Sato WWFX31241-WDN vs Sato WWCLP1C01-WAR: Specification Comparison
Both the Sato WWFX31241-WDN (FX3) and the Sato WWCLP1C01-WAR (CL4NX Plus) are 203 dpi thermal label printers from the same manufacturer, making them a legitimate cross-shop for buyers evaluating Sato's 203 dpi lineup. The comparison centers on form factor and deployment context: the FX3 is a compact, battery-powered, rugged field printer with vandal and splash resistance, while the CL4NX Plus is a full-sized industrial desktop unit with integrated UHF RFID encoding and wider media handling. Buyers choosing between them are essentially choosing between mobile/field labeling and high-throughput stationary supply-chain printing.
In This Guide
- Which printer handles higher print speeds and wider media ranges?
- Does either printer support RFID encoding, and how do their connectivity options compare?
- Which printer is better suited to rugged, mobile, or field deployment versus fixed industrial use?
- Which should you choose: the WWFX31241-WDN or the WWCLP1C01-WAR?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which printer handles higher print speeds and wider media ranges?
The WWCLP1C01-WAR (CL4NX Plus) delivers a print speed of 14 ips versus the WWFX31241-WDN (FX3) at 6 ips — a 2.3× throughput advantage. For high-volume label runs, this gap is operationally significant.
On media width, the CL4NX Plus accepts media from 0.87" to 5.04" with a maximum print width of 4.09", and accommodates roll diameters up to 10". The FX3 handles media from 1" to 3.15" with a maximum print width of only 1.10" and a max roll diameter of 5.3". The FX3 is purpose-built for narrow-format tags; the CL4NX Plus supports a far broader label format range.
Both share the same 203 dpi resolution. The CL4NX Plus also supports thermal transfer in addition to direct thermal, meaning it can use ribbon-based printing for longer-lasting labels. The FX3 is direct thermal only, which is ribbon-free but produces labels with less durability under heat, UV, or chemical exposure.
Does either printer support RFID encoding, and how do their connectivity options compare?
The WWCLP1C01-WAR is the clear differentiator here: it integrates UHF RFID encoding at 860–960 MHz conforming to the EPC Class 1 Gen 2 standard, enabling simultaneous label printing and RFID inlay programming. The WWFX31241-WDN has no RFID capability specified in its provided specifications.
On standard connectivity, the FX3 offers USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The CL4NX Plus spec sheet lists Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB; the marketing tilde fields additionally mention Bluetooth and NFC, but these do not appear in the underscore-delimited specification fields and therefore cannot be confirmed from the provided spec data.
The FX3 includes a 7" full-color touchscreen, enabling standalone operation without a host PC. The CL4NX Plus has a 3.5" full-color LCD display. Both units include Day/Night and HTTPS encryption flags, though no further detail on those features is provided in the supplied specifications.
Which printer is better suited to rugged, mobile, or field deployment versus fixed industrial use?
The WWFX31241-WDN is explicitly designed for field use. It is rated IPx2 (splash-proof) and IK06 (vandal-resistant), operates on battery power (14.4V Li-ion, per tilde fields; AC adapter also supported), and weighs 5.0 lbs (2.3 kg) at compact dimensions of 5.19" × 8.875" × 6.3125". These characteristics make it suitable for warehouses, outdoor staging areas, or technician field kits.
The WWCLP1C01-WAR weighs 33 lbs (15 kg) and measures 10.66" × 17.99" × 12.63". It runs on AC power only (100–240V, 50/60 Hz) with no battery option specified. No IP or IK rating is provided for the CL4NX Plus in the supplied specifications, indicating it is designed for stationary indoor environments.
Memory also differs: the CL4NX Plus carries 2 GB Flash versus the FX3's 512 MB Flash, giving the industrial unit more capacity for storing label formats, fonts, and RFID templates. Both share 256 MB SDRAM. Operating temperature range is identical for both: 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C).
Which should you choose: the WWFX31241-WDN or the WWCLP1C01-WAR?
