series ZXP Series 1 ribbon. The options available are full-colour YMCKO ribbon, half YMCKO, black monochrome, and white monochrome ribbons. | The ZXP Series 3 is designed to work with i-Series intelligent media technology. It supports YMCKO, YMCKOK, Half Panel YMC/Full KO, KdO, KrO, as well as black, blue, green, gold, red, silver, or white monochrome ribbons. |
For information on how to purchase Zebra Card and Ribbon or to verify that you have the correct media, refer to Where to Buy Zebra Card Printers and Supplies.
Media Loading
The media must be properly loaded to ensure jams do not occur and media errors do not display on the printer.
Below are the links to the PDF guides:
Setting the appropriate Print Driver
Double-Sided Printing
When accessing the printer's properties, enter the Printing Preferences to configure specific settings. The driver should automatically detect the installed ribbon type in the printer properties section. For more information, refer to the article Setting ZXP Series 3 for Doublesided Printing.
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NOTE This attempt can only be done by the ZXP3 that has the double-sided printing function. Ensure that the appropriate ribbon combination is selected. |
Single Card Feeding
For printers equipped with the single card feed kit, configurations to the driver and printer can be made by feeding individual cards. For those without the kit equipped, the kit is available for upgrade. For more information, refer to the article Using the ZXP1 and ZXP3 for a Single Card Feed Application.
Print Quality
When using Zebra Card Printers, Zebra branded ribbons should be used so that the printer can detect the ribbon and color panels to provide the appropriate color prints. In addition, it is recommended to use Zebra branded cards so that the card materials do not cause issues with the printing or adhering ink onto the cards. If there are issues found regarding the print quality, below are the steps to correct or optimize output:
- Ensure that the most current driver and firmware is used
- Attempt Calibration to the Printer's Ribbon Sensors
- Print Darkness/Black Print Optimization
- Cleaning the Printer
- USB
- Network Setup
To verify the communication setup with a Test Card, refer to the article Printing a Test Card on a ZXP Series 1 and ZXP Series 3 Printer Using the Tools Option.
Printing App or Program
The ZXP Series 1, ZXP Series 3, ZXP Series 7, and ZXP Series 8 do not have a supported native printer language. This differs from the legacy printers such as the Performance and Value Class Card Printers which support EPCL. The newer card printers rely on a set of support utilities to communicate with the printer. In addition, programmers have a robust SDK that can be used for application development for both models. For more information, refer to the article Printer Language Supported on the ZXP Series Printers.
Utilities and Drivers
| Application or Utility | Comment |
| CardStudio's ID Card Design Software | This is a licensed card design software that Zebra offers. It can be used to develop card designs for printing. |
| Read Card Software Development Kit | This is a software development kit containing information developing applications for printing to Zebra card printers. |
| ZXP Series 1 Support Page | The Support page contains How-to videos for the printer as well as manuals, driver downloads, and firmware downloads. |
| ZXP Series 3 Support Page | The Support page contains How-to videos for the printer as well as manuals, driver downloads, and firmware downloads. |
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IMPORTANT! The commands from the driver and software may impact the printer's setting. Misconfigurations may result in failure during the printing process. Ensure all settings match the printer settings to avoid intermittent issues. |
Helpful Information:
