The range is made up of three models, the 44in SureColor SC-T7200, 36in SC-T5200 and 24in SC-T3200. However, the larger T7200 and T5200 are available in standard configuration, or ‘D’ models with a dual-roll option or ‘MFP’ with an optional 36in-wide colour scanner.
The dual-roll option features auto-paper loading and switching between rolls, while the MFP models can scan an A1 original in just under 40 seconds and can also be configured as single- or dual-roll machines.
All three models can be ordered with a factory-fitted 320GB hard drive and dual 1.6Ghz CPUs for faster processing and networking, and Postscript support.
“The plan is to let the user in effect configure the printer exactly how they want it, without them having to pay for additional functionality that isn’t relevant to them,” said Phil McMullin, Epson UK sales manager for Pro-Graphics.
The basic units are aimed at the educational and inplant users, the mid-range dual-roll machines are aimed at CAD environments and the top-end machines are aimed at high-street printers, copyshops and commercial printers looking to offer a fast-turnaround wide-format service.
The machines can print on boards up to 1.5mm thick and run Epson’s established UltraChrome XD water-based four-colour inkset for indoor and short-term outdoor use.
The range will get its UK premiere at Sign & Digital next week, where Epson will show the 36in SC-T5200 in dual-roll configuration.
A larger range will also be on display at Fespa Digital next month in Munich, where Epson will show the dual-roll SureColor SC-T7200D with HDD and a SC-T5200D MFP dual-roll with scanner.
The SureColor SC-T series will be sold alongside the SureColor SC-S signage range, but will ultimately replace the existing SC-T3000 SC-T5000 and SC-T7000 printers.
“The new machines will build on the success of those models by adding more functionality and enhancing the print quality with some clever firmware and driver improvements,” said McMullin.
UK pricing is yet to be finalised, but according to McMullin it will be broadly inline with the existing T series that are priced between around £2,000 and £4,000.
“This is a highly competitive market and we’ll ensure we’re positioned at the right point with a very attractive total cost of ownership model,” said McMullin.
Epson hopes to take the first orders at Sign & Digital UK, with the first units expected to ship in late July.
