ZE511/ZE521
Industrial Print Engine
Quick Reference Guide
P1126553-01EN
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Publication Date
November 4, 2021
2
Print Engine Orientation
The ZE511 and ZE521 print engines are available in a left-hand configuration (the print mechanism is on
the left) and a right-hand configuration (the print mechanism is on the right).
Left-hand (LH) print engine
ZE511/ZE521 Quick Reference Guide
1
2
3
1
Power switch location
2
Control panel
3
Media cover
Right-hand (RH) print engine
1
2
3
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ZE511/ZE521 Quick Reference Guide
Print Engine Components
The following shows the components inside the media compartment of a right-hand (RH) print engine. A
left-hand (LH) unit contains a mirror image of these components. Familiarize yourself with these
components before continuing.
1
2
12
11
1
Ribbon take-up spindle
2
Ribbon supply spindle
3
Printhead-release latch
4
Printhead assembly (shown open)
5
Peel bar
6
Platen roller
910 7
8
6
7
Peel roller assembly (hidden when closed)
8
Peel roller latch
9
Media guide
10
Pinch roller assembly
11
Lower guide post
12
Upper guide post
3
4
5
4
Control Panel
All controls and indicators for the print engine are located on the control panel.
ZE511/ZE521 Quick Reference Guide
1 2 4
5
6
7
1
Power switch Toggles the print engine on/off.
2
Display Shows the print engine’s operating status and allows the user to navigate
3
8
the menu system.
3
NFC logo Used for the Print Touch feature.
4
USB host ports Allows you to connect USB devices such as memory sticks, keyboards, or
handheld scanners to the printer.
5
PAUSE button Starts or stops print engine operation when pressed.
6
FEED button Forces the print engine to feed one blank label each time the button is
pressed.
7
CANCEL button Cancels print jobs when the print engine is paused.
8
Indicator lights Communicate the printer’s status. For more information, see Indicator
Lights on page 20.
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ZE511/ZE521 Quick Reference Guide
MEDIA SUPPLY
MEDIA BACKING
OPEN
SUPPLIES LOADING
PRESS
TO OPEN
WHEN OPEN
MEDIA BACKING
WHEN CLOSED
DETAIL VIEW
LABEL
www.zebra.com/ze511-info
Ribbon and Media Loading
Use the instructions in this section to load ribbon (if used) and media in a ZE511/ZE521 print engine.
NOTE: The majority of the graphics in this section show a right-hand (RH) unit with ribbon that is coated
with ink on the outside. Graphics for other options are included in some places for clarity.
Loading Ribbon
Do I need to use ribbon? The media itself determines if you need to use ribbon. Thermal Transfer media
requires ribbon while Direct Thermal media does not.
How can I tell if media is Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer? The easiest way is to scratch the surface
of the media rapidly with your fingernail. If a black mark appears where you scratched, the media is Direct
Thermal, and you do not need to use ribbon.
What kind of ribbon can I use? Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside. This
print engine can use either type. Contact your authorized Zebra reseller for ordering information.
How can I tell which side of the ribbon is coated? Press a corner of the sticky side of a label to the outer
surface of the roll of ribbon, and then peel the label off of the ribbon. If ink particles adhere to the label, the
outer side of the roll is coated. Repeat this test with the inner surface if necessary to confirm the coated
surface.
Ink on the Outside Ink on the Inside
An alternate method is to unroll a short length of ribbon, place the outer surface against a piece of paper,
and scratch the inner surface of the ribbon with your fingernail. Lift the ribbon and check for marks on the
paper. If the ribbon left a mark, the outer side is coated.
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ZE511/ZE521 Quick Reference Guide
Determine which side of the ribbon is coated with ink, and then position the ribbon roll with the loose
1.
end unrolling in the direction shown.
LH (ink side out)
RH (ink side in)
2.
If necessary, update the ribbon ink side setting (touch Print > Print Quality > Ribbon Tension).
3.
Open the media cover.
RH (ink side out)
LH (ink side in)
4.
Release the printhead assembly.
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ZE511/ZE521 Quick Reference Guide
Place the roll of ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle. Push the roll back as far as it will go.
5.
LH (ink side out) RH (ink side out)
LH (ink side in) RH (ink side in)
6.
Place an empty ribbon core on the ribbon take-up spindle. Push the core back as far as it will go.
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ZE511/ZE521 Quick Reference Guide
CAUTION—HOT SURFACE: The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the
printhead to cool.
7.
Thread the ribbon under the lower ribbon guide roller (1), under the printhead assembly (2), and then
over the upper ribbon guide roller (3).
3
1
2
LH (ink side out)
3
1
RH (ink side out)
1
1
3
2
3
2
LH (ink side in) RH (ink side in)
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2
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