When Epson announced its new SureColor S9100 in September last year, it billed the machine as a high-quality signage printer, “ideal for professional sign-makers”. Fast-forward one year and the device is now firmly established as a key solution within Epson’s extensive portfolio, with machines on order from companies in countries worldwide.
The new, eco-solvent printer is seen by the manufacturer as a replacement for the S80600, another Epson machine that proved popular with the wider market. It was first displayed in the UK at Sign and Digital in February this year, with Epson set to make a further push at The Print Show at the NEC this September. This time, the company will be exhibiting on its own stand (P320), having previously had a presence at the 2024 event through its reseller partners.
But what is it about the printer that has driven its success in year one? Phil McMullin, Head of Sales, Commercial & Industrial, at Epson UK&I, offers an insight into the machine and picks out some of the key features that have led to demand outstripping supply for the device.
A worthy successor
So, why did Epson feel the need to launch the new printer and introduce a new option for customers? Phil has a simple answer: because the demand was there.
“Eco-solvent ink is still very much the go-to chemistry for the majority of both signage and graphics producers due to its vibrancy, low cost and incredible flexibility,” Phil said. “The leading eco-solvent printer over the last eight years has been the Epson SureColor S80600, so the time was ripe for a worthy successor.
“The SureColor S9100 is exactly that. A clean sheet design, building on the learnings from the S80600, but utilising a next gen printhead for enhanced image quality, productivity and reliability.”
Headline figures for the SureColor S9100 are that it is a 64-inch machine that can print at speeds of up to 119.4sq m/hr and produce quality of 1200x1200dpi. It can run as many as 11 colours – spanning CMYK, light black, light cyan, light magenta, red, orange, green and white – and boasts an UltraChrome GS3 bulk ink solution in a 1,500ml or 800ml selectable ink pouch.
“The most obvious enhancement on the new S9100 compared to the S80600 is the addition of green ink, further widening the colour gamut,” Phil said. “Less visible is a newly designed Epson printhead offering improved productivity and greater reliability.”
The printer features the PrecisionCore Micro TFP user-replaceable printhead, which Epson said offers enhanced productivity, with this complemented by an additional drying system that ensures prints are cured before reaching the take-up reel. All in all, it offers a 9% uplift in productivity when compared to the existing S80600.
Importantly for the user, the printer can handle a wide range of materials, opening up its use in all manner of applications and projects, including general signage, wallpaper applications, and direct printing on substrates such as clear film, vinyl, canvas, and photographic paper.
“There are hundreds of print media options suitable for eco-solvent ink, so a vast array of applications is open to users,” Phil said. “A by no means comprehensive list includes vehicle wraps, banners, pop ups, roll ups, backlits, floor graphics, wall papers and general signage.”
Then there is the actual design of the new machine; its low profile is seen as ideal for height-restricted spaces, allowing for easy status checks of multiple units. Meanwhile, its flat-top design provides additional workspace for users to place a laptop connected to the printer upon, while a transparent lid allows the user to keep an eye on the status and quality of each piece that passes through the machine.
Another feature is a nip lever that secures the media during loading, making life easier for the user, while the large opening allows for simplified media setting and user maintenance. An additional attribute is the Epson Cloud Solution Port, which supports remote monitoring and management of production.
Why opt for Epson?
While the new Epson SureColor S9100 brings with it an impressive set of stats – the ability to print in up to 11 colours being just one of many stand-out highlights – the reality is that the manufacturer faces plenty of competition from rival manufacturers in the market, each just as keen to secure the business of print and sign companies.
With this in mind, what is it about the S9100 that Epson believes makes its new offering the superior option? Phil sets out how everything Epson brings to the market – from the printhead and ink to the firmware and printer chassis – is designed and manufactured in-house, ensuring the company has the final say on product quality.
“These elements are designed to work in perfect harmony, so the sum of the whole is more than the sum of the parts,” Phil said. “With its heritage in photography and proofing, Epson products always deliver market leading image quality. Coupled with an outstanding colour gamut, the ability to reliably print corporate spot colours, and low running costs this makes the S9100 the product of choice for the sign and graphics industry.”
This approach appears to be doing the trick, with Epson reporting very high demand for the S9100. So much so that the manufacturer is now advising any interested parties to contact their preferred Epson partners for a demo as soon as possible. Epson will be running the machine flat-out on its stand at The Print Show from 23-25 September at the NEC in Birmingham.
Offering his final thoughts on the machine and why print and signage professionals should consider adding it to their production line-up, Phil said it offers users the potential to significantly advance their own service offering.
“While the S80600 was the stand-out performer during its time, inkjet technology has moved on significantly in the past decade,” he said. “The S9100 will future proof your business for years to come.”
