SATO CL408NX Labels & Ribbons
IndustrialCL-NX / CL-NX Plus / CL-SXR
The SATO CL408NX is an industrial thermal transfer and direct thermal printer, one of 11 models in the CL-NX / CL-NX Plus / CL-SXR range. Media loads as rolls up to 8.6" in diameter on cores of 3" / 4", and fanfold stacks are supported too. Ribbons run up to 1,968 ft, 5.04" wide, on a 1" core. It prints up to 4.09" wide and takes media up to 5.04".
SATO CL408NX media specifications
- Printing technology
- Thermal transfer + Direct thermal
- Maximum print width
- 4.09"
- Maximum media width
- 5.04"
- Roll core sizes
- 3" / 4"
- Maximum roll diameter
- 8.6"
- Fanfold media
- Yes
- Ribbon core
- 1"
- Maximum ribbon width
- 5.04"
- Maximum ribbon length
- 1,968 ft (600 m)
- Ribbon ink side
- Either — face in or face out
Verified Specifications checked against the manufacturer’s published documentation.
SATO CL408NX — Frequently Asked Questions
What printing method does the SATO CL408NX use?
The SATO CL408NX does both. In thermal transfer mode it prints through a ribbon for durable, long-life labels; in direct thermal mode it prints straight onto heat-sensitive stock with no ribbon at all, which is how most shipping labels are produced.
Which thermal transfer ribbons fit the SATO CL408NX?
The SATO CL408NX takes thermal transfer ribbons up to 5.04" wide, up to 1,968 ft (600 m) long, on a 1" core, wound either coated side in or out. Wax suits coated paper labels, wax-resin handles synthetics and heavier handling, and full resin is the choice for chemical, solvent and outdoor exposure.
Which label sizes can the SATO CL408NX print?
The SATO CL408NX accepts media up to 5.04" wide, with a maximum print width of 4.09". Any narrower label will run as well, so long as the roll core and outside diameter also fit the media bay — width alone is not enough.
Which roll cores and diameters suit the SATO CL408NX?
The SATO CL408NX takes rolls on 3" / 4" cores, with a maximum roll diameter of 8.6". A roll on a larger core will not seat on the spindle, and one over the diameter limit will not let the cover close.
Does the SATO CL408NX take 3-inch core rolls?
Yes — 3" cores are the industrial standard and the SATO CL408NX is built for them, which is what lets it hold the large-diameter rolls that keep reload stops down.
Why won't my label roll fit the SATO CL408NX?
Three things stop a roll loading in this printer: the roll is over 8.6" in diameter; the core is not 3" / 4". Label width is usually the first thing people check and the least likely culprit — core size is the common one.
Can the SATO CL408NX print on synthetic or outdoor labels?
Yes. Because the SATO CL408NX prints thermal transfer, it can image polypropylene, polyester and other synthetic facestocks that direct thermal printers cannot mark. Pair them with a wax-resin or full resin ribbon; wax will not anchor properly to a synthetic surface.
Where can I buy labels and ribbons for the SATO CL408NX in Canada?
Vantage Labels stocks blank thermal labels and printer ribbons that fit the SATO CL408NX, shipped from Canadian stock. Everything listed on this page has been checked against the printer's published media specifications — width, core, roll diameter and ribbon format — rather than matched on the printer's name.
Labels & ribbons that fit the SATO CL408NX
See all compatible products in the shop →
Labels 27 products
Ribbons 5 products
What won’t fit the SATO CL408NX
We check every product against this printer’s published limits, so it’s worth knowing what we deliberately don’t recommend for it — these are the mistakes that cost a return.
Wrong ribbon configuration (core size / ink side) for this printer.
For example: 4.33″ x 243ft Wax Ribbon (Eltron); 4.02″ x 1181ft Wax-Resin Ribbon (Datamax); 4.17″ x 1969ft Wax-Resin Ribbon (Tec) and 10 more.
Ribbon is 5.12" wide; this printer takes up to 5.04".
For example: 5.12″ x 1476ft Wax Ribbon (Zebra); 5.98″ x 1476ft Wax Ribbon (Zebra); 6.50″ x 1476ft Wax Ribbon (Zebra).
Other CL-NX / CL-NX Plus / CL-SXR models
Different printer? Look it up on the printer index. Unsure about a spec? Contact us — we’ll confirm before you order.
