The BIXOLON XD5-40 Series is a 4-inch desktop label printer range for shipping labels, product identification, manufacturing labels and asset tracking, with direct thermal, thermal transfer and UHF RFID model choices. Select the XD5-40d for ribbon-free printing, the XD5-40t for ribbon-based labelling or the XD5-40tR for printing and encoding RFID labels, with 203 dpi and 300 dpi variants available.
The XD5-40 family suits packing benches, retail back offices and production workstations where operators print labels throughout the day. Choosing the right version depends on how long the label must remain readable, the detail it contains and whether identification requires a barcode, an RFID tag or both.
These specifications cover the original XD5-40 Series. The newer XD5-40II Series is a separate generation, so include the complete model number when requesting a replacement or comparing quotations.
The XD5-40d prints directly onto heat-sensitive media without a ribbon. It suits shipping labels, courier labels, temporary stock identification and document tracking where the label has a limited service life.
The 203 dpi XD5-40d prints at up to 178 mm per second; the 300 dpi XD5-43d reaches 127 mm per second. Consider another print method when exposure to heat, sunlight or abrasion could make the label unreadable before its job is finished.
The XD5-40t uses a ribbon to print onto compatible label materials and also supports direct thermal printing. It suits product labels, manufacturing identification and asset tags that need to remain readable through repeated handling or extended storage.
The 203 dpi XD5-40t reaches 152 mm per second, while the 300 dpi XD5-43t reaches 102 mm per second. Label durability depends on matching the material, adhesive and ribbon to the surface and exposure conditions; selecting thermal transfer alone does not establish chemical or outdoor resistance.
The XD5-40tR combines thermal transfer label printing with UHF RFID encoding for item identification, inventory and asset tracking. BIXOLON also offers the 300 dpi XD5-43tR for applications requiring finer printed detail.
The printer creates the label and writes data to its embedded chip. Compatible readers and business software are still needed to capture and use that data within RFID systems.
Check both the label layout and the complete media roll before ordering. Media width includes the backing liner and is different from the width the printhead can print.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum printable width on thermal transfer models | XD5-40t: 108 mm at 203 dpi; XD5-43t: 105.7 mm at 300 dpi |
| Maximum print length | 1,000 mm |
| Media width and thickness | 15–118 mm wide; 0.06–0.20 mm thick |
| Internal media roll | Up to 127 mm outside diameter; 25.4–38.1 mm core inside diameter |
| Media formats | Gap, black mark, notch, continuous and fan-fold media |
| Ribbon types | Thermal transfer models: outside-wound wax, wax/resin or resin ribbon, matched to the label material |
| Ribbon dimensions | 33–110 mm wide; 74 m ribbons on 12.7 mm cores or up to 300 m on 25.4 mm cores |
| Printer dimensions, W × D × H | XD5-40d: 194 × 248 × 169 mm; XD5-40t: 210 × 284 × 188 mm |
| Power | External power adaptor with 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz input |
| Operating temperature | XD5-40d: 0–40°C; XD5-40t: 5–40°C |
Published print speeds are maximum values. The usable speed depends on media, ribbon, print darkness and label content; RFID encoding and optional media handling also affect completed-label throughput. Allow space above the printer to open the clamshell cover and behind it if using an external media supply.
The XD5-40d and XD5-40t have USB and USB Host as standard. Configurations adding serial and Ethernet are available, with WLAN or Bluetooth options. Specify the required connection when ordering rather than assuming a USB model includes network or wireless hardware.
The XD5-40tR includes USB, USB Host, serial, Ethernet and an LCD as standard. The LCD is optional on the non-RFID models. Optional peelers present individual labels for application, while automatic cutters separate suitable media after printing; an external paper supply is also available.
BIXOLON’s Twin Function copies printer settings and data through USB. XPM provides printer-profile management, while XCM assists with printer connections. Management features depend on the selected interface and software configuration.
