Los Alamitos, CA—For production-class photo print providers, Epson introduced a new line of SureColor P-series photographic and graphic art wide-format printers. The new SureColor models are for high-volume photo fulfillment, retail photo labs, as well as poster and graphic art production. The SureColor P-series 24- and 44-inch models will launch this year. Epson will release the SureColor P8570D 44-inch dual-roll printer first.
“With print service providers producing more personalized photo products, décor and graphic art, there is a rising need for higher quality and higher productivity at lower costs,” said Marc Aguilera, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “The new production-class printers are engineered for the performance, quality and reliability print service providers demand.
“As our first available model in the new line, the SureColor P8570D wide-format production photo printer is engineered to achieve high-quality and speed with innovative media handling; it’s also built to enhance the way print service providers work.”
Epson SureColor P8570D
The P8570D leverages Epson’s largest 2.64-inch PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead as well as six-color UltraChrome Pro6 pigment inks. Moreover, Epson’s new photographic printer enables higher-speed performance than previous generation models while maintaining image quality. In fact, it is up to 2.3 times faster than the SureColor P8000. 
In addition, a space-saving design provides a small footprint for space-constrained environments. The latest P-series models also include several new features that improve workflow and media handling. These include a dual-roll, built-in take-up reel for roll-to-roll printing; a flattop design with complete front operation; automatic roll loading; as well as optional, adjustable production stackers.
With dual-roll capability, the printer automatically switches between two media types or sizes. Moreover, PSPs can use a second roll as a take-up reel for roll-to-roll production. The P8570D also prints on a range of media, including roll, photo and fine art papers, canvas and rigid posterboard up to 1.5mm thick.
What’s more, it features a 4.3-inch touch-screen control panel for simple operation; automated routine maintenance; and self-service for long-term operation. Furthermore, its high-speed processing and PDF printing are powered by an Adobe embedded print engine with four on-board Intel Atom CPUs. As a result, it provides 3x faster processing of complicated data and accurate printing of transparent layers, with a PDF RIP resolution of 1,200 dpi.
Connectivity Options
In addition, via the Epson Cloud Solution port, PSPs can remotely manage and monitor an entire printer fleet with a dashboard on laptops or smart devices. They can monitor production rates, page and square foot counters, printer status, as well as equipment utilization.
The new printer series also employs SuperSpeed USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity (2.4GHz and 5GHz) options. It also boasts more than 28 IT security features to assist with data production, communication security and access control. These features include an IC card option for user control and tracking; SSD encryption; and IEEE 802.1x.
Epson also offers an optional adjustable print production stacker and optional 960GB solid state drive to save jobs directly on printer.
The Epson SureColor P8750D 44-inch dual-roll model will ship later this year. It will have a suggested retail price of $6,445.
