Description

Epson SureColor SC-P20500 64" Large Format Printer:  

The SureColor SC-P20500 doesn't just elevate productivity and quality standards for photo labs, copy shops & corporate environments; it also presents an optimal blend of efficiency and image excellence, making it the go-to choice for producers specialising in high-quality fine art photography, poster creation, and indoor signage.

The latest 64" SC-P20500 incorporates several upgrades, notably a 12-colour inkset featuring orange, green and violet. Additionally, its switchable black-enhanced overcoat mode enhances contrast, refines tonal quality, and diminishes bronzing effects on glossy media, ensuring superior output.

Even with the inclusion of additional colours, the Epson SC-P20500 maintains the same swift 8-pass print speed (19.2 m²/h) as its predecessor, the SC-P20000. Faster data processing capabilities and the introduction of 1.6L ink bags, effectively halve the frequency of ink changes compared to previous models.

Equipped with Epson's PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead, identical to that of the SC-P9500, the new SC-P20500 ensures highly efficient operations and rapid turnaround times, all while upholding impeccable image quality.

With the introduction of the SureColor P20500, Epson solidifies its position as a dominant force in the realm of high-quality, professional photo, fine art, poster, and indoor signage markets. This latest addition represents a significant advancement, leveraging the strengths of its predecessor, the SC-P20000, while offering the market an exceptionally cost-effective solution without compromising on quality, reliability, or productivity.

KEY FEATURES:

1. PRINT RESOLUTION & PRECISION: The SC-P20500 offers an impressive maximum resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi. It uses Epson’s PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology, which ensures sharpness, accurate colour reproduction, and smooth gradients even on large print runs. This makes it ideal for printing detailed photos, artwork, and designs.

2. WIDE COLOUR GAMUT: Equipped with Epson’s UltraChrome Pro 10-colour ink system, this printer produces a broad colour gamut, covering a wide range of shades with excellent accuracy. With dedicated Matte and Photo Black inks, the printer can switch between modes seamlessly, optimising ink usage based on media type and print requirements.

3. INK EFFICIENCY: The UltraChrome Pro 12 pigment inks are not only vibrant but highly durable, with resistance to fading, smudging, and environmental wear. This durability makes it a solid choice for artwork that requires long-lasting quality. It uses high-capacity ink cartridges, which is particularly advantageous for high-volume print runs, reducing the frequency of cartridge changes and lowering long-term ink costs.

4. MEDIA HANDLING AND COMPATIBILITY: One of the SC-P20500’s strong points is its versatility with media. It supports a wide range of media types, including photo papers, canvases, and matte papers, up to a width of 64 inches. The printer’s media handling is enhanced by an integrated auto-take-up reel, which helps maintain consistent print tension, making it perfect for unattended printing in high-output environments.

5. SPEED: With a production-focused design, this printer handles high-speed printing without sacrificing quality. While not the fastest on the market, it performs competitively within its category, particularly in high-quality modes. Its speed is well-suited for bulk orders, provided they are not time-critical.

6. PRECISION DOT SCREENING: This feature ensures high image quality by reducing graininess and producing smooth gradations. The screening technology intelligently places dots to optimise output quality, enhancing photo-realistic detail, particularly on larger prints.

NOZZLE VERIFICATION TECHNOLOGY:

The SC-P20500 seamlessly identifies and corrects nozzle issues to prevent clogging automatically. Moreover, it is equipped with printhead and media dust covers, minimizing reprinting expenses associated with discarded printouts. Designed for utmost convenience, it features spindle-less loading and intuitive operation facilitated by a user-friendly 4.3-inch touchscreen, making self-maintenance effortless.

HIGHLY SECURE:

With automatic encryption (AES-2560 format) the SC-P20500 facilitates seamless data storage and management, accessible through the printer's touchscreen interface and/or Epson WebConfig. Additionally, it provides the flexibility of integrating up to nearly 1TB SSD storage, ensuring ample capacity for your printing needs.

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS:

EnergyStar V3.1 compliant, the SC-P20500 is crafted with sustainability in mind, manufactured using 30% recycled plastic. Additionally, 1.6L ink bags significantly enhances eco-friendliness, reducing plastic consumption per litre by an impressive 90% when compared to traditional cartridges.

EASY SET-UP & CONFIGURATION:

The SureColor P20500 streamlines setup and configuration processes, bolstered by advanced Epson software tailored for high-production clientele, eliminating the necessity for additional software purchases. Included as standard, Epson Edge Print PRO offers robust functionality, while the Epson Media Installer simplifies media configuration through easy downloading and usage.

Furthermore, Epson Cloud Solution PORT Support ensures seamless printer monitoring. For enhanced PDF reproduction and expedited RIP processing, the optional Adobe PS module incorporates the Adobe Embedded Print Engine.

The Epson SureColor SC-P20500 is a large-format 64-inch printer, part of Epson’s SureColor series, designed for professional photo and fine art reproduction as well as high-quality poster production. Known for its precision and vibrant colour output, this printer is well-suited for studios, labs, and print shops aiming for top-tier quality, especially in high-volume environments. Here’s a comprehensive review covering its features, performance, print quality, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.

The printer has a user-friendly interface, featuring a large touchscreen that simplifies navigation through settings, maintenance tasks, and media management. Epson’s software tools provide straightforward control over colour profiles, calibration, and job management, which is beneficial for professional users aiming for high consistency across print jobs. Additionally, the printer is compatible with various RIP (Raster Image Processor) software packages, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows.

Maintaining the SC-P20500 is relatively simple, although its large format does mean that occasional cleaning and calibration will take time and care, particularly to preserve the printhead’s longevity. Epson has a reliable support system, and there are ample resources available for troubleshooting, ensuring peace of mind for operators in busy environments.

COST EFFICIENCY:

The Epson SC-P20500 is positioned as a high-quality investment for professional printing. Its initial price is substantial, but the cost is justified by the printer’s durability and ink efficiency, especially for users with a high volume of print jobs. The UltraChrome Pro ink system, while more expensive than standard inks, provides archival-quality output that significantly boosts value for fine art and high-end photography applications. Bulk printing also benefits from reduced ink wastage due to the precision of the ink delivery system.

Running costs, including ink and media, are relatively high but on par with other professional printers in this range. Given its ability to deliver superior, long-lasting prints, the printer is more cost-effective in terms of quality and reliability over time, especially for clients who prioritise these factors.

CONCLUSION:

The Epson SureColor SC-P20500 is an outstanding large-format printer for professionals who demand superior print quality and colour fidelity. Its capabilities are best utilised in environments where fine art and photographic reproduction are essential, as its broad colour gamut and fine detail handling are at the top end of the industry standard. While the initial investment and running costs may seem high, the longevity and quality of the output justify the expense for businesses with high demands for print quality.

Overall, this printer stands out as a valuable asset for studios, labs, and print shops focusing on premium-grade large-format prints. Its robust build, ease of use, and top-tier output make it a worthwhile investment for any professional printing operation looking to provide exceptional print quality.