The range supports BIXOLON Label Artist-II and BarTender, with Windows drivers, Linux/macOS CUPS drivers and development tools for mobile applications. Supported printer languages include SLCS, BPL-Z and BPL-E. Check the exact operating-system version, driver and existing label templates before replacing another printer.
Supported barcode formats include Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, GS1 DataBar, QR Code, Data Matrix and PDF417. Barcode dimensions, clear margins and print settings still need to meet the requirements of the receiving scanner or customer.
For labels populated from product records, orders or warehouse data, the selected label design software must support the required data source and printing workflow. An Ethernet connection alone does not provide an ERP or WMS integration, and software licensing should be specified separately in the quotation.
The original XD5-40tR supports EPC Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO 18000-6C UHF tags. The documented European frequency range is 865–868 MHz; select the regional version appropriate to the installation country.
BIXOLON specifies a minimum RFID inlay pitch of 16 mm: the repeat distance between embedded chip-and-antenna assemblies. This is not a promise that every 16 mm label can be encoded. Tag construction, inlay position and calibration must be checked with the intended media.
For an RFID deployment, provide the tag or inlay reference, the data to encode and the reader environment. Test representative labels on the actual items, particularly around metal or liquids, before committing to a production quantity.
Illustrative example: a dispatch bench printing 100 × 150 mm paper shipping labels could use an XD5-40d if the labels only need to last through delivery. Check that the complete roll fits the media limits, select Ethernet if several workstations share the printer, calibrate the gap sensor and test the courier’s barcode layout at the intended speed.
If the same business needs long-lasting equipment labels, assess an XD5-40t with a suitable synthetic label and ribbon. Test the finished label against the handling and cleaning conditions the equipment will encounter.
For longer production runs where roll changes interrupt work, compare the BIXOLON XT3-40 industrial label printer. At 203 dpi, its maximum print speed is 203 mm per second, compared with 152 mm per second for the XD5-40t. It accommodates media rolls up to 203 mm in diameter and ribbons up to 450 m, compared with 127 mm and 300 m respectively on the desktop model.
The XT3-40 requires more installation space. Compare both printers using the same label, ribbon and print-quality requirement; larger consumable capacity is most useful when replenishment frequency matters.
Assess the smallest text and barcode elements in the actual label design. A 203 dpi model can suit many shipping and stock labels; 300 dpi provides finer detail for smaller layouts. Higher resolution does not compensate for insufficient barcode margins or unsuitable media, and the original 300 dpi variants have lower maximum print speeds.
No. The XD5-40II is a newer family with different specifications. For example, its 203 dpi direct thermal and thermal transfer models are rated at up to 203 mm per second. Confirm the generation, resolution and interface combination on the quotation, especially when matching an existing printer fleet.
The range can support administrative, inventory and identification labels. Laboratory use requires separate validation of the label, adhesive and print against the relevant temperatures, chemicals and handling procedures. A general healthcare application description does not establish suitability for sterilisation, specimen storage or a particular cleaning regime.
MarvelTech supplies BIXOLON equipment and offers equipment maintenance, inspection, adjustment and support-contract services. Ask for the setup and support scope relevant to your printer, software and installation location.
Pricing depends on the model, resolution, interfaces, RFID capability, media-handling accessories and any software or implementation work required. Request confirmation of availability, lead time, warranty terms and service coverage for the exact configuration.
Send MarvelTech your label dimensions and sample artwork, material and durability requirements, daily and peak print volumes, connection method and operating system. Include the existing printer model, any ERP or WMS software, and the RFID inlay reference if encoding is required. Use the enquiry form to request a configuration recommendation and itemised quotation.
Choose the XD5-40d for ribbon-free direct thermal printing, typically for shipping and temporary stock labels. The XD5-40t supports thermal transfer and direct thermal printing, allowing ribbon-based labels for longer-lasting product or asset identification. Choose the XD5-40tR when you also need to encode UHF RFID tags. Base the choice on label lifespan, exposure conditions and how the information will be read.
