SATO WS408 Labels & Ribbons
DesktopWS2 / WS4 Desktop
The SATO WS408 is a desktop thermal transfer and direct thermal printer, one of 4 models in the WS2 / WS4 Desktop range. Ribbons run up to 984 ft, 4.33" wide, on a 1" core. Media loads as rolls up to 5" in diameter on cores of 1" / 1.5", and fanfold stacks are supported too. It prints up to 4.09" wide and takes media up to 4.64".
SATO WS408 media specifications
- Printing technology
- Thermal transfer + Direct thermal
- Maximum print width
- 4.09"
- Maximum media width
- 4.64"
- Roll core sizes
- 1" / 1.5"
- Maximum roll diameter
- 5"
- Fanfold media
- Yes
- Ribbon core
- 1"
- Maximum ribbon width
- 4.33"
- Maximum ribbon length
- 984 ft (300 m)
- Ribbon ink side
- Either — face in or face out
Verified Specifications checked against the manufacturer’s published documentation.
SATO WS408 — Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SATO WS408 need a ribbon to print?
The SATO WS408 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.
What ribbon width and length fit the SATO WS408?
The SATO WS408 takes thermal transfer ribbons up to 4.33" wide, up to 984 ft (300 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.
What is the maximum label width for the SATO WS408?
The SATO WS408 accepts media up to 4.64" 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.
What size label rolls fit inside the SATO WS408?
The SATO WS408 takes rolls on 1" / 1.5" cores, with a maximum roll diameter of 5". A roll on a larger core will not seat on the spindle, and one over the diameter limit will not let the cover close.
Can the SATO WS408 print 4" × 6" shipping labels?
Yes — 4" × 6" sits inside this printer's media width, and it prints them as direct thermal with no ribbon, which is the standard setup for courier and marketplace labels.
Can the SATO WS408 use fanfold labels?
Yes. The SATO WS408 accepts fan-folded stacks as well as rolls. A fanfold box holds far more labels than a roll of equivalent footprint, so it is the cheaper way to run high volume — the trade-off is bench space behind the printer.
Does the SATO WS408 take 3-inch core rolls?
No. The SATO WS408 takes 1" / 1.5" cores. A 3" core roll — the usual industrial format — will not fit its spindle, so check the core before ordering, not just the label size.
Where can I buy labels and ribbons for the SATO WS408 in Canada?
Vantage Labels stocks blank thermal labels and printer ribbons that fit the SATO WS408, 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 WS408
See all compatible products in the shop →
Labels 8 products
What won’t fit the SATO WS408
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 35 more.
Ribbon is 1345 ft; this printer holds up to 984 ft.
For example: 4.33″ x 1345ft Wax Ribbon (Sato); 4.02″ x 1345ft Wax Ribbon (Sato).
Other WS2 / WS4 Desktop models
Different printer? Look it up on the printer index. Unsure about a spec? Contact us — we’ll confirm before you order.
