1. Including CLP 521Z, CLP 621Z and CLP 631Z versions
Product Presentation
Citizen CLP 521, CLP 621 and CLP 631
Including CLP 521Z, CLP 621Z and CLP 631Z versions

2. Versions and variants - Model Print Type Resolution Emulation DT TT
200dpi
300dpi
Datamax®
Zebra®
CLP 521 -
CLP 621
CLP 631
CLP 521Z
CLP 621Z
CLP 631Z
®Datamax is a registered trademark of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation. ®Zebra is a registered trademark of ZIH Corp.

3. Low Cost Of Ownership Easy operation Intuitive (logical) actions
Minimum training
No operating mistakes
High reliability
Minimum downtime
Maximum operational uptime
Confidence in product
Low print head pricing
Running costs kept low

4. Printer Features Large internal roll Metal Hi-Lift mechanism
The metal construction gives strength and durability for reliable performance and long life and opens wide for easy access
5” (125mm) outside diameter roll capacity.
High-impact plastic case with media viewing window
Large internal roll
Colour Coded!
Highly visible colour-coded mechanism adjustment and head release levers for easy-of-use
Hi-Lift printhead and drop-in media holder. Still the simplest media loading on any printer.
Easy load media
Simple Control
4 buttons for easy control and a sophisticated menu system for “power users”
Adjustable sensor
Adjustable reflective (black mark) and transmissive (label gap) sensor as standard.

5. Mechanism Features Large 360m ribbons Easy to close
A large press button clearly marked “PUSH” for easy closure of the mechanism makes for easy operation
75mm, 3 inch roll outside diameter and 1 inch cores – industry standard.
No need for specialist ribbons and core sizes. Ink in or ink out capable
Ribbon changing and installation is completed in seconds, not minutes meaning minimum downtime.
Large accessible ribbon holders
Media width
Easily set the width of the media. Factory default is “9” for media more than 90mm
Media thickness
Easily adjust for thicker media such as cards and tickets
Easy to open
Simple to operate mechanism release lever
Large 360m ribbons
Mechanism Features

6. What is ARCP ? Active Ribbon Control & Positioning
Accurate print positioning
Print accurately in boxes
Print near to edge of labels
No Ribbon Wrinkle
No stripes through text & barcodes
No faulty barcodes causing downtime
No smudges or black marks
No leading and trailing edge smudging
Clean, professional output
Printed with ARCP
Printed without ARCP
Smudges & black marks
Inaccurate positioning
Ribbon wrinkle
Active Ribbon Control & Positioning
What is ARCP ?

7. How does ARCP work? How does it work? Simpler to change ribbons
By keeping even tension on ribbon at all times from start to end of the ribbon
Simpler to change ribbons
No setup or adjustment required
Less user training
Lower operational costs
Large unused ribbon
Small used ribbon roll
The variation in tension between ‘start’ and ‘end’ of the ribbon is related to the size of the rolls.
Small unused
Large used roll
ARCP automatically balances this tension to give better print quality and no ribbon wrinkle
How does ARCP work?

8. Power & Connectivity Features
Internal power supply
Integral internal power supply for greater reliability and safety.
NO ‘external brick’ (which is easily unplugged, unreliable & less powerful)
Internal network options
Undo two screws and slide out the parallel interface and replace with an Ethernet 10/100 or Wireless LAN interface
Standard interfaces
Serial RS232C
industry standard
up to 115,000 baud / bps
Parallel IEEE1284
high speed transfer
plug-and-play compatible in Windows
USB
- the new industry standard
- Windows plug-and-play

9. All Metal Mechanism Full metal mechanism
To ensure the highest reliability, the mechanism is a self-contained unit made from metal.
Citizen’s policy of engineering excellence ensures the most robust design.
It also means that it is easy to recycle compared to plastic mechanism printers.

