Sato WWCT04441-WCN vs Sato WWHC03041-WAN: Specification Comparison
Both the Sato WWCT04441-WCN and WWHC03041-WAN are desktop direct-thermal/thermal-transfer label printers in the CT4-LX platform, sharing the same chassis dimensions, connectivity suite, memory configuration, media capacity, and print speed. The WWCT04441-WCN is the standard-variant with RFID encoding capability and 305 dpi resolution, while the WWHC03041-WAN is the healthcare-specific variant at 203 dpi with antimicrobial housing. Buyers choosing between them are weighing RFID functionality and higher print resolution against clinical-environment material compliance.
In This Guide
- How do print resolution and RFID encoding differ between the two models?
- Which model is better suited to clinical or chemically-harsh environments?
- Do the two printers differ in connectivity, memory, or media handling?
- Which should you choose: the WWCT04441-WCN or the WWHC03041-WAN?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do print resolution and RFID encoding differ between the two models?
The WWCT04441-WCN prints at 305 dpi, which produces finer label detail and supports smaller barcode symbologies or tighter text. The WWHC03041-WAN prints at 203 dpi, a standard resolution sufficient for most compliance labels but with less dot density for fine-pitch elements.
The WWCT04441-WCN adds HF RFID encoding at 13.56 MHz with NFC support — a hardware capability entirely absent from the WWHC03041-WAN, which has no RFID specification listed. For any workflow requiring simultaneous print-and-encode of smart labels or NFC tags, only the WWCT04441-WCN is applicable. The WWHC03041-WAN offers no RFID functionality per its published specifications.
Which model is better suited to clinical or chemically-harsh environments?
The WWHC03041-WAN is built with antimicrobial, disinfectant-resistant plastic housing, a specification explicitly designed to withstand the repeated chemical cleaning protocols common in hospitals, laboratories, and clinical settings. This material property is not listed for the WWCT04441-WCN, whose housing material is unspecified in the provided data.
Both models share the same operating temperature range of 32°F to 104°F and the same AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz power input, so neither has an environmental advantage in terms of thermal or electrical tolerance. The weight difference is minor: the WWHC03041-WAN is 8.0 lbs versus the WWCT04441-WCN at 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). The physical footprint is identical at 7.0" × 9.375" × 8.4375" for both units.
Do the two printers differ in connectivity, memory, or media handling?
Connectivity is identical across both models: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB 2.0. Memory is also matched: 4 GB flash, 1 GB DDR3, and 2 GB user storage on both units. Neither model offers an advantage in network integration or onboard storage.
Media handling specifications are likewise equivalent. Both support a maximum media width of 4.09" (with media width range up to 4.1"), a maximum roll diameter of 5", a maximum ribbon length of 984 ft, and a print speed of 8 ips. The WWCT04441-WCN specifies a 1.5" media core and a media width range floor of 1"; the WWHC03041-WAN lists a 5" max roll diameter and 1.5" core but does not specify the minimum media width in the provided data. Both feature a 4.3" full-color touchscreen with day/night mode.
Which should you choose: the WWCT04441-WCN or the WWHC03041-WAN?
Our take: The WWCT04441-WCN is the stronger choice when workflows require RFID/NFC smart-label encoding or higher-resolution print output. It is the only model of the two that supports HF 13.56 MHz encoding with NFC, a capability not present in the WWHC03041-WAN at all. Its 305 dpi resolution versus the WWHC03041-WAN's 203 dpi delivers a 50% increase in dot density, meaningful for small barcodes, fine text, or GS1-DataMatrix compliance. Conversely, the WWHC03041-WAN is the purpose-built option for clinical environments: its antimicrobial, disinfectant-resistant housing directly addresses hospital cleaning protocols that would not be covered by the WWCT04441-WCN's unspecified housing material. The WWHC03041-WAN weighs slightly more at 8.0 lbs versus 7.3 lbs but is otherwise dimensionally and functionally identical in connectivity, memory, media capacity, and speed. Choose the WWCT04441-WCN for supply-chain, retail, or logistics RFID labeling; choose the WWHC03041-WAN for patient-ID, specimen, or pharmacy labeling in disinfectant-intensive settings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato WWCT04441-WCN | Sato WWHC03041-WAN |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | WWCT04441-WCN | WWHC03041-WAN |
| Model Series | CT4-LX | CT4-LX-HC |
| Print Resolution | 305 dpi | 203 dpi |
| Print Speed | 8 ips | 8 ips |
| Print Method | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer |
| Max Print Width | 4.09" | 4.09" |
| RFID Encoding | HF 13.56 MHz with NFC | — |
| Housing Material | — | Antimicrobial, disinfectant-resistant plastic |
| Display | 4.3" full-color touchscreen | 4.3" full-color touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 |
| Memory (Flash / DDR3 / User) | 4 GB / 1 GB / 2 GB | 4 GB / 1 GB / 2 GB |
| Max Media Roll Diameter | 5" | 5" |
| Max Ribbon Length | 984 ft | 984 ft |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 7.0" × 9.375" × 8.4375" | 7.0" × 9.375" × 8.4375" |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 8.0 lbs |
| Power Input | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | 32°F to 104°F | 32°F to 104°F |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the WWCT04441-WCN or the WWHC03041-WAN?
The WWCT04441-WCN is the stronger choice when workflows require RFID/NFC smart-label encoding or higher-resolution print output. It is the only model of the two that supports HF 13.56 MHz encoding with NFC, a capability not present in the WWHC03041-WAN at all. Its 305 dpi resolution versus the WWHC03041-WAN's 203 dpi delivers a 50% increase in dot density, meaningful for small barcodes, fine text, or GS1-DataMatrix compliance. Conversely, the WWHC03041-WAN is the purpose-built option for clinical environments: its antimicrobial, disinfectant-resistant housing directly addresses hospital cleaning protocols that would not be covered by the WWCT04441-WCN's unspecified housing material. The WWHC03041-WAN weighs slightly more at 8.0 lbs versus 7.3 lbs but is otherwise dimensionally and functionally identical in connectivity, memory, media capacity, and speed. Choose the WWCT04441-WCN for supply-chain, retail, or logistics RFID labeling; choose the WWHC03041-WAN for patient-ID, specimen, or pharmacy labeling in disinfectant-intensive settings.
Does the WWHC03041-WAN support RFID encoding like the WWCT04441-WCN?
No. Per the provided specifications, RFID encoding at 13.56 MHz with NFC support is listed only for the WWCT04441-WCN. The WWHC03041-WAN has no RFID specification listed and should not be assumed to offer that capability.
Is the WWCT04441-WCN safe to use in a hospital or clinical environment where equipment is regularly disinfected?
The WWCT04441-WCN's housing material is not specified in the provided data. The WWHC03041-WAN explicitly lists antimicrobial, disinfectant-resistant plastic housing. Buyers who require documented material compliance with clinical cleaning protocols should select the WWHC03041-WAN.
Are the two printers otherwise interchangeable for standard label printing tasks?
For basic direct-thermal and thermal-transfer label printing, the two models share the same chassis, connectivity (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0), memory (4 GB flash / 1 GB DDR3 / 2 GB user), media capacity (5" max roll, 984 ft ribbon), print speed (8 ips), and display (4.3" touchscreen). The key differences are resolution (305 dpi vs. 203 dpi) and the WWCT04441-WCN's RFID encoding capability, so they are not fully interchangeable when those attributes matter.
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