Our take: The WWFX31241-WDN is the stronger choice when mobility, rugged durability, and field deployment are the primary requirements. It weighs 5.0 lbs versus the CL4NX Plus's 33 lbs, runs on battery power with no fixed AC connection required, and carries IK06 vandal-resistant and IPx2 splash-proof ratings that the CL4NX Plus does not list. Its 7" touchscreen also supports fully standalone operation. Conversely, the WWCLP1C01-WAR is the correct choice for stationary supply-chain or warehouse labeling applications where throughput, wide media support, and RFID encoding matter: it prints at 14 ips versus 6 ips, handles media up to 5.04" wide versus 3.15", supports thermal transfer in addition to direct thermal, and provides integrated UHF EPC C1G2 RFID encoding — a capability the FX3 entirely lacks. Buyers building RFID-enabled inventory or compliance workflows should select the CL4NX Plus; buyers equipping mobile field technicians should select the FX3.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato WWFX31241-WDN | Sato WWCLP1C01-WAR |
|---|---|---|
| Print Method | Direct Thermal | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer |
| Resolution | 203 dpi | 203 dpi |
| Print Speed | 6 ips | 14 ips |
| Max Print Width | 1.10" | 4.09" |
| Media Width Range | 1" to 3.15" | 0.87" to 5.04" |
| Max Roll Diameter | 5.3" | 10" |
| Max Ribbon Length | 984 ft (300 m) | — |
| RFID | — | UHF 860–960 MHz, EPC C1G2 |
| Connectivity | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB |
| Display | 7" full-color touchscreen | 3.5" full-color LCD |
| Power | Battery (Li-ion) / AC adapter | AC 100–240V, 50/60 Hz |
| Weight | 5.0 lbs (2.3 kg) | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 5.19" × 8.875" × 6.3125" | 10.66" × 17.99" × 12.63" |
| IP Rating | IPx2 | — |
| Vandal Rating | IK06 | — |
| Flash Memory | 512 MB | 2 GB |
| SDRAM | 256 MB | 256 MB |
| Operating Temperature | 41°F–104°F (5°C–40°C) | 41°F–104°F (5°C–40°C) |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the WWFX31241-WDN or the WWCLP1C01-WAR?
The WWFX31241-WDN is the stronger choice when mobility, rugged durability, and field deployment are the primary requirements. It weighs 5.0 lbs versus the CL4NX Plus's 33 lbs, runs on battery power with no fixed AC connection required, and carries IK06 vandal-resistant and IPx2 splash-proof ratings that the CL4NX Plus does not list. Its 7" touchscreen also supports fully standalone operation. Conversely, the WWCLP1C01-WAR is the correct choice for stationary supply-chain or warehouse labeling applications where throughput, wide media support, and RFID encoding matter: it prints at 14 ips versus 6 ips, handles media up to 5.04" wide versus 3.15", supports thermal transfer in addition to direct thermal, and provides integrated UHF EPC C1G2 RFID encoding — a capability the FX3 entirely lacks. Buyers building RFID-enabled inventory or compliance workflows should select the CL4NX Plus; buyers equipping mobile field technicians should select the FX3.
Can either printer encode RFID tags?
Only the WWCLP1C01-WAR (CL4NX Plus) includes integrated UHF RFID encoding, operating at 860–960 MHz to the EPC Class 1 Gen 2 standard. The WWFX31241-WDN (FX3) has no RFID capability listed in its provided specifications.
Is the WWFX31241-WDN or WWCLP1C01-WAR better for field technicians who need to print labels away from a power outlet?
The WWFX31241-WDN is the appropriate choice. It supports battery operation (14.4V Li-ion per its tilde-field specs), weighs 5.0 lbs, and carries IPx2 splash and IK06 vandal ratings. The WWCLP1C01-WAR requires AC power (100–240V) and weighs 33 lbs, making it a fixed-installation device.
Which printer supports wider label stock and faster output for high-volume runs?
The WWCLP1C01-WAR (CL4NX Plus) supports media widths from 0.87" to 5.04" with a 4.09" max print width and prints at 14 ips. The WWFX31241-WDN (FX3) is limited to media up to 3.15" wide, a maximum print width of 1.10", and a print speed of 6 ips. For high-volume or wide-format label production the CL4NX Plus has a clear advantage.
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