Large Format Review Editor Derek Pearson recently attended the UK launch of Epson’s new 64-inch SureColor SC-S printers. Here's what he says:
Epson’s new 64-inch SureColor SC-S printers − designed to deliver quality, productivity and durability with lower running costs
Unlike some of its competitors, when you buy Epson what you get is Epson. From the robots that assemble them to the individual components from which they’re made, everything in an Epson printer is of Epson design and manufacture, that was the message made loud and clear at the launch of the latest generation of Epson’s 64-inch wide format printers.
At the prestigious Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One factory, an exclusive group of journalists were treated to the first viewing of the new SureColor SC-S series, each printer designed to offer users a precise and accurate way to create high impact, durable and profitable signage and display graphics. Easy to use and simple to maintain the new range gives print service providers a choice of printers to suit their specific production needs from 4-10 colours (including white and metallic) and up to 95.3sqm/hr single-pass productivity:
SureColor SC-S80600, the top-of-the-range model features dual PrecisionCore TFP (thin film piezo) printheads and 9/10 colours including CMYKLcLmLk + red and orange, and can also be configured to use white or metallic silver. Operators can easily switch between white and metallic ink to suit job requirements. This flexible printer delivers print speeds up to 95.1sqm/hr in single-pass banner mode, and up to 12.5sqm/hr in 8-pass film mode.
SureColor SC-S60600 is said to be ideal for fast turnaround, high print volume environments featuring dual PrecisionCore TFP printheads (CMYKx2) this printer produces high quality vinyl output at 29.4sqm/hr, banners at 52.3sqm/hr and can print up to 95.3sqm/hr for single-pass applications.
SureColor SC-S40600 has been positioned as a perfect printer for high-quality POS graphics and signage. Affordable with a true entry-level price, this four-colour printer features a single PrecisionCore printhead and delivers up to 58.4sqm/hr productivity.
Everything about the design of the new SureColor SC-S series is centred on improving the printing experience for the user and reducing cost of ownership. Set-up is quick and simple and, once printing is in full flow the large clear panel offers a view of the printing area, while internal LED lights allow for easy inspection at the point of printing.
From outdoor signage to high-end interior displays and décor, the range can create stunning results on a range of coated and uncoated substrates. Exhibition displays, posters and backlit panels, POS materials, vehicle wraps, wallpaper and photo canvases are all produced with a high level of accuracy thanks to the printers’ new Precision Media Feeding System.
This facilitates motorised roll-to-roll media handling with an advanced auto-tension control (AD-ATC) system for extremely accurate media feed and take-up. Anti-static, wide-diameter pressure rollers help optimise grip and feed accuracy, while an innovative media path enables consistent media feed for unattended roll-to-roll printing up to roll weights of 45kg.
Maximum uptime and productivity is further optimised by automatic media alignment and setup which allows fast switching between media types. Automatic printhead cleaning, including a newly-developed fabric printhead wiper system, will virtually eliminate printhead maintenance. A daily maintenance job becomes a fast monthly item or less.
Epson’s latest-generation permanent PrecisionCore TFP printheads with variable size ink droplet technology produce consistent 1440 x 1440 dpi output at ‘best in class’ print speeds. In addition, new hardware enhancements offer greater resistance to head strikes and new Precision Dot screening technology help deliver flawless output on difficult media, including cheap monomeric vinyl, even at fast print speeds.
UltraChrome GS3 inks
The new SureColor SC-S range uses Epson’s new formulation quick drying and low odour UltraChrome GS3 inkset. As well as a substantial reduction in ink price for the new printers, Epson has improved the ink chemistry meaning significantly lower ink consumption resulting in a big improvement in total cost of ownership compared to other printer options on the market.
The new printers allow users to produce a wider colour gamut than ever for highly accurate and repeatable colour reproduction. The top-of-the-range SC-S80600 also benefits from the addition of light cyan & light magenta, red, orange, white or metallic silver inks to expand the colour gamut and push application possibilities even further, making it ideal for operators who require accurate brand spot colours. The new SureColor SC-S range is energy efficient and delivers fast drying graphics with high abrasion resistance and prints that are durable outdoors for up to three-years without lamination.
The products come with a two-year warranty and extended warranty options are available. Users can also take advantage of the Epson SureColor Academy for training, useful tips and tricks, plus ongoing support and access to a wide range of regularly-updated media profiles.
In the UK and Ireland, the SureColor SC-S printers are supplied with an Onyx RIP as standard and are compatible with a wide range of other RIPs.
Pricing and Availability
The SureColor SC-S60600 and SC-S40600 replace the SC-S50600 and SC-S30600 models respectively and are available immediately priced from £9,995 + VAT RRP. The SureColor SC-S80600 replaces the SC-S70600 and will be available to buy from March 2016 priced at £16,135 + VAT RRP (10-colour).
For more information visit www.epson-europe.com
[Image captions: Top - New Epson printers launched at the prestigious home of the Mercedes Petronas F1 racing cars, which are sponsored by Epson; Middle - The top of the range SCS 80600 will be launched in March 2016; Bottom - The new, entry-level SCS 40600 and its sister SCS 60600 are available immediately.]
