Inkjet is the fastest-growing segment in the printing industry, and inkjet inks continue to grow with it. There are so many areas in which to expand, from wide format printing to photo and desktop printers, and depending on the targeted printing segment, digital printers are quickly becoming more technologically advanced.

Epson America is among the fastest-evolving printing manufacturers. At a series of 2019 shows, Epson launched its new ColorWorks C6000 Series (at Pack Expo 2019); 24-inch SureColor P7570 and 44-inch SureColor P9570 and SureColor T3170x (PRINT 19); and the SureColor F570, SureColor F6370, SureColor F9470 and SureColor F9470H dye-sublimation printers (Printing UNITED).

Epson brought out its first introductions at 2019 Pack Expo on Sept. 23, launching four new additions to its ColorWorks color label printers Sept. 23. The company introduced the ColorWorks C6000A, C6000P, C6500A, and C6500P. These models print color and produce labels at up to 5 inches per second.

Andy Scherz, senior product manager, Commercial Label Printers, Epson America, Inc., noted that the color label printing market is evolving quickly.

“These printers are really designed for the traditional thermal transfer printing space,” said Scherz. “Typically used are black and white labels or preprinted color labels with variable data added at the last minute. Color printers are getting more sophisticated, with better image quality and increasing speed.

“What we’ve done with this family of color printers is develop as a drop-in replacement, and add color, cutters and peeling capabilities,” Scherz added. “We are going head to head with Zebra, the dominant player in the monochrome printing market. The common sizes used are 4-inch printers and 8-inch printers, and people use cutters and peel capabilities. What makes these printers distinctive are the features we designed for the industrial space – that they can cut, peel, interface with the language, and be managed remotely. This hasn’t existed in the color space before. That’s why we think these printers will be earth-shattering. We are already approaching top industrial partners and getting stunning results.

“Traditionally, the leap from monochrome to color required changes in software,” noted Scherz. “Our new printer family is designed to speak Zebra’s programming language and can produce high-quality color label images. They print at 1200 dpi variable dot size with 4-color ink  and can create stunning images and excellent barcodes.”

Scherz added that Epson’s PrecisionCore printheads bring advantages, such as really fine print for information on labels.

“There are a number of top segments, like large chemical manufacturers, who need to print color icons on labels and need the labels to be durable,” said Scherz. “This is the perfect time because there is a need for color coding for a range of applications, including medical device labeling, food labels with nutritional allergen information, chemical companies that have to display mandatory red warning images, and also those want their branding on labels. With the inks, we want vibrant colors with maximum endurance. The inks have to be incredibly durable and withstand water and chemicals. With 4-color inks and 1200 dpi with variable drop size, we can get a huge color gamut and terrific gradations.”

The ColorWorks C6000P and C6500P offer peeling capabilities, while the ColorWorks C6000A and C6500A are outfitted with an auto cutter. The new ColorWorks C6000 family will be available in January 2020.

During PRINT 19 on Oct. 3, Epson targeted the wide format market with its new 24-inch SureColor P7570 and 44-inch SureColor P9570 for the photography, proofing and graphics market with UltraChrome PRO12 pigment ink and PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology with dedicated nozzles for both Matte and Photo black ink.

Reed Hecht, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc., noted that Epson launched its first wide format printer 20 years ago, adding that the SureColor P7570 and P9570 are Epson’s most advanced printers to date, producing high quality prints at speeds up to 2.4 times faster than their predecessors. 

“We launch our printers due either to new developments in printheads or ink technologies,” said Hecht. “We develop our own ink and PrecisionCore printhead technology at Epson. The new UltraChrome PRO12 inks is a 12-color ink set that allows the new P-Series printers to create output with all 12 colors, including our new violet ink. Also, there is no more need to switch to Matte or Photo black, and we get 99 percent in the Pantone swatch book.

“It comes down to the little details,” added Hecht. “We added features that were important to our customers, such as having a completely sealed roll media tray to reduce dust interference, adding a retractable ramp and catch basket, and LED lights making it easy to watch prints coming out.”

In addition, Epson also released the 24-inch SureColor T3170x, a wide format wireless printer with cartridge-free printing in a clean, space-saving design. The new, easy-to-fill, refillable ink tanks eliminate time spent purchasing and changing ink cartridges.

Hecht added that the new SureColor T3170x is ideal for architectural drawings and posters, with its ink tanks filled by 140ml bottles. “Our customers wanted to refill their printers with ink bottles,” he pointed out. “We think it will be key for people who don’t want to constantly replace ink cartridges.”

At PRINTING United on Oct. 23, Epson brought out five new wide-format printers, including the SureColor F570, SureColor F9470 and F9470H dye-sublimation printers and the SureColor S60600L and S80600L solvent bulk ink printers.

The SureColor F570 is Epson’s first 24-inch desktop dye-sublimation printer. The SureColor F9470 and F9470H are dye-sublimation printers designed for roll-to-roll textile applications, with the F9470H having the capability to use Yellow and Pink fluorescent inks.

Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, noted that Epson is keeping busy across the board. The SureColor F6370 was announced in August, although PRINTING United was the first US showing of the product.

“The SureColor F6370 is designed for promotional products, soft signage and textiles,” Check pointed out. “With this new model, the customers can now also access a panel to easily clean out the printer, rather than call for maintenance for a five-minute job, saving on downtime as well.

Check said that the SureColor F570 is a 24-inch entry level desktop dye-sublimation printer that produces on either roll to roll or sheet, ideal for small goods and promotional products.

“The SureColor F570 is really easy to use,” he added. “The price of the ink is typically expensive. With our new refillable bottle ink system, we can offer much lower prices for the ink. The price point is $25 a bottle, compared to $350 for the same amount of ink.

“The SureColor F9470 is smoking fast, 1,000 square feet an hour and the heat press only takes 20 seconds per side for a traditional t-shirt,” Check noted. “The F9470H also has channels for fluorescent Yellow and Pink ink. This is perfect for sports apparel and high visibility clothing for construction workers or snowboarders and skiers. We provide the total system for sublimation, from inks  and printheads to paper, support and color profile technology.”

Check added that ultimately, Epson is looking to grow with its customers.

“We take care of the printing process, so our customers can focus on building their business, which is great because we know that as their business grows, they’ll look at larger systems,” Check concluded. “The more product our customers sell, the more ink they use. We share in their success as well.”