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Zebra ZQ52-BUE0010-00 ZQ521 Mobile Direct Thermal Printer - Monochrome Label/Receipt - 127 mm/s - 203 dpi - USB/Bluetooth - 39" Print Length
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Product Features
Technical Overview
The ZQ521 employs direct thermal printing technology, which requires no ink, toner, or ribbon—simplifying maintenance and reducing consumable costs. It features 8 MB of standard memory for handling print jobs and supports a maximum print length of 39 inches (990.60 mm), accommodating long receipts or continuous labels. Print width reaches up to 4.09 inches, with a maximum label width capability of 4.45 inches (113.03 mm) to handle common label sizes.
Connectivity includes USB for direct wired connections and Bluetooth for wireless pairing with mobile devices. This dual-interface approach ensures compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, as well as traditional PC systems. The printer's media handling supports receipt paper, labels (including RFID labels and tags), black mark media, gap media, and linerless options, with a maximum roll diameter of 2.2 inches for compact media storage.
Key Product Advantages
The ZQ521 stands out for its combination of mobility, durability, and versatile media support. Its direct thermal design eliminates the need for ink or toner cartridges, reducing ongoing operational expenses and minimizing downtime associated with consumable replacements. The printer's rugged construction ensures it can withstand the bumps and jostles of mobile use in demanding environments like warehouses, delivery vehicles, or retail floors.
Wireless Flexibility
Bluetooth connectivity enables untethered printing from smartphones and tablets, allowing workers to print labels or receipts directly from mobile apps without being tied to a fixed workstation.
- Pairs with Android/iOS devices
- No cables required for mobile printing
- Supports on-the-go workflows
Media Versatility
Handles seven different media types including receipts, standard labels, RFID labels, tags, and linerless options, making it adaptable to various labeling and receipting requirements across industries.
- Supports RFID label printing
- Accepts linerless media
- Handles black mark and gap media
Deployment / Use Cases
The ZQ521 is particularly well-suited for mobile workforces that require printing capabilities away from traditional office setups. Its compact size and dual power options make it ideal for field service technicians who need to print service receipts on-site, delivery drivers requiring shipping labels at point of delivery, or retail associates processing mobile point-of-sale transactions.
In warehouse and logistics environments, the printer can be used for inventory labeling, picking tickets, and shipment labeling. The support for RFID labels enables asset tracking applications, while the ability to print long receipts (up to 39 inches) accommodates detailed transaction records or extended packing lists. The printer's compatibility with Android, iOS, and PC platforms ensures it integrates with existing mobile device fleets and backend systems.
Mobile Retail & Hospitality
Enables tableside ordering in restaurants, mobile checkout in retail stores, and event ticketing where staff need to print receipts or tickets directly at the customer location.
- Tableside receipt printing
- Mobile POS transactions
- Event admission tickets
Field Service & Delivery
Provides service technicians and delivery personnel with the ability to print work completion receipts, service labels, or shipping documentation directly at job sites or delivery points.
- Service completion receipts
- Delivery confirmation labels
- On-site documentation
Physical Profile
Measuring 2.60 inches (66.04 mm) in height, 6.10 inches (154.94 mm) in width, and 6.20 inches (157.48 mm) in depth, the ZQ521 maintains a compact footprint that fits easily in vehicle compartments, tool bags, or on small work surfaces. The approximate weight of 784.7 grams (1.73 pounds) ensures it remains lightweight for extended handheld use while maintaining durability for mobile applications. The printer's form factor balances portability with sufficient internal space for media rolls up to 2.2 inches in diameter.
