Zebra · Monochrome Label/Receipt

ZE511 RFID Print Engine SKU ZE51143-L0E00C0Z

Previous-generation RFID print engine at 18 ips for legacy applicator-line spare and replacement inventory.

4.7 · 3 verified reviews · Read reviews
Print speed
18 ppm mono
Paper capacity
sheets
Duplex
Single-sided (Simplex)
Connectivity
Free delivery 24-hr quote turnaround Authorized Zebra reseller Lease or buy outright
In stock
Zebra
Authorized Zebra reseller Free shipping to 50 states 1-year manufacturer warranty Install guidance by phone 30-day return policy
Is this the right printer for you?

Who the ZE511 RFID Print Engine is actually for

Most printer pages just tell you what a printer does. Here's the honest version: when this machine is the right choice, when it's fine, and when you should look at something else. We sell a lot of these for a reason, but the reason is not "every office."

Best fit

Pick this if...

  • You replace failed ZE500R engines on existing lines.
  • You operate pharma track-and-trace or automotive RFID applicators.
  • You can't redesign mounting for ZE521R.
  • You need 203 dpi resolution at maximum throughput.
  • You'll plan platform migration within 5 years.
Works fine

You'll be happy if...

  • It's fine if real-world throughput sits at 12 ips with verification.
  • It's fine if your inlay specs are stable.
Look elsewhere

Skip this if...

  • Skip this for new installations — specify ZE521R.
  • Skip this if you don't operate an applicator line.
  • Skip this if 300 dpi is required.
Full specifications

Every spec, no guessing

Previous-generation RFID print engine — same role as ZE511 vs. ZE521, but the RFID variant. Mounts as drop-in replacement for legacy ZE500R installations on bottling and pharma lines. Runs at 18 ips at 203 dpi, slightly faster than the ZE521R at lower resolution. Honest regret: 18 ips spec drops to about 12 ips real-world once RFID verification is enabled, so the speed advantage over ZE521R mostly disappears in production.

Pharma track-and-trace lines and tier-one automotive RFID applicators with existing ZE500R installations use this for spare-parts and replacement inventory.

Print
Print technology Label/Receipt
Print speed (mono) Up to 18 pages per minute
Print speed (color) Up to 0 pages per minute
Duplex printing Single-sided (Simplex)
Print resolution Up to 600 × 600 dpi
Copy & Scan
Capability Monochrome Label/Receipt
Duplex copy / scan Single-sided (Simplex)
Scanner type
Scan resolution (optical) Up to 600 × 600 dpi
Scan destinations
Paper
Paper capacity 0 sheets
Paper size
Recommended monthly volume 0 pages
Max monthly duty cycle
Connectivity
Display 4.3 inches
Physical & power
Form factor Label
Usage class Personal
Manufacturer Zebra
Model
How you can buy this printer

Buy it, lease it, or just reorder supplies

Three ways to get this printer, each priced to match how you actually use it. Most small offices lease because toner and maintenance are bundled. If you know what you need, buy outright. If you already own one, just reorder supplies.

Buy outright
One-time payment · yours to keep
Custom quote
Free delivery · 1-yr warranty
  • Machine is yours the day it arrives
  • 4,500-page starter toner included
  • 1-year Zebra manufacturer warranty
  • Install help by phone or remote session
  • Order your own toner when the starter runs out
Request purchase quote →
Supplies only
Already own one? Just reorder.
Request pricing
Genuine Brother TN830 / TN830XL
  • Genuine Brother TN830 toner (standard yield, ~1,200 pages)
  • Genuine Brother TN830XL toner (high yield, ~4,500 pages)
  • Genuine Brother DR810 drum unit when it's time
  • Free shipping on qualifying orders
  • Auto-reorder option so you never run out mid-job
Order supplies →

Final lease rate depends on term length, credit profile, and bundled supplies. Outright purchase and supplies pricing varies with bundled warranty, install packages, and order volume. Request a quote for exact pricing.

Included with every order

What ships with the ZE511 RFID Print Engine

The printer itself

ZE511 RFID Print Engine in original Zebra packaging. Label form factor, roughly 14.9 x 9.6 x 11.8 inches

Starter toner

Includes a high-capacity starter supply, giving you about 3 to 6 months of use before you have to think about your next order.

Setup documentation

Zebra quick-start card, power cord, USB cable (use Wi-Fi or Ethernet for multi-user), and a link to driver downloads.

Setup call (if you want it)

Book a 20-minute setup call with our team. We'll walk through network config, driver install, and first print. No extra cost, no sales pitch.

Supplies & consumables

Toner, yields, and what to actually reorder

The #1 question we get on this printer is "which toner do I buy?" Short answer: you have two cartridge options and a drum. Standard yield TN830 covers roughly 1,200 pages. High yield TN830XL covers roughly 4,500 pages and is the better value for most offices. Pick XL unless you print very little.

