4×6 Direct Thermal Labels (4-roll pack)
The exact size and stock this printer is calibrated for, matched shipping labels.





Zebra · Industrial Printers
Ships by 3pm CT when ordered today.
Tell us what you ship with and we'll confirm this printer works with it.
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About this printer
The 160S printer prints labels up to 6″-wide (152.40mm), making it an ideal choice for printing AIAG, ODETTE or other compliance labels; product packaging labels; inventory labels for the boxes in your warehouse; or logistics management and automated shipping labels.
In addition, the 160S printer features both reflective and transmissive media sensors. This provides compatibility with applications that require either black mark sensing or web sensing capabilities. No matter what type of media you use, you are assured of a properly aligned bar code label.
Enhanced Electronics, Value-Line Performance As with other Value-Line printers, the 160S printer incorporates a 32-bit microprocessor that allows you to format while printing and enables you to print more labels in less time. In addition, the 160S features a faster clock speed, which aids in processing 6″-wide (152.40mm) label formats, and a 0-wait state memory that reduces processing lag time. Combine this with the efficiency of ZPL II®, and the 160S provides fast first-label-out and strong processing performance on both short- and long-run applications.
Six-Inch Print Width Provides Increased Productivity Featuring a maximum print width of 6.3″ (160mm), the 160S printer can readily print common 6″ x 4″ applications without the need to rotate the label or the bar code.
Additionally, productivity is increased with higher volume label rolls. For example, with a paper stock such as Zebra’s Trans Matte 2000(tm), an 8″ diameter roll of 6″ x 4″ (152.4mm x 101.6mm) labels holds 48% more labels than an 8″ (203.2mm) roll of 4″ x 6″ (101.6mm x 152.4mm). This allows you to label 48% more cartons with a single roll of media before incurring down time for reloading media.
Flexible Options to Suit Your Requirements If you want to print labels in high volumes, you can choose an optional internal rewind feature that allows you to wind a full 8″ (203.2mm) roll of labels within the printer so they are free from dirt and dust.
For applications requiring immediate label application, you can select the peel-off option which quickly dispenses printed labels for immediate use and rewinds spent label liner for easy storage and efficient disposal.
Numerous Symbologies and Font Options With the 160S printer, you can print all popular bar code symbologies, as well as newer two-dimensional codes, such as PDF417, Maxicode and Code 49, provided as standard features. These two-dimentional codes allow you to store larger amounts of data in a smaller amount of space.
To accommodate common printing requirements, the 160S printer includes one standard scalable font, CG Triumverate(tm) Bold Condensed, and seven bit-mapped fonts expandable up to 10 times, height and width independent.
The 160S printer also includes a new internal font scaling routine, Universal Font Scaling Technology®(UFST). UFST provides enhanced compatibility with popular TrueType fonts, installed in many Windows applications. You can easily load Windows fonts into the 160S printer using ZTools for Windows. These TrueType fonts increase your creative options and can enhance the finished look of your label.
These printers are used and approved by all major shipping companies and postage softwares, including: UPS, FEDEX, DHL, USPS, Stamps.com, and Endicia.
