SATO S84NX and S86NX
Key facts
The S84NX and S86NX are SATO's print engines for 4 and 6 inch print widths. According to the shop, they replace the predecessors S84-ex and S86-ex. Both models share operation, interfaces and printer languages; they differ in print width, resolution and speed. 609 dpi is only available on the S84NX.
For integration, both come with an EXT interface (DSUB 25-pin) for machine signals as standard, plus Ethernet, RS-232C, USB and NFC. With AEP (Application Enabled Printing), applications run directly on the printer, for example to connect to a PLC or to operate without a PC. We plan installation in your line and integration with your ERP system via OPAL Labelmanagement™ with you.
- Label applicators and print-and-apply systems in logistics and production
- Shipping and pallet labels up to 167.5 mm print width (S86NX)
- Small product labels at 609 dpi (S84NX)
- RFID labels on automated lines (thermal transfer model)
- Replacing the predecessors S84-ex and S86-ex
- Standalone industrial tabletop printer: Zebra ZT411 / ZT421
- Low volumes at the workstation: Zebra ZD621 or Brady PC45
- Mobile printing at the shelf or in vehicles: Zebra ZQ600 Plus
- Multi-colour labels: Epson ColorWorks
Detailed specifications
| S84NX | S86NX | |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Print engine, 4 in | Print engine, 6 in |
| Version | left-hand or right-hand (LH, RH) | same as left |
| Print method | Thermal transfer and direct thermal, or direct thermal only | same as left |
| Resolution | 203, 305 or 609 dpi | 203 or 305 dpi |
| Max. print speed | 406.4 mm/s (203 dpi), 355.6 mm/s (305 dpi), 152.4 mm/s (609 dpi) | 355.6 mm/s (203 dpi), 304.8 mm/s (305 dpi) |
| Max. print width | 104 mm | 167.5 mm |
| Media width | 13 to 131 mm | 54 to 180 mm |
| Ribbon | 450 m (under 39.5 mm width) or 600 m, 25.4 mm core | 600 m, 25.4 mm core |
| Operation | 3.5-inch colour LCD, 9 buttons, LED light bars | same as left |
| Standard interfaces | USB 2.0 (device and 2 × host), Ethernet 10/100, RS-232C, EXT I/O (DSUB 25-pin), NFC | same as left |
| Optional interfaces | WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual band, Wi-Fi Direct | same as left |
| Printer languages | SBPL, AEP; SZPL, SDPL, SIPL emulations with automatic detection, STCPL; direct PDF printing, XML | same as left |
| RFID | UHF 868 to 960 MHz, ISO 18000-6 Type C, EPC Gen 2; thermal transfer model only | same as left |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 245 × 408 × 300 mm | 245 × 417 × 300 mm |
| Weight | 14.1 kg (thermal transfer), 12.7 kg (direct thermal) | 15.5 kg (thermal transfer), 14.0 kg (direct thermal) |
| Operating temperature | -5 °C to 40 °C | same as left |
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 |
|---|---|
| S84NX thermal transfer | 203, 305 or 609 dpi, left-hand or right-hand, RFID option |
| S84NX direct thermal | No ribbon, 12.7 kg |
| S86NX thermal transfer | 203 or 305 dpi, left-hand or right-hand, RFID option |
| S86NX direct thermal | No ribbon, 14.0 kg |
| S86NX RFID | Thermal transfer with UHF RFID, 203 or 305 dpi, left-hand or right-hand |
Accessories
- Printheads in 203, 305 and 609 dpi (609 dpi S84NX only)
- Platen roller
- S8NX WLAN kit
- Adapter from the EXT interface to Amphenol 14-pin (S84NX)
- Cleaning kit
SATO S84NX / S86NX or Zebra ZT411 / ZT421?
| SATO S84NX / S86NX | Zebra ZT411 / ZT421 | |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Print engine for integration | Industrial tabletop printer |
| Version | left-hand or right-hand | not specified |
| Max. print width | 104 / 167.5 mm | 104 / 168 mm |
| Resolution | 203, 305, 609 dpi (609 S84NX only) | 203, 300, 600 dpi (600 ZT411 only) |
| Max. print speed | 406.4 / 355.6 mm/s | 356 / 305 mm/s |
| Machine connection | EXT I/O as standard | Applicator interface optional |
| Operation | 3.5-inch colour LCD with buttons | 4.3-inch colour touch display |
For integration into a label applicator or print-and-apply system, the S84NX and S86NX are the obvious choice: they come in left-hand and right-hand versions, the EXT interface is standard and they print faster at 203 dpi. The ZT411 and ZT421 are standalone tabletop printers with a touch display, where the applicator interface is an option. Go to Zebra ZT411 / ZT421
What OPAL adds
Frequently asked questions
What does left-hand or right-hand (LH, RH) mean?
SATO builds the print engines in a left-hand and a right-hand version so that they fit the mounting position in the applicator. Which one you need depends on the layout and running direction of your line. The shop shows a sketch of the label path.
Do the S84NX and S86NX replace my S84-ex and S86-ex?
According to the shop, the S84NX replaces the S84-ex and the S86NX replaces the S86-ex. We check with you before the swap whether mounting, signals and templates of your line fit.
Will templates in other printer languages run?
In addition to SATO's own SBPL language, the engines process the SZPL, SDPL and SIPL emulations and detect them automatically. STCPL and direct PDF printing are also supported. We test your templates before the changeover.
What is AEP?
AEP stands for Application Enabled Printing. It lets applications run directly on the printer, for example to connect to a PLC or peripherals, or to print without a PC. According to the manufacturer, the AEP Utility and AEP Works tools are built in.
Can the engines encode RFID labels?
Yes, as an option for the thermal transfer model. UHF from 868 to 960 MHz to ISO 18000-6 Type C and EPC Gen 2 is supported. We clarify with SATO which labels and inlays are approved for your application.
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
