When testing a new printer make/model with EPP, the printer may not already be certified and implemented in the make and models options lists. Selecting an available printer option with similar attributes may produce successful prints.
Many printers will have their native printing language and supported fonts/symbologies/graphic types/etc but may also support emulation/interpretation of other printing language options. For example, ZPL is a very commonly supported printing language option on many printer makes and models.
Alternative Model Considerations
The primary considerations are the supported printing language, fonts, barcode options, and resolution.
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Printing Language.
EPP primarily supports the following printing languages:-
ZPL, Zebra
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IPL, Intermec
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PCL5e, HP/laserjet & compatible
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SBPL, Sato
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PGL, Printronix
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DPL, Datamax
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Resolution.
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Measured in DPI, this is an important spec which will impact the scaling of printouts.
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For example, using a 300 DPI printer with 203 DPI EPP label template designs will result in visually shrunken text, barcodes, etc.
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Make sure your EPP label templates are designed for a resolution compatible with the intended printers.
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Fonts.
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Each printer model may support various different font options.
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Most printers will have base supported fonts with extended/external font options potentially available.
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Barcodes
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Similarly, each printer language & model options may have specific supported barcodes.
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The scaling and supported characters can vary based on the printer model; like how large they can render a QR code or which codes work in UCC/EAN 128 barcodes, etc.
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EPP Configuration Considerations
There are a few additional configuration and usage considerations to keep in mind, when adding new printer models to an EPP environment.
EPP Printer Profile Options
SOCKET Printers
When configuring an EPP SOCKET printer in the ‘Admin > Printer Admin > Setup’ page, the printer make and model selection, as well as the interpreter selection, will dictate how EPP checks for printer conditions/states OR implements settings overrides commands (if configured). When monitoring is enabled, EPP may also send more frequent status commands to the printer in order to identify statuses like the printer being paused, out of label stock, is open, jammed, or other potential states the printer might be able to self report/diagnose.
LOCAL Printers
If using the LOCAL printer profile option, then EPP will simply use a ‘System Printer’ mapping to route all print jobs for the EPP printer profile, to the assigned Windows or Linux system spooler queue, where the defined Site service is installed.
The EPP LOCAL printer option is especially recommended if using a printer that is emulating a non-native printing language; like how many non-Zebra printer manufacturers offer ZPL emulation support with some of their printers, as the emulations may not support the native status checks that EPP SOCKET printer communications normally receive.
See ‘Guidelines for Creating LOCAL Printer Profiles’ for more details about configuring EPP Local Printers for Windows Spooler or Linux Cups queues.
EPP Label Template Designs
The printer model options set in a label template design will dictate which printing language is used for any print requests sent to any printer, as well as determine which options are available for objects/parameters used in the label design.