Zebra ZT420 How To Install The Cutter

Watch the video below.

Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Install The Cutter On The Zebra ZT420

Before you start

• Power OFF the printer and unplug it
• Remove labels/media and ribbon
• Have a screwdriver ready (usually comes with kit)

Installation steps (ZT420 cutter)

1. Remove the front bezel (tear plate)
• Flip the printer upside down
• Remove the 2 screws on the front bottom
• Slide the front plate forward and pull it off
2. Mount the cutter assembly
• Align the cutter module with the front opening
• Hook/seat it into position, then slide it into place until it stops
3. Secure the cutter
• Flip the printer again
• Install the mounting screws to hold the cutter in place
4. Connect the cutter cable (important)
• Open the printer
• Route the cutter cable inside
• Plug it into the option connector on the main board

If you skip this, the printer won’t detect the cutter.

5. Reassemble & power on
• Close everything up
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on
• The printer should automatically detect the cutter hardware

Enable cutter mode

After install, you must enable it:

• On the printer menu:
• Go to Print Mode
• Select CUTTER

OR via driver/ZPL:

• Set print mode to cutter (^MMC) and save

The cutter only works when this mode is enabled

Final setup

• Load labels through the cutter path
• Run a media calibration
• Print a test label

Common mistakes

• Not plugging in the internal cable
• Forgetting to switch to cutter mode
• Not feeding media through the cutter slot
• Misalignment causing jams