SATO CT4-LX Series Thermal UHF RFID Desktop Printer
The SATO CT4-LX sets the bar for desktop barcode label printing. This 4-inch thermal printer offers features and functionality typically only found in industrial printer models but in a compact size. The CT4-LX is equipped with a full-color touchscreen display, the latest wireless connectivity options, and patented label waste prevention feature. This printer offers advanced functionality that utilizes SRA (SATO RF Analyze) for auto RFID positioning to encode UHF RFID inlays and SATO AEP (Application Enabled Printing) for customization for standalone operation, providing exceptional performance and printing. The CT4-LX is easy to operate and maintain with user-replaceable printhead and platen roller to quickly keep your business up and running.
Key Highlights
- Supports Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer printing: Flexible printing for different label requirements
- Integrated UHF RFID encoding (EPC Gen2 / ISO 18000-63): Enables advanced RFID label printing and encoding
- High print resolution options: 203 dpi / 305 dpi: Clear and sharp barcode and text output
- Fast printing speed up to 8 ips (203 mm/sec): Improves productivity in high-volume operations
- 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen interface: Easy and intuitive printer control
Product Overview
The SATO CT4-LX Series Thermal UHF RFID Desktop Printer is a compact yet powerful printing solution designed for high-performance label and RFID encoding applications. It supports both Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer printing, making it suitable for a wide range of industries including retail, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. With built-in UHF RFID encoding (EPC Gen2 / ISO 18000-63 compliant), the printer enables accurate data writing, tracking, and verification for smart label applications, improving supply chain visibility and operational efficiency.
Equipped with a 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen, the CT4-LX offers an intuitive user experience with easy navigation and configuration. It delivers high-resolution printing (203 dpi / 305 dpi) and fast performance up to 8 inches per second, ensuring productivity in demanding environments. With flexible connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet, NFC, and optional Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, along with advanced features like remote monitoring (SATO Online Services) and application-enabled printing, this printer is designed to provide seamless integration and long-term reliability in modern business operations.
Key Features & Capabilities
Enterprise-grade technology designed for mission-critical operations
Dual Printing Technology
Supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, allowing flexibility for different label media and durability needs
Integrated UHF RFID Encoding
Enables encoding and verification of EPC Gen2 / ISO 18000-63 RFID tags for accurate tracking and inventory management
High Print Resolution Options
Offers 203 dpi and 305 dpi resolution for sharp, clear barcodes, text, and graphics
Fast Printing Performance
Delivers print speeds up to 8 ips (203 mm/sec) to support high-volume and time-sensitive operations
4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
Provides an intuitive user interface for easy navigation, configuration, and printer control
Technical Specifications
Key technical details and performance specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Printer |
| Air Interface Protocol | EPCglobal UHF Class 1 Gen 2 (ISO/IEC 18000-63) |
| Operating Frequency | Global (865-928 MHz) |
| Data Interface | USB 2.0 (Type A & Type B), Ethernet (DHCPv4/DHCPv6), NFC, optional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Power Source | AC 100-240V, 50-60 Hz |
| Resolution | 203 dpi or 305 dpi |
| Print Width | 104 mm (4.09 in) |
| Max Outer Diameter | 115 mm (4.53 in) |
| Core ID Options | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dimensions | 238 x 117.8 x 214.1 mm (9.37 x 7 x 8.43 in) |
| Weight | 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs) |
| Operating Temperature | 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F) |
| Host API | SBPL and SZPL |
| Print Speed | 8 ips (203 dpi), 6 ips (305 dpi), Linerless: 4 ips |
| Print Method | Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer |
| Print Modes | Continuous, Tear-off, Cutter, Dispenser, Linerless |
| Media Types | Roll (continuous, die-cut, linerless), fan-fold, tag, ticket |
| Media Width Range | 25-118 mm (standard), 25-110 mm (liner less) |
| Media Length Range | 10-400 mm (continuous), 25-400 mm (tear-off/cutter/dispenser), 25-100 mm (linerless) |
| Media Thickness | 0.08-0.19 mm (0.0031-0.0075 in) |
| Roll Diameter | Up to 128 mm (standard), up to 115 mm (RFID on 3 in core) |
| Ribbon Length | 100 m (328 ft) |
| Ribbon Width | 45-111 mm (1.77-4.37 in) |
| Ribbon Core | 0.5 in (12.7 mm) |
| Display | 4.3-inch full-color resistive touchscreen |
| Memory | 4GB Flash, 1GB RAM (up to 1GB user storage) |
| RFID Capability | UHF Gen 2 (ISO/IEC 18000-6C), HF/NFC support (ISO/IEC 14443, 15693, 18092) |
| Sensors | Gap (transmissive), black mark (reflective), paper out, ribbon out |
| Fonts | 24 bitmap fonts, 33 scalable fonts, Unicode support (47 languages) |
| Connectivity Options | USB 2.0, Ethernet, NFC; optional Wi-Fi (802.11ac dual band) and Bluetooth 4.1, RS-232C option |
| Memory & Processing | 4GB Flash, 1GB RAM, up to 1GB user downloadable content |
| Maintenance | Tool-free printhead and platen replacement, auto-calibration, self-diagnostics |
| Remote Management | SNMP v3, Web interface, SATO Online Services (SOS), SOTI Connect, AIOT tool |
| Emulation Support | SBPL, SEPL, SZPL, SDPL, SIPL, STCL, XML, PDF Direct Printing, AEP |
| Operating Humidity | 30-80% RH (operating), 15-90% RH (storage) |
| Power Efficiency | Energy-efficient design with standard AC power input |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about RFID and AIDC solutions