Specifications
| Metric | What It Means | Your Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Print methodBoth | Can run direct thermal or thermal transfer depending on media and options. | Match media (and ribbon, if TT) to this method. |
| Resolution203 DPI | Print density. 203 dpi is standard shipping; 300/600 dpi is finer text and barcodes. | Higher DPI costs speed on Datamax I-46xx class machines. |
| Print speed6 ips | How fast the printer can move media (OEM max). | Industrial 10–12 ips desks outrun a 4 ips LP2844 on bulk batches. |
| Max print width6" | Widest media this model can print. | 4″ class takes standard 4×6 shipping labels. |
| Print languageZPL | Command language the host/app speaks (ZPL, EPL, DPL, IPL, ESC/POS, DYMO, …). | Match this to your software — or call (312) 416-1518. |
| Typical media4x6 or wider DT or TT | Stock this class is built for. | Do not load DYMO cassettes in a Zebra, or 4×6 rolls in a 2-inch/receipt printer. |
| Media width6″-class web — 4×6 still fits | Label + liner width this model can track (OEM). | Wider than 4″. Standard 4×6 shipping labels still fit. |
| Max roll OD8.0″ (203 mm) OD on a 3″ (76 mm) ID core | Largest media roll that fits the cabinet (OEM). | Industrial 8″ OD stock — not a desktop 5″ roll. |
| Core3″ industrial | Cardboard tube the OEM lists for this printer. | TPO 3″ industrial 4×6 packs fit this class. 1″ desktop ZP-450 rolls do not. |
| Media sensorsGap (transmissive) and black mark (reflective) | How the printer finds the gap or black mark. | Die-cut 4×6 uses the gap sensor; black-mark stock uses the reflective sensor. |
| Ribbon (TT)Industrial TT ribbon, 1″ core (6″ Zebra class) | Thermal-transfer ribbon from the OEM sheet. | Needed only in thermal-transfer mode. Direct-thermal 4×6 shipping labels skip ribbon. |
| Warranty2-year included | Parts and labor on refurbished printers from TPO. | Optional 3-year add-on SKU at checkout. Not a 5-year upgrade. |
This 4-inch thermal printer is meant for shipping-label stock. Compatible sizes when listed:
Direct thermal printers do not use ribbon. Thermal transfer models need ribbon for durable labels. Match media to this printer's width and method.
Software Compatibility
Pick your software to confirm this printer before you buy. Answers come from public specs, unknown means call us.
Popular picks
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Model Comparison
Here's how it stacks up against close alternatives when compare products are set on this SKU.
Compare with another printer — pick a model you already have, such as an LP2844 next to a ZP-450.
Currently Viewing
Zebra 160S Industrial Thermal Label Printer
$399.99
|
Zebra ZP-450 Thermal Label Printer
$289.99
|
Zebra GK-420D Direct Thermal Label Printer GK420D + Driver & Manual
$354.99
| |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Method | Both | Direct Thermal | Direct Thermal |
| Best For | ? | Occasional shipping, budget setups | Labels that need to last outdoors or in cold storage |
| Print Speed | 6 ips | 5 ips | 5 ips |
| Connectivity | USB · Parallel · Serial · Ethernet · Wi-Fi | USB | USB · Ethernet · Wi-Fi |
| Ribbon Required? | No | No | For transfer mode |
| Warranty | 2-year included | 2-year included | 2-year included |
| Viewing This Model | View Zebra ZP-450 Thermal ... | View Zebra GK-420D Direct ... |
Drivers
Open the Drivers page for this model, or download the zip if we have it listed.
Call us / we will confirm the installer for this product. We do not show a download unless the catalog has a match. Contact us or call (312) 416-1518.
Helpful resources
Accessories & supplies
Accessories matched to this printer, add what you need before checkout.
The exact size and stock this printer is calibrated for, matched shipping labels.
High-volume fanfold stock for busy shipping desks, no roll changes mid-batch.
Extra reach for desks where the printer sits farther from the computer.
Battery-powered companion for printing labels at pickup windows or on the road.
FAQ
Quick answers before you add to cart.
Every unit passes a full functional test on intake, print quality, connectivity, and mechanical parts, then a second test right before it's packed and shipped. You'll get an intake report noting exactly what was checked. This isn't a "used, as-is" listing.
Both cover parts and labor. The 2-year is included free with every printer. The 3-year extended warranty is an add-on at checkout if this printer runs regularly in a business.
Use the compatibility checker on this page when shown. Pairings are inferred from public specs, not a TPO-tested guarantee. Call (312) 416-1518 (Mon–Fri 10am–6pm CST) before you buy if you are unsure.
Use direct thermal 4×6 (or the sizes in Compatible Media) for direct thermal desks. Thermal transfer models need ribbon. Confirm width in Specs.
Every printer includes free install support by phone or email for the life of the printer, not just a return window. Most setups take about 10 minutes. Start with Setup Studio, or call (312) 416-1518 (Mon–Fri 10am–6pm CST).
Ask for an RMA within 30 days of receipt. A restocking fee applies. The returns page has the fees and what we cannot take back.
Orders placed before the daily cutoff (shown live in the buy box) ship the same day on business days. You'll get tracking as soon as it leaves our warehouse.