10. Features mean benefits
The Features
The Benefits
Easy operation
Colour coded mechanism
Users learn the printers quickly – minimum training
Metal Mechanism
Internal Power Supply
Reliability – low failure and maximum uptime
Easy Media Loading
Easy Ribbon Loading
ARCP System
Quickly changing of supplies – maximum uptime
Large diameter ribbons
Large internal roll
Minimum stoppages and maximum uptime

11. Low Cost Of Ownership Easy operation = Lowest Cost Of Ownership
Robust design
No failures
Confidence in product
Intuitive, logical actions
Minimum training
No operating mistakes
High reliability
Easy operation
Minimum downtime
Maximum operational uptime
= Lowest Cost Of Ownership

12. Specification Overview
Model
CLP 521, CLP 521Z
CLP 621, CLP 621Z
CLP 631, CLP 631Z
Technology
Direct Thermal
Thermal Transfer
Resolution
200 dpi (8 dots / mm)
300 dpi (12 dots / mm)
Ribbon
n/a
360 metre (75mm OD) capacity. Ink side in or out.
Print Speed
4 inches / second, 100 mm / second
Media Width
4.1 inch, 104 mm printable width, 4.65 inch, 118 mm media width
Media capacity
5 inch (125 mm) internal paper roll. 8 inch (200mm) external roll holder.
Media Sensor
Adjustable sensor as standard, both see-through (gap) and black-mark
Fonts
Scalable & Smooth on board including true-type font support as standard
Memory
8Mb RAM, 2Mb Flash on board
½Mb RAM and ½Mb flash available for user download
Interface
1284 Parallel, RS232C Serial & USB standard
Ethernet and Wireless LAN are easy-install options

13. Adjustable Media Sensor
Adjustable Sensor
The standard sensor is adjustable from the left to the centre of the media allowing for all media types.
It is a see-through (label gap and notch) and reflective (black mark) sensor
Flexible Media Capabilities
The adjustable sensor is designed to pick up unusually shaped labels. A left-fixed sensor (red line) would miss this label. A middle-fixed sensor (blue line) would work as would an adjustable sensor (green line)
A left-fixed sensor (red line) would potentially miss this label. A middle-fixed sensor (blue line) would not work as it only see the central gap between labels. Only the adjustable sensor (green line) would work.

14. Cut & Peel Options Peeler Option Cutter Option
Cutter and peeler are easily connected without opening the main printer case.
High speed guillotine auto-cutter. Especially good for ticketing
Peeler Option
New generation “peeler with label taken sensor” has silicone rollers for better “anti-clogging” with glue.
Cutter Option

15. Typical Applications CLP 521 CLP 621 Parcel Shipping
Mail Shot Labelling
Food & Date Coding
Ticketing
Retail Point-Of-Sale
(Alternative for ’mini printer’ applications)
CLP 621
General Office Use
Stock Labelling
Vehicle Licence Plates
Banner Printing

16. Typical Applications CLP 631 Wristband Printing EAN Barcodes (Retail)
Rating Plates / Serial Numbers / Asset Labels
Compliance Logos (CE / WEEE)
Any Small Labels
2D barcoding

17. Printing Capacity Typical Label Size: 4” x 4” (100 x 100mm)
Technically, the printers are capable of:
One label per second
60 labels per minute
3600 labels per hour (continuous run)
2880 labels per day (10% running, 8 hours / day)
Internal 5-inch roll, 1-inch core
Typically 750 labels per roll
= Continuous running would use a roll every 12.5 minutes!
External 8-inch roll, 3-inch core = 1500 labels/roll
= Continuous running uses a roll every 25 minutes

18. How many labels per day? Realistic Suggested Usage:
2 rolls of media per day (internal rolls)
Approximately 6,000 inches (150,000 mm) per day
To calculate usage in labels:
Divide 6,000 by label length in inches
Or divide 150,000 by label length in mm
For example: 2 inch long labels (address labels)
6,000 / 2 = 3,000 labels per day (or 150,000 / 50 mm)
For example: 6 inch long labels (courier labels)
6,000 / 6 = 1,000 labels per day (or 150,000 / 150 mm)
If there is more than one label per row, just multiply result by labels per row.

