Sato WWCLP3001-WAN vs Sato WWCLP3801-NAR: Specification Comparison
Both the WWCLP3001-WAN and WWCLP3801-NAR are Sato CL4NX Plus industrial thermal printers targeting high-volume barcode and label production environments. They share the same chassis, resolution, speed, media handling, connectivity, and memory profile. The central distinction is that the WWCLP3801-NAR integrates an HF 13.56 MHz RFID encoding module, making it a dual-purpose print-and-encode device, while the WWCLP3001-WAN is a print-only unit. Buyers choosing between them are essentially deciding whether their label workflow requires RFID smart-label encoding alongside thermal printing.
In This Guide
- Do both printers deliver the same print resolution and throughput?
- Which model supports RFID encoding, and what standard does it use?
- Are the physical build, operating environment, and connectivity the same across both models?
- Which should you choose: the WWCLP3001-WAN or the WWCLP3801-NAR?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Do both printers deliver the same print resolution and throughput?
Yes. Both the WWCLP3001-WAN and WWCLP3801-NAR print at 609 dpi and 14 ips with a maximum print width of 4.09 inches. Both support Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer print methods. This means neither model holds a performance advantage for pure label printing; a buyer should not choose between these two on print speed or resolution alone.
Media handling is also identical: both accept media widths from 0.87 inches to 5.04 inches, accommodate roll diameters up to 10 inches, and support ribbon lengths up to 1,968 feet (600 m per the WWCLP3801-NAR spec; this figure is not listed for the WWCLP3001-WAN). Core size compatibility of 1-inch and 3-inch cores is specified for the WWCLP3801-NAR; the WWCLP3001-WAN does not list core sizes in its provided specifications.
Which model supports RFID encoding, and what standard does it use?
Only the WWCLP3801-NAR includes integrated RFID encoding capability. It operates at 13.56 MHz, which corresponds to the HF (High Frequency) RFID standard — the frequency used by NFC-compatible tags, ISO 15693 asset-tracking labels, and ISO 14443 smart cards. The spec also notes auto-optimization for RFID encoding. The WWCLP3001-WAN has no RFID capability listed in its specifications whatsoever.
For deployments requiring smart-label printing — pharmaceutical serialization with HF tags, healthcare asset tracking, library management, or NFC-enabled retail labels — the WWCLP3801-NAR is the only viable option between these two. Buyers who do not require RFID encoding will be paying for a module they cannot use if they select the WWCLP3801-NAR; pricing is not provided in the supplied specifications, so cost delta cannot be confirmed here.
Are the physical build, operating environment, and connectivity the same across both models?
Yes, the physical and environmental specifications are identical across both units. Both measure 10.66 inches wide by 17.99 inches deep by 12.63 inches tall, weigh 33 lbs (15 kg), and are constructed with a rigid cast aluminum frame — a specification listed explicitly for the WWCLP3001-WAN; the WWCLP3801-NAR does not independently confirm frame material in its provided specs, though it shares the same chassis.
Operating temperature range is 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) on both models. Power input is AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz on both. Connectivity is Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB on both. Memory is 2 GB Flash, 256 MB SDRAM, and 100 MB user storage on both. The display is a 3.5-inch full-color LCD touchscreen on both. No meaningful differentiation exists in the physical, environmental, or connectivity layer between these two models.
Which should you choose: the WWCLP3001-WAN or the WWCLP3801-NAR?
