Epson launches new range of SureColor SC-S wide-format ink printers for signage and display graphics

Today Epson UK unveils a new range of professional 64-inch signage printers that combine robust engineering with new design and production features to deliver market-leading quality at the fastest possible speeds, precise repeatability and long-term durability. Marking the culmination of extensive market research, customer feedback and end-user testing, the new SureColor SC-S series offers users a precise and accurate way to create high impact, durable and profitable signage and display graphics. Complete with exceptional service and support, the range requires minimal user intervention and delivers increased uptime to help businesses maximise productivity.

The new range gives Print Service Providers (PSPs) a choice of printers to suit their specific production needs from 4-10 colours (incuding white and metallic) and up to 95.3sqm/hr single-pass productivity:

SureColor SC-S80600: combining performance and application flexibility, this top-of-the-range model features dual PrecisionCore TFP printheads and 9/10 colours: CMYKLcLmLk + red and orange, and can also be configured to use white or metallic silver. Users 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: 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: perfect for high-quality POS graphics and signage, this affordable, entry-level, four-colour printer features a single PrecisionCore printhead and delivers up to 58.4sqm/hr productivity. 

Every single component of these printers has been entirely designed and manufactured by Epson to ensure seamless operation, maximum productivity and guarantee the highest professional-quality results. 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 unrivalled accuracy thanks to a new Precision Media Feeding System. This facilitates motorised roll-to-roll media handling with a highly advanced auto-tension control (AD-ATC) system for extremely accurate media feed and take-up. Anti-static, wide-diameter pressure rollers will help optimise grip and feed accuracy, while an innovative media path will enable a consistent media feed for truly unattended roll-to-roll printing up to roll weights of 45kg. Maxmimum 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.

Featuring Epson’s latest-generation permanent PrecisionCore TFP printheads with variable size ink droplet technology, these new high-performance printers 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.

The new SureColor SC-S range uses Epson’s new formulation UltraChrome GS3 inkset. With a RRP of £74.07 + VAT for 700ml CMYK ink cartridges, it is quick drying and low odour. As well as a substantial reduction in ink price for the new printers, Epson expects PSPs to see a significantly lower ink consumption as a result of the improved chemistry in the GS3 inkset. The result will be 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 application possibilities even further. This model is ideal for those PSPs producing graphics requiring 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. 

Martin Johns, product manager, Epson UK, said: “We listened to our customers’ extensive feedback about our previous signage models and set about developing a new range based on their requirements. The result is a class-leading series of printers that are loaded with Epson’s advanced engineering to deliver the ultimate in accuracy, quality and productivity. They lead the market in offering the very best combination of quality, speed and price and truly mark the pinnacle of Epson’s knowledge and expertise in one range.” 

In the unlikely event that a problem does arise, Epson has it covered. The products come with a two-year warranty as standard to give customers added peace of mind. For those who want to benefit from Epson’s exceptional service and support for longer periods of time, extended warranty options are also available. Plus, all users can take advantage of the Epson SureColor Academy for training, useful tips and tricks, 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.

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).