Epson is realigning its business to target the large-format commercial print and signage markets for which it recently launched the £11,995 SureColor SC-S30600. “This can be seen as a mark of intent and an indication that our new strategy is to move more into the commercial wide-format print sector,” said Richard Barrow, who holds the newly created position of senior product manager for signage/LFP.
Speaking at Fespa Digital where the new SureColor was being demonstrated, Barrow added: “Our marketing structure and tone is changing - we’re talking more about pricing, productivity, ease-of-use etc, which is what we think will attract these markets.”
Though Barrow could not be drawn on the likelihood of new large-format printers ahead of a press briefing scheduled for next week, it can be expected that there will be an expansion of Epson’s portfolio over the next few months.
First shipments of the initial SureColor SC-S30600 are expected March. This 64in (162.6cm), four-colour (CMYK), roll-fed printer has speeds from 7.3 to 29.4m2/hour depending on printing mode - the former being typical for indoor poster use and the latter for outdoor banner applications. There is also a maximum quality mode which uses the printer’s full resolution of 1440 x 1440dpi.
Epson UltraChrome GS2 inks have been developed to work with the SC-S30600 and Epson’s new generation of TFP printheads. UltraChrome GS2 builds on the strengths of UltraChrome GS (used in the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000) with a new yellow formulation that is lightfast for longer. UltraChrome GS2 is odourless, nickel-free and requires no special ventilation, allowing the SC-S30600 to be used in an office environment.