19. Printer & Head Warranty
Two Year Warranty
Two year warranty on the printer (excluding print head)
Print head warranty is:
50Km in thermal transfer mode
30Km in direct thermal mode
Or 6 months, whichever comes soonest
Warranty = minimum life – reality will be more
Why not include ‘free lifetime print heads’?
Typical 4”x4” labels: 750 per roll = 75metres / roll
Assume minimum distance of 50Km = 666 rolls
The reality is likely to many more rolls
Print head cost per roll = €0.28 or £0.18 list price
Include as part of the media roll cost
Keeps customer loyal to your consumable supply

20. Network Card Installation
Undo two screws and slide out the parallel interface. Disconnect the cable.
Remove existing
Reconnect the cable. Slide module back in to case and insert two screws to secure. A configuration print will show “LAN” in the optional interfaces section
Install new
Ethernet
10 / 100 full and half-duplex auto or manual configuration.
Wireless LAN
802.11b compliant. Usual wireless LAN security features such as WEP, if required.

21. Cutter Installation Cutter Option Installation Auto-Configuration
The autocutter is ordered as one part number from Citizen - part (Some other Citizen cutters needed a module and mounting kit.)
The cutter itself is supplied in two parts – the mounting frame (right) and cutter unit (left)
Cutter Option
The cutter is easily installed with a cross-point screwdriver. There is no need to open the main case of the printer, just a connector and side cover.
Installation
Auto-Configuration
The printer will automatically sense the cutter has been installed and enable it straight away.
The cutter is ideal for tickets, tags and labels.

22. Peeler Installation Peeler Option Installation Auto-Configuration
New generation “peeler with label taken sensor”
The peeler now has silicone rollers for better “anti-clogging” with glue. Citizen part number
The peeler is easily installed with a cross-point screwdriver. There is no need to open the main case of the printer, just a connector and side cover.
Installation
Auto-Configuration
The printer will automatically sense the peeler has been installed and enable it straight away.

23. Narrow Media & Wristbands
Large wide media holder plate pressing against wide side-wall of printer
How NOT to handle narrow media
Some other manufacturers printers are not particularly well suited to holding wristbands (“spaghetti”)
Expensive media gets damaged and stuck too easily
Narrowest adjustment point still not good enough for paediatric wristbands.
Citizen printers are designed for narrow media
Fully adjustable media sensor (needed for unusually shaped media).
Media adjuster capable of narrow media of 12.5mm (½-inch)

24. Citizen Desktop to Mid Range
Series
2001
1001
“Tried And Tested” – for existing installations and those who must have an LCD
Metal Case
7 inches / second
8 inch internal media roll
ARCP ribbon system
USB standard
Ethernet option
LCD panel
CLP 521
CLP 621
CLP 631
Excellent pricing
Newest technology
Fast processing speed
USB, serial & parallel
300 dpi option
Networking options
5 inch internal roll

25. Migration Plan (Citizen)
For customer currently using Citizen CLP 1001 or CLP 2001 printers, the upgrade path is simple:
Internal media roll
Faster processing speed
Internal networking options
USB port
More configuration options
On-board flash
TrueType font support
International characters
No LCD panel

26. Migration Plan (Datamax)
E-Class
M-Class
Prodigy Plus
Allegro
Argox
OS / R series
Citizen
CLP-521
CLP-621
For customers using Datamax® or printers with DMX emulation:

27. Migration Plan (Zebra)
TLP / LP 2844Z
S4M
Stripe S600
Citizen
CLP-521Z
CLP-621Z
Printronix with ZPL
Intermec with Zsim
Argox with PPLZ
For customers using Zebra® or printers with ZPL and ZPL-II emulation:

28. Competitor Overview Manufacturer Citizen Zebra Datamax TEC Intermec
All specifications based on manufacturers datasheets and reference material which are not always particularly clear or accurate!
Manufacturer
Citizen
Zebra
Datamax
TEC
Intermec
Godex
Argox
Sato
DT version
TT version
CLP 521
CLP 621
LP2844
TLP2844
E4204
B-SV4D
B-SV4T C4
C4’TT’
EZ-1200
A200
CX400
Speed, ips 4 5
Ribbon length (metre)
360 74
110
300 91
100
Ribbon tension system
Yes No
Standard DPI
Option DPI
200
Parallel
RS232 Serial
Internal USB
Internal Ethernet
Internal WiFi
Enhanced
Standard
Option
Mechanism
Metal
Plastic
Internal Power Supply
Internal Roll inch (mm) External Roll option
5” (125)
8” (200)
Media Sensor
Adjustable
Fixed
Max print length in/mm
32” (800)
11” (280)
24” (600)
18” (470)
68” (999)
45” (1150)
50” (1270)