No. The XD5-40II is a separate, newer generation with different specifications. For example, its 203 dpi direct thermal and thermal transfer models reach up to 203 mm per second, exceeding the original models’ rated speeds. Include the complete model number when comparing quotations or replacing equipment, and check accessory, interface and software compatibility for that generation.
Choose 203 dpi for layouts with adequately sized text and barcodes; consider 300 dpi for finer detail in restricted space. The original 300 dpi XD5-43d and XD5-43t reach 127 and 102 mm per second respectively, compared with 178 and 152 mm per second for their 203 dpi counterparts. Test the actual QR Code, Data Matrix or linear barcode layout: higher resolution cannot compensate for insufficient clear margins.
Check media width including the backing liner, roll diameter, core diameter and printable area separately. The range accepts media 15–118 mm wide, with internal rolls up to 127 mm in diameter and cores of 25.4–38.1 mm. However, the XD5-40t prints up to 108 mm wide and the XD5-43t up to 105.7 mm. Also check media thickness and gap, notch or black-mark positioning before reusing stock.
Yes, with a label material, adhesive and ribbon selected for the application. The XD5-40t accepts outside-wound wax, wax/resin and resin ribbons for compatible media. Describe the required label lifespan, application surface, cleaning agents and storage temperatures before selecting supplies. For laboratory or outdoor identification, test the finished label under representative conditions; thermal transfer printing alone does not establish chemical, freezer or weather resistance.
You need compatible EPC Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO 18000-6C UHF labels, encoding software and suitable readers within your RFID tracking system. Select the printer’s regional radio version for the installation country. BIXOLON specifies a minimum inlay pitch of 16 mm, meaning the repeat spacing of embedded chip-and-antenna assemblies. Confirm the intended inlay, calibration and encoded data before ordering production quantities.
No. USB and USB Host are standard on the XD5-40d and XD5-40t; serial, Ethernet, WLAN and Bluetooth depend on the ordered configuration. The XD5-40tR includes USB, USB Host, serial and Ethernet as standard, with wireless options available. For shared printing, specify the network connection explicitly. For mobile printing, also confirm the application, operating system and supported connection method.
The range supports BarTender and BIXOLON Label Artist-II, but connecting warehouse or business data requires a configured printing workflow. Check the exact driver, operating system, templates and software licence before deployment. For database-connected labels or automated printing, assess label design and printing software against your data sources and required functions. Printer compatibility does not establish entitlement to automation or RFID encoding features.
An optional peeler separates each label from its backing for manual application, while an optional automatic cutter separates suitable media after printing. An external paper supply accommodates media fed from outside the printer. Specify the intended label material and handling method when selecting these accessories. An LCD is standard on the XD5-40tR and optional on non-RFID models, which matters when operators need local settings and status information.
Only where the installation meets the selected model’s operating limits. BIXOLON lists 0–40°C for the XD5-40d and 5–40°C for the XD5-40t, so a below-zero freezer falls outside those ranges. Distinguish printer location from label destination: printing in a warmer area requires labels and adhesive separately qualified for the application temperature and subsequent cold storage.
Consider the BIXOLON XT3-40 industrial label printer when longer runs make consumable changes disruptive. It accepts rolls up to 203 mm in diameter and ribbons up to 450 m, compared with 127 mm rolls and 300 m ribbons on the XD5-40t. Compare completed labels per shift, replenishment time and installation space using your actual media; maximum print speed alone does not determine output.
Send sample artwork, label and roll dimensions, material, required lifespan, daily volume and peak batch size. Include the operating system, label software, connection requirements and any existing printer model. For RFID, add the installation country, inlay reference and data to encode. Request an itemised quotation identifying the generation, resolution, interfaces, accessories, software licences, setup scope, availability and warranty terms.
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See DetailsPlease contact us if you have any questions or comments.