The drum unit (DR810) is separate and usually lasts 15,000 to 30,000 pages before it needs replacing. At a typical small office volume, expect to change it once every 2 to 4 years.

If you lease this printer through us, toner and drum are included. You never pay for supplies separately. That's usually the better deal once you add up real costs over 3 years.

TN830

Standard-yield toner

About 1,200 pages · fits all L2700 / L2750 / L2759 series

Quote
each
TN830XL

High-yield toner BEST VALUE

About 4,500 pages · recommended for most offices

Quote
each
DR810

Drum unit

15,000–30,000 pages · replace every 2–4 years · separate from toner

Quote
each
Request bulk supplies pricing →
4.7
★★★★★
Based on 3 verified customer reviews

Verified means the customer bought this exact model from us. We don't publish paid or incentivized reviews.

What customers actually say

The 5-star consensus: "it just works"

Small sample size, high signal. The 3 verified reviewers picked this model to replace older inkjets or aging Zebra machines. Common threads in the feedback:

  • "We integrated the ZE511 into our warehouse operation for tagging inventory with RFID. Setup took maybe an hour, and the print quality on the tags has been solid. Haven't had any encoding issues in the three months we've been running it."
  • "Using this for small batch RFID label printing in my logistics business. The engine handles the workload fine, though I wish the software was a bit more intuitive. That said, once you get past the learning curve it does what it's supposed to do."
  • "Replaced an older printer with the ZE511 and the RFID encoding reliability is noticeably better. We're running it pretty hard in our distribution center and it's holding up well. Good investment for the price point."

Five reviews is a small sample. Want to see hundreds of reviews across our whole catalog? We have a 5.0 average on Google across 1,240+ reviews and an A+ BBB rating. Linked below.

Better Business Bureau
A+ BBB rated
Accredited business
★★★★★
5.0 on Google
1,240+ reviews
G2 verified vendor
G2 verified
Vendor profile
Free quote · no obligation

Get a quote on the ZE511 RFID Print Engine

Tell us how you want to pay (outright, lease, or supplies only) and what volume you run. You'll get a line-item quote back within one business day, from a specialist who actually works on these machines, not a general sales rep.

  • Real pricing, no runaround. Upfront monthly lease rate or outright price, plus shipping and any install add-ons itemized.
  • One business day turnaround. Quotes land in your inbox within 24 hours. Often faster.
  • No credit pull until you say yes. We don't ping your credit to give you a quote. Only if you sign.
  • Volume & bundled supplies. Tell us your monthly print volume and we'll price toner bundling so you don't get surprised.
FAQ

ZE511 RFID Print Engine, common questions

The questions we get asked most often on this model. If yours isn't here, call (888) 574-5120 and get an answer in about 30 seconds.

The ZE511 RFID Print Engine does not use toner, as it is a thermal transfer/direct thermal printer. It supports high-capacity thermal transfer ribbons up to 600 meters, designed for industrial applications. Since it is not a laser printer, there are no toner cartridges to replace. When you lease through us with supplies included, you never pay for ribbons separately.
The ZE511 RFID Print Engine is an industrial-grade printer designed for high-volume RFID encoding and labeling, with speeds up to 18 ips and all-metal construction for production lines. In contrast, the ZD611 Premium Desktop is a compact 2-inch thermal printer suited for narrow labels like wristbands and small tags, with a throughput of 8 ppm. The ZE511 supports wider media and RFID functionality, while the ZD611 is ideal for small-scale applications. For small offices needing RFID or high-volume printing, the ZE511 is the better choice.
The ZE511 RFID Print Engine is built for industrial environments with high-volume, 24/7 operations, making it overkill for most small businesses. Its speed (up to 18 ips) and RFID capabilities are tailored for manufacturing or logistics, not typical office needs.
No, the ZE511 RFID Print Engine is a monochrome thermal printer and does not support color printing. For color label printing, consider alternatives like the Zebra ZC300, ZC350, or ZC500 series, which offer color capabilities for commercial applications.
Request a quote through the form on this page or call us at (888) 574-5120. A printer specialist responds within one business day with a detailed, itemized quote based on your location, monthly volume, whether you want to buy outright or lease, and any bundled supplies or service. Quotes are free and no obligation. We do not pull credit to issue a quote.
Zebra includes a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty on the ZE511 RFID Print Engine when purchased new from an authorized reseller. 1-800 Office Solutions is an authorized Zebra reseller. Extended warranty and full-service maintenance plans are available through our managed print services bundle, which covers parts, labor, and on-site service for the life of the agreement.
Yes. Free delivery is included on every ZE511 RFID Print Engine order shipped within the continental United States. Most orders ship within 1 to 2 business days and arrive within 2 to 5 business days. Install guidance is available by phone or remote session at no extra cost.

Ready to put this printer to work?

Request a free, no-obligation quote on the ZE511 RFID Print Engine. Lease, buy outright, or just order supplies. Quote in your inbox within one business day. Or call and talk to a specialist right now.

Get my free quote Or call (888) 574-5120