29. Competitor Products Analysis
Competitors include
Zebra TLP,LP 2844 (Z) *
Datamax E-4204 *
Intermec C4, PC4 *
TEC B-SV4D, SV4T *
* competitor products reviewed in this document
Sato CX200DT
CAB A2/Gemini
Argox OS214
Godex EZ1200

30. Zebra “2844” Overview
The “2844” features a number of models including the LP (direct thermal) and the TLP-2844 (thermal transfer)
The “non-Z” printer is based on the Eltron machines and uses the EPL2 emulation. The 2844-Z variants use a faster and more expensive motherboard to provide Zebra ZPL2 emulation.
The power supply is an external box power supply provided by 3rd party in Taiwan
Mechanism is all-plastic although the printer does feel quite strong.
Standard ports on the rear include parallel, 9-pin serial and USB and a DC power input and switch.
Internal Ethernet option only available as a factory-installed option.
Power DC
Switch In USB Parallel Serial

31. Zebra “2844” Pros & Cons Disadvantages of the 2844 Plastic mechanism
Loose plastic media guides
Complex & frustrating media installation
Poor support for narrow media
External power supply
Fixed media sensor
Small ribbon capacity: Just 74 metres
No ribbon tension adjustment possible
Standard Parallel (not enhanced)
9-pin serial connector, not 25-pin
Less RAM and flash, shorter print length
Advantages of the 2844
EPL2 emulation
Cheap, light duty peeler option
Compact size & light weight

32. Zebra “2844” Detail „ ƒ  … † ‚ ˆ ‡
Citizen Product Marketing Department’s opinion is:
The 2844 features sprung-loaded media holders  which are a little lose but do hold a range of media core sizes well.
The centrally-aligned media guides ‚ are moved left & right by a knob on the right side. They are very lose but functional.
The top case is held open by a stay at the rear ƒ but it is not obvious how to close the mechanism and this can be frustrating.
Ribbon loading (TLP model) is in the top of the printer. „
The media sensor is fixed in the middle of the print area. …
Platen removal is quite easy although the clips are very thin and easy- to-break. † ‚ ƒ „ … † ‡ ˆ
Model shown includes an optional factory- installed peeler for very light-duty work. ‡
When closing the top cover, it is easy (tempting) to touch the printhead surface ˆ which will contaminate it very quickly.

33. Intermec PC4 Overview
The Intermec PC4 features a DT and TT version. However, the price difference between the two is small and therefore the TT version is most popular
Previously called the “C4” – upgraded to PC4
A ‘double clamshell’ mechanism is a nice way to load ribbon, although you still have to feed it through the printer rather than the ease of Citizen clamshell system
The PC4 features an EPL emulation which gives it an advantage when replacing old Eltron printers.
Alternative version PC41 features IPL emulation.
The printer is actually made by Godex in Taiwan. Godex are now supplying their own version called the EZ1200 as well as the Intermec version.
Power DC USB present on newer versions
Switch In Parallel Serial

34. Intermec PC4 Pros & Cons Disadvantages of the PC4
All plastic mechanism
External power supply
Fixed media sensor
Small ribbon capacity: only 91 metres and uses special half-inch ribbon cores
No ribbon tension adjustment possible
External Ethernet (Currently no WiFi)
Standard Parallel, not enhanced
9-pin serial connector, not 25-pin
Advantages of the PC4
EPL emulation
Light duty peeler standard
Nice double clamshell system

35. Intermec PC4 Detail „ … ˆ ƒ  † ‚ ‡
Citizen Product Marketing Department’s opinion is:
The centrally-aligned media guides  are moved left & right by a knob on the right side ‚ The mechanism is precise.
The media holder ƒ clips in to the case nicely. It has two ‘directions’ for different core sizes (40mm, 25mm)
The ‘double clamshell’ mechanism „ where the ribbons is installed, is one of the unique design features. Even so, the ribbon must be fed through a slot in the mechanism … and the sticky ribbon end can easily get tangled.
Ribbon is only 91metre length – quite short.
The black-mark and label gap media sensor is fixed in the middle of the print area † and cannot be moved..
Light-duty peeler is a standard fitment ‡
When closing the top cover, it is easy (tempting) to touch the printhead surface ˆ which will contaminate it very quickly. ‚ ƒ „ … † ‡ ˆ

