Zebra ZC300 ID Card Printer (Single-Sided)

Zebra ZC300 ID Card Printer (Single-Sided) Overview

The ZC300 is built for organisations issuing ID cards regularly, not occasionally. It has card printing capabilities of up to 900 monochrome cards an hour, or 200 in full colour, so it's designed for keeping up with busy production runs. And at 300dpi edge-to-edge printing, your card design comes out exactly the way you want it every time. It's a strong step up from an entry-level printer without the cost or complexity of an enterprise system.

Key Features:

• Direct-to-card, dye-sublimation thermal transfer printing, edge-to-edge
• 300dpi resolution
• Print speeds up to 900 monochrome cards/hour, 200 full-colour cards/hour (single-sided)
• Dual-sided model: up to 450 monochrome cards/hour, 140 full-colour cards/hour
• Compatible with CR79 and CR80 cards, including PVC, PVC composite, adhesive-back, and writable-back stock
• Automatic card thickness adjustment
• Matched input and output hopper capacity
• AES data encryption and host authentication for network security
• Kensington lock point on printer cover
• Optional magnetic stripe encoding (high and low coercivity)
• Optional third-party contactless encoding
• USB and built-in Ethernet connectivity, standard
• Optional WiFi upgrade
• Compatible with Windows (including Server editions), Mac, and Linux
• LCD interface with on-screen design preview
• Cassette-loaded ribbons for easy changes
• Saloon-style output doors for quick card removal
• Dimensions: 258mm (H) x 157mm (W) x 383mm (D)
• Weight: 4kg (single-sided), 4.4kg (dual-sided)

Speed and Card Handling

Single-sided, it runs 900 cards an hour in monochrome or 200 in full colour. The dual-sided version manages 450 monochrome or 140 full colour, printing both sides in the same pass. It prints to CR79 and CR80 cards, in PVC, PVC composite, and even adhesive-back or writable-back stock. The feeder adjusts automatically to card thickness, and because input and output hoppers share the same capacity, both empty and refill together rather than one running out before the other.

Built-In Security

AES data encryption protects card data as it's sent to the printer, and advanced host authentication stops unauthorised devices sending print jobs to it over the network. A Kensington lock point on the printer cover protects both the printer and any card stock or rejected cards inside it, which is vital for protecting information if the printer is sitting in a public-facing space rather than a locked office.

Encoding and Connectivity

Magnetic stripe encoding (high and low coercivity) and third-party contactless encoding are both available, so the ZC300 can produce access control cards as well as standard photo ID. USB and built-in Ethernet come as standard, with an optional WiFi upgrade if you'd rather avoid running network cable. It's compatible with Windows (including Server editions), Mac, and Linux.

Day-to-Day Use

An LCD interface shows your design and setting changes before you print, cutting out the need for physical test cards. Ribbons load into a cassette rather than needing manual threading, and saloon-style output doors make removing printed cards really straightforward.

The entire Zebra range is very plug-and-play friendly, so using the ZC300 card printer feels very similar to using a standard inkjet printer. It's very intuitive to set up and start printing with, but grows with you as your needs grow thanks to the upgrade options.

Is This the Right Printer for You?

For good-quality photo ID, access control, membership, and loyalty cards at real volume, the ZC300 is a strong choice. It's great value for money and the built-in security features protect your business from GDPR breaches while the interface keeps things nice and simple in daily use.

Need some advice about if the ZC300 printer is right for your needs? Get in touch with our team today.

Please note: this printer is supplied without ribbon or blank cards. Add compatible consumables to your order before checking out.

Compatible Printer Ribbons

• Zebra 800300-350EM ZC YMCKO Ribbon (200 Prints)
• Zebra 800300-550EM YMCKO (300 Prints)
• Zebra 800300-301EM ZC Monochrome Black Ribbon (2000 Prints)
• Zebra 800300-321EM ZC Black KrO Ribbon (700 Prints)
• Zebra 800300-370EM ZC Half-Panel YMCKO Ribbon (400 Prints)

While you're here, don't forget blank plastic cards to print on and a cleaning kit for cleaning the rollers and printhead.