Brady PC45 and PM65
Key facts
The PC45 and PM65 share printer languages, network protocols and management tools such as PrintSet 5 and the web interface. The PC45 prints up to 108 mm wide at up to 203 mm/s and takes label rolls up to 127 mm in diameter. The PM65 prints up to 167.4 mm wide at up to 300 mm/s and takes rolls up to 213 mm in diameter and 450 m ribbons.
For existing environments, the choice of languages matters: Fingerprint, Direct Protocol, IPL (Intermec Printer Language), DPL and ZPL-II via ZSim2. In many cases, older printers can therefore be replaced without recreating all templates; we check this beforehand. We set up printing from your ERP system with OPAL Labelmanagement™ or your label software.
- Shipping, shelf and product labels at the workstation (PC45)
- Linerless labels and receipt paper (PC45d)
- Labels up to 167.4 mm print width, for example for pallets and cartons (PM65)
- Replacing older printers with templates in Fingerprint, IPL, DPL or ZPL-II
- Connection to machinery via industrial or applicator interface (PM65)
- 600 dpi for very small codes: Zebra ZT411
- Print engine for label applicators: SATO S84NX / S86NX
- Mobile printing at the shelf or in vehicles: Zebra ZQ600 Plus
- Multi-colour labels: Epson ColorWorks
Detailed specifications
| PC45d | PC45t | PM65 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Desktop printer, 4 in | same as left | Industrial printer (mid-range), 6 in |
| Print method | Direct thermal | Thermal transfer and direct thermal | Thermal transfer and direct thermal |
| Resolution | 203 or 300 dpi | same as left | same as left |
| Max. print speed | 203 mm/s (8 ips) at 203 dpi, 152 mm/s (6 ips) at 300 dpi | same as left | 300 mm/s at 203 dpi, 250 mm/s at 300 dpi |
| Max. print width | 108 mm (203 dpi), 106 mm (300 dpi) | same as left | 167.4 mm |
| Label roll | max. 127 mm outer diameter, 12.7, 25.4 or 38.1 mm core | same as left | max. 213 mm outer diameter, 38 to 76 mm core |
| Ribbon | not applicable | not specified | 450 m, width 50.8 to 172.7 mm, 25.4 mm core |
| Operation | 3.5-inch colour display (LCD), Print/Feed button | same as left | Touch LCD or icon interface, web interface |
| Standard interfaces | Ethernet 10/100, USB 2.0 host, USB 2.0 device | same as left | Ethernet 10/100, USB 2.0 host, USB 2.0 device, RS-232 |
| Optional interfaces | RS-232, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.2, cellular modem | same as left | Parallel, industrial interface (8 digital inputs and outputs, 4 relays, RS-232/422/485), applicator interface, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2, LTE modem |
| Printer languages | Fingerprint, Direct Protocol, IPL, ZSim2 (ZPL-II), DPL, XML, PDF | same as left | same as left |
| RFID | UHF EPC Class 1 Gen 2, option (depending on region) | same as left | UHF EPC Class 1 Gen 2, ISO 18000-6C, option (depending on region) |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 168 × 181.3 × 215.6 mm | 179.6 × 212.9 × 285.5 mm | 484 × 350 × 292 mm |
| Weight | 1.8 kg | 2.7 kg | 13.7 kg |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to 45 °C | same as left | 5 °C to 40 °C |
| Manufacturer warranty | 2 years | same as left | not specified |
Source: manufacturer data sheets and product pages, as of October 2026. Subject to change; individual variants may differ. Prices and delivery times are available in the shop.
Variants and accessories
| Variant | Features |
|---|---|
| PC45d | Direct thermal, also for linerless labels and receipt paper, 1.8 kg |
| PC45t | Thermal transfer, also prints on direct thermal media, 2.7 kg |
| PM65 with icon interface | Operation via icons, Ethernet and USB, 203 or 300 dpi |
| PM65 with touch LCD | Full touch display, optionally with WLAN and Bluetooth |
| PM65 with dispenser | Integrated self-strip unit with liner take-up, label-taken sensor optional |
Accessories
- Cutter module for linered and linerless labels (PC45)
- Self-strip module with label-taken sensor (PC45)
- External media holder (PC45)
- Cutter and full rewinder for labels or liner (PM65)
- Industrial, applicator and parallel interface boards (PM65)
- Cellular modem (both models)
Brady PC45 or Zebra ZD621?
| Brady PC45 | Zebra ZD621 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max. print width | 108 mm (203 dpi), 106 mm (300 dpi) | 104 mm (203 dpi), 108 mm (300 dpi) |
| Max. print speed | 203 mm/s | 203 mm/s |
| Operation | 3.5-inch colour display | LEDs or 4.3-inch colour touch display |
| Printer languages | Fingerprint, Direct Protocol, IPL, DPL, ZSim2 (ZPL-II) | ZPL II, EPL 2, emulation via app |
| WLAN | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 5 |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to 45 °C | 4.4 °C to 41 °C |
| Manufacturer warranty | 2 years | at least 2 years from shipment |
Both printers play in the same class. The deciding factors are usually your existing printer fleet and your templates: if you work with Fingerprint, IPL or DPL, the PC45 keeps you close to your templates. In pure ZPL environments the ZD621 is the obvious choice, and it also comes in factory RFID, healthcare and linerless versions. Go to Zebra ZD621
What OPAL adds
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the PC45d and PC45t?
The PC45d prints direct thermal only and also suits linerless labels and receipt paper. The PC45t prints thermal transfer with a ribbon and, according to the manufacturer, also handles direct thermal media. Print width, languages and interfaces are the same.
When do I need the PM65 instead of the PC45?
When labels are wider than 108 mm, when volumes are high or when the printer is to be connected to machinery. The PM65 prints up to 167.4 mm wide, takes rolls up to 213 mm and 450 m ribbons and offers an industrial and an applicator interface.
Can I keep using my ZPL templates?
Both models understand ZPL-II via the ZSim2 emulation. In many cases existing templates run without changes. We test your templates before you switch.
Do the PC45 and PM65 replace older Intermec printers?
Both understand Fingerprint, Direct Protocol and IPL. This often allows older Intermec printers to be replaced without new templates. We check with you which adjustments are needed.
How do I manage many printers centrally?
According to the manufacturer, PrintSet 5, a web interface and SNMPv3 are available for this. On request, we handle network setup and integration with your ERP system.
Data sheets and manufacturer information
The manufacturer provides data sheets, user guides and configuration guides on the product page. We are also happy to send you the documents directly.
Suitable alternatives