Our take: The WWCLP3801-NAR is the stronger choice when the deployment requires encoding HF RFID smart labels at 13.56 MHz alongside thermal printing; the WWCLP3001-WAN is the appropriate selection when RFID encoding is not needed. Every other measurable specification is identical: both print at 609 dpi and 14 ips, both support media widths from 0.87 to 5.04 inches on 10-inch diameter rolls, both carry 2 GB Flash and 256 MB SDRAM, and both connect via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB. The sole differentiator is the WWCLP3801-NAR's integrated 13.56 MHz HF RFID encoder with auto-optimization — a capability absent entirely from the WWCLP3001-WAN. No pricing data was supplied, so cost delta cannot be quantified. Specify the WWCLP3801-NAR for pharmaceutical serialization, healthcare asset tracking, or NFC-label workflows; specify the WWCLP3001-WAN for high-volume thermal-only barcode and label printing where RFID infrastructure is not present.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato WWCLP3001-WAN | Sato WWCLP3801-NAR |
|---|---|---|
| MPN | WWCLP3001-WAN | WWCLP3801-NAR |
| Print Resolution | 609 dpi | 609 dpi |
| Print Speed | 14 ips | 14 ips |
| Max Print Width | 4.09" | 4.09" |
| Print Methods | Direct Thermal, Thermal Transfer | Direct Thermal, Thermal Transfer |
| RFID Capability | None | HF 13.56 MHz with auto-optimization |
| Display | 3.5" Full-Color LCD Touchscreen | 3.5" Full-Color LCD Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB |
| Flash Memory | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| SDRAM | 256 MB | 256 MB |
| User Storage | 100 MB | 100 MB |
| Media Width Range | 0.87" to 5.04" | 0.87" to 5.04" |
| Max Roll Diameter | 10" | 10" |
| Max Ribbon Length | 1,968 ft | 1,968 ft (600 m) |
| Core Sizes | — | 1", 3" |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 10.66" x 17.99" x 12.63" | 10.66" x 17.99" x 12.63" |
| Weight | 33 lbs (15 kg) | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Power Input | AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz | AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Operating Temperature | 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) | 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) |
| Frame Material | Rigid cast aluminum | — |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the WWCLP3001-WAN or the WWCLP3801-NAR?
The WWCLP3801-NAR is the stronger choice when the deployment requires encoding HF RFID smart labels at 13.56 MHz alongside thermal printing; the WWCLP3001-WAN is the appropriate selection when RFID encoding is not needed. Every other measurable specification is identical: both print at 609 dpi and 14 ips, both support media widths from 0.87 to 5.04 inches on 10-inch diameter rolls, both carry 2 GB Flash and 256 MB SDRAM, and both connect via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB. The sole differentiator is the WWCLP3801-NAR's integrated 13.56 MHz HF RFID encoder with auto-optimization — a capability absent entirely from the WWCLP3001-WAN. No pricing data was supplied, so cost delta cannot be quantified. Specify the WWCLP3801-NAR for pharmaceutical serialization, healthcare asset tracking, or NFC-label workflows; specify the WWCLP3001-WAN for high-volume thermal-only barcode and label printing where RFID infrastructure is not present.
Can the WWCLP3001-WAN encode RFID tags?
No. Based on the provided specifications, the WWCLP3001-WAN has no RFID capability. Only the WWCLP3801-NAR includes an integrated HF 13.56 MHz RFID encoder. If your label workflow requires encoding smart labels or NFC tags, the WWCLP3801-NAR is the only option between these two models.
Is there any difference in print speed, resolution, or media handling between the two models?
No. Both models print at 609 dpi and 14 ips, support the same 0.87-inch to 5.04-inch media width range, accept rolls up to 10 inches in diameter, and handle ribbon lengths up to 1,968 feet. Print method (Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer), connectivity (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB), memory (2 GB Flash, 256 MB SDRAM), and display (3.5-inch color LCD touchscreen) are all identical per the provided specifications.
What RFID frequency does the WWCLP3801-NAR support, and is it compatible with NFC tags?
The WWCLP3801-NAR operates at 13.56 MHz, which is the HF (High Frequency) RFID standard. This frequency is used by NFC-compatible tags (ISO 14443) and ISO 15693 asset-tracking labels. The spec notes auto-optimization for RFID encoding. UHF RFID (860–960 MHz) is not mentioned in the provided specifications for either model.
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