How to print Barcodes using LabVIEW & Zebra ZPL

Learn how PROLABS integrates LabVIEW with Zebra barcode printers using ZPL and NI VISA for automated barcode printing, print Barcodes using LabVIEW & Zebra ZPL, UUT identification and test traceability.

PROLABS Engineering Team

9/25/20262 min read

Barcode printing is an important part of industrial automation, product identification and test traceability. In automated manufacturing and testing, barcode labels can be generated and printed automatically based on product information such as serial number, part number, batch number and test identification.

At PROLABS, we integrate industrial Zebra barcode printers with LabVIEW-based automation systems to create customized barcode printing solutions for test rigs and production systems.

Zebra Barcode Printers and ZPL

Zebra industrial barcode printers are widely used for automated label printing. These printers can be controlled programmatically using ZPL (Zebra Programming Language).

ZPL allows the automation software to define the complete label format, including:

  • Text and serial numbers

  • 1D and 2D barcodes

  • QR codes

  • Position and size

  • Fonts and orientation

  • Product-specific information

Instead of manually creating each label, the LabVIEW application can dynamically generate the required ZPL commands and send them to the printer.

LabVIEW-Based Automated Barcode Printing

LabVIEW can act as the main control application for the barcode printing process.

For example, when a new UUT (Unit Under Test) enters a test station, the application can:

Generate/Receive Serial Number → Create Barcode Data → Generate ZPL → Send to Zebra Printer → Print Label → Start Test

The barcode information can then be associated with the complete test record of that UUT.

Controlling the Printer Using NI VISA

For supported communication interfaces, NI VISA can be used within the LabVIEW application to establish communication with the printer and transmit the required printer commands.

The basic architecture is:

LabVIEW Application
↓
ZPL Command Generation
↓
NI VISA Communication
↓
Zebra Barcode Printer
↓
Printed Product Label

The exact communication interface depends on the Zebra printer model and system configuration.

Dynamic Label Generation

One of the major advantages of software-controlled barcode printing is that the label can be generated dynamically.

For example, the software can create a label containing:

Part Number: STR-001
Serial Number: STR202600125
Batch: B2409
Test ID: FT-025

The same application can generate different labels for different products, variants or production requirements without manually changing the printer setup.

Barcode and Test Traceability

Barcode printing becomes particularly useful when integrated with an automated test system.

The unique barcode can be associated with:

  • UUT serial number

  • Test profile

  • Measurement data

  • Test date and time

  • Operator

  • Pass/Fail result

  • Test report

  • Production batch

This creates a direct connection between the physical product and its digital test history.

For example:

Barcode → UUT → Test Sequence → Measurements → Pass/Fail → Test Report

This approach can significantly improve product-level traceability in production and testing environments.

Applications

PROLABS can integrate automated barcode creation and printing into applications such as:

Barcode printing can also be integrated with NI DAQ, CompactRIO, PLCs, databases and other industrial systems as part of a complete test automation solution.

PROLABS Barcode Automation Solution

PROLABS develops customized LabVIEW-based barcode printing and test automation software using Zebra printers, ZPL and NI VISA communication.

The solution can be developed for a new test system or integrated into an existing machine, depending on the customer's requirements.

Our capabilities include:

LabVIEW Application Development | Zebra Printer Integration | ZPL Programming | NI VISA Communication | Barcode Automation | UUT Identification | Test Data Traceability | Automated Test Reporting

Conclusion

Automating barcode creation and printing eliminates unnecessary manual steps and connects product identification with automated testing and traceability.

By combining LabVIEW, ZPL and Zebra industrial printers, PROLABS can integrate barcode printing directly into test rigs and production automation systems.

Need to integrate a Zebra barcode printer with your LabVIEW application or test machine?

PROLABS can develop the complete software integration based on your application requirements.