36. TEC B-SV4 Overview
The TEC B-SV4D is the direct thermal version. The B-SV4T is the thermal transfer version.
The printer uses a TEC emulation
The product is well designed, all plastic, but does feel very strong and robust.
The power supply is an external box power supply provided by 3rd party in China
Standard ports on the rear include parallel, 9-pin serial and USB and a DC power input and switch.
The printer is actually produced by TSC – Taiwan Semiconductor. TSC’s own printers are the TDP245 and TTP245 printers.
Servicing is good with easy to replace print heads and platens.
DC Power
USB Parallel Serial Input Switch

37. TEC B-SV4 Pros & Cons Disadvantages of the B-SV4 All plastic mechanism
External power supply
Fixed label gap sensor (moveable black mark)
External Ethernet
Standard parallel, not enhanced
9-pin serial connector, not 25-pin
25Km printhead life
No industry standard emulations reported although a programmable interpreter is available
Advantages of the B-SV4
Print speed up to 5 ips
Compact size

38. TEC B-SV4 Detail  ‚ ƒ „ … ‡ ˆ †
Citizen Product Marketing Department’s opinion is:
The media guides  are aligned centrally by a knob on the right side ‚. However the media holder ƒ must be adjusted manually leading to potential media alignment problems.
The lower sensor „ (for black mark detection) is adjustable by sliding from side to side. However, it is not clear how to align this with the upper sensor … for the label gap mode!
Options for light-duty peeler and an autocutter can be installed at the front of the printer †
Platen ‡ and printhead ˆ removal and exchange are easily done without any tools. ‚ ƒ „ … ‡ ˆ †

39. Datamax E-Class Overview
The “E-Class” features 3 models, but the most common is the E4203 which is a 3ips 200 dpi model
They are of an old-design and is certainly showing its age compared to the other machines.
The large external power supply is very heavy and bulky.
The mechanism is almost all-plastic. It uses low quality black plastic making it look very “cheap” .
Although it is clamshell, the mechanism does not have a straight paper path and the head assembly is not spring loaded.
Standard ports on the rear include parallel, 9-pin serial a DC power input and switch.
Sensor DC Power
Adjust Parallel Serial In Switch

40. Datamax E-Class Pros & Cons
Disadvantages of the E-Class
Plastic mechanism
Looks very low build quality
Large external power supply
Fixed media sensor
Non-straight media path
Standard Parallel (not enhanced)
9-pin serial connector, not 25-pin
External Ethernet option only
No other emulations (just DPL)
Advantages of the E-class
Cheap, light duty peeler option

41. Datamax E-Class Detail
Citizen Product Marketing Department’s opinion is:
The E-class has a simple left-align media holder 
The printer’s mechanism is nicely colour-coded but this doesn’t detract from the poorly-finished black plastic throughout the interior with moulding patterns everywhere!
Label loading is simple although the unusual paper path that curves down then sharply up again is confusing. The media holder  is tipped back at an angle as well.
Ribbon loading on the thermal transfer model is quite straightforward but still requires the ribbon to be “fed through” the mechanism at one point. „
The media sensor is fixed at the left of the print area. …
Platen removal is difficult but head changing easier
A very light duty peeler is installed although the present sensor is optional. † ‚ ƒ „ … †

42. Application: Banner Printing
CLP 621 with K-012 external keyboard
Ribbons for flowers and gifts
Application written by Citizen In Europe
Standard printer and keyboard

43. Application: Vehicle Licence Plates
CLP 621 with K-012 external keyboard
Suitable for certain countries only that use plastic number plates, e.g. UK, France, Portugal.
Application written by Citizen in Europe
Standard 621 printer
Paper tray modification for single sheets
Printing using reflective material and then laminate with adhesive-backed clear acrylic

44. CLP 621V: In-Line Validation
Barcode scanner installed on front of printer
Checks readability and validates every barcode
Custom error print to alert users to any errors
Can even be programmed to show a helpdesk phone number.
CLP 621V “CitiSafe” special version

45. Citizen Systems Europe
Thank you