Enjoying spectacular views of Sydney Harbour from its new North Sydney Experience Centre, the 'New Beginnings for a Brighter Future' strapline felt like an appropriate fit at Epson’s recent media launch of a clutch of new products and advancements in large format printing, textiles and projection technology.
Outdoor Signage is just one of the applications the new SureColor S9160 aims to address
In the context of wide format printing, Craig Heckenberg, Epson Australia MD, gave a clear message about Epson’s current market position: "For large format printers, Epson has 40% market share globally, which means we are number one in the marketplace."
Australia MD Craig Heckenberg says that Epson is well-positioned to service the needs of small, medium and large sized businesses, delivering colour and time-critical applications across graphic arts, technical sign, display and textile.
‘"Part of this success is down to the wide range of products we offer, to accommodate the needs of small, medium and large sized businesses, delivering colour and time critical applications across graphic arts, technical sign, display and textile. Across these markets, we're seeing an increased demand for customized and personalized products, which is reducing job size, but creating many more smaller jobs and opening up new opportunities in print, particularly for smaller businesses located in retail and office precincts where space is at a premium, increasingly looking to offer multiple applications, like photo books, merchandise, T shirts and signage."
This ‘horses for courses’ approach to the market has served Epson well and was the driver behind the new printers showcased at this New Beginnings for a Brighter Future launch, which included the previously released 11-colour 64-inch SureColor S9160 - the first in a 
Fashion/textiles are increasingly important for Epson and its MonnaLisa printersnext generation of eco-solvent printers to replace the flagship SC-S80600 and SC-S80660L models – and the new SureColor G6060 fabric printer – the first model dedicated to direct-to-film production, designed to better match the versatility and volume production demanded by today’s fashion and merchandise manufacturers.
Four decades of services
Celebrating 40 years in Australia, there was a nice blend of pride and humility in the room as the Epson team offered more detail on these and other new products, including a concerted push into the area of ‘Home Living’ through their new projector technology.
Whilst the new large format hardware on show clearly lives up to its next generation tag, it is the technology platform that sits behind their printers that really underpins market confidence in the Epson brand.
The SureColor S9160, for example, is equipped with Epson’s latest user-replaceable 2.64” PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and features an integrated temperature sensor, nozzle verification technology and nozzle replacement, all aimed at delivering reliable image quality and consistent colour output, while boosting productivity. The printer also features an advanced auto tension control system for high-precision media feeding and an included media lifter to make media setup easier. It also has a 4.3-inch tiltable touchscreen with animated instructions to enhance the overall user experience.
The SC-S9160 utilises an advanced 11-colour ink set, including red, orange and new green, as well as opaque white ink, which can be used on clear or dark substrates
The G6060 uses a 1.33” 8 channel PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead, supporting print speeds of up to 17sqm/hr in colour + white or 32.6sqm an hour in colour or white.
To further optimise productivity and profitability for users, the new printers also integrate with Epson’s management tools, including Epson Edge Print Pro RIP software and Epson Cloud Solution PORT, which enables remote monitoring of production on laptops and smart devices complete with production status and utilisation rates, pr
Product Manager Gorden Kerr presenting at the Brighter Futures eveningint costs and output volumes.
To cap the event off, the launch also included the new Epson Craft Studio, for the instant creation of personalised and customised products in an easy-to-use online and smart phone format. that creates a lob ticket for sending to a printer of choice, ready for shipping or collection.
Gordon Kerr, Product Marketing Manager at Epson said: "Last year, we had over 50 different models in field using eight different ink types and addressing 12 distinct markets. We expect to finish this year with just under 60 models, which is a strong representation of the commitment that Epson has to large format: just because we currently have a market-leading position, we're not going to just stand still."
Epson continues to 'Walk the talk' when it comes to sustainability initiatives, corporate citizenship supporting children in need and sincerely working towards a claner, better and more equal planet.
Epson is a major exhibitor at May's PacPrint exhibition, Sydney on stand C48 in the middle of the Dome.
Not too shabby view from Epson's new N. Sydney Experience Centre!