- Width
- 4.09"
- Depth
- 6.20" (157.48 mm)
- Height
- 2.60" (66.04 mm)
- Weight
- 784.7 g
- Length
- 39" (990.60 mm)
Highlights
- Direct thermal monochrome printing for labels and receipts
- 127 mm/s maximum print speed for rapid output
- 203 dpi resolution produces sharp, readable text and barcodes
- USB and Bluetooth connectivity options
- Supports Android, iOS, and PC platforms
- Battery and power adapter operation for corded/cordless flexibility
- Handles 7 media types including RFID labels and linerless options
- 39-inch maximum print length for extended receipts or labels
- Compact design at 784.7 grams for mobile use
- 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Zebra Technologies Corporation |
| Manufacturer Part Number | ZQ52-BUE0010-00 |
| Brand Name | Zebra |
| Product Series | ZQ500 |
| Product Model | ZQ521 |
| Product Name | ZQ521 Mobile Printer |
| Product Type | Direct Thermal Printer |
| Technical Information | |
| Recommended Use | Label/Receipt Print |
| Print Color Capability | Monochrome |
| Maximum Mono Print Speed | 127 mm/s |
| Maximum Print Resolution (dpi) | 203 |
| Maximum Print Length | 39" (990.60 mm) |
| Maximum Print Width | 4.09" |
| Application/Usage | Mobile |
| Mobile Device Printing | Yes |
| Memory | |
| Standard Memory | 8 MB |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| USB | Yes |
| Network & Communication | |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Media Types & Handling | |
| Media Type | Receipt,Label,Black Mark,Gap,RFID Label,Tag,Linerless |
| Maximum Roll Diameter | 2.2" |
| Maximum Label Width | 4.45" (113.03 mm) |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | Battery,Power Adapter |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Height | 2.60" (66.04 mm) |
| Width | 6.10" (154.94 mm) |
| Depth | 6.20" (157.48 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 784.7 g |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Platform Supported | Android,iOS,PC |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
FAQ
What type of printing technology does the Zebra ZQ521 use?
The ZQ521 uses direct thermal printing technology, which creates images by applying heat to specially coated thermal paper or labels. This method requires no ink, toner, or ribbons, simplifying maintenance and reducing consumable costs while producing monochrome output suitable for labels, receipts, and barcodes.
What is the maximum print speed of this mobile printer?
The ZQ521 achieves a maximum mono print speed of 127 millimeters per second (mm/s). This speed enables rapid printing of labels and receipts in mobile work environments, helping to maintain workflow efficiency when printing transaction records, shipping labels, or inventory tags on the go.
What connectivity options are available on the ZQ521?
The printer offers both USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The USB port provides a reliable wired connection to PCs or powered hubs, while Bluetooth enables wireless printing from compatible Android and iOS mobile devices. This dual-interface approach supports various deployment scenarios from tethered workstation setups to completely wireless mobile operations.
What media types can the ZQ521 handle?
This printer supports seven media types: receipt paper, labels, black mark media, gap media, RFID labels, tags, and linerless media. It accommodates maximum label widths of 4.45 inches (113.03 mm) and can handle media rolls with diameters up to 2.2 inches, providing versatility for different labeling and receipting applications across industries.
How is the ZQ521 powered for mobile use?
The printer operates on both battery and power adapter sources. The battery option enables completely cordless operation for true mobility in field applications, while the power adapter provides continuous operation when AC power is available. This dual-power approach allows users to switch between power sources based on their immediate needs and work environment.
What is the maximum print length supported by this printer?
The ZQ521 supports a maximum print length of 39 inches (990.60 mm). This extended length capability accommodates long receipts for detailed transactions, continuous labels for inventory management, or extended packing lists in shipping and logistics applications without requiring multiple print jobs or manual splicing.
Which operating systems and platforms are compatible with the ZQ521?
The printer is compatible with Android and iOS mobile platforms as well as traditional PC systems. This cross-platform support ensures integration with existing mobile device fleets using smartphones and tablets, while maintaining connectivity to desktop and laptop computers for more traditional printing workflows in office or stationary environments.
What are the physical dimensions and weight of the ZQ521?
The printer measures 2.60 inches (66.04 mm) in height, 6.10 inches (154.94 mm) in width, and 6.20 inches (157.48 mm) in depth, with an approximate weight of 784.7 grams (1.73 pounds). These compact dimensions and lightweight design make it highly portable for handheld use or easy transport in bags and vehicle compartments during mobile work activities.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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