The new SC-F7100 dye sub printer offers a wider alternative to its SC-F7000 predecessor as well as enhanced auto take-up reel with improved tensioning, a new post-platen heater and an optional print drying system. 

The SureLab D700 is designed for professional photographers wanting to offer instant prints at events such as football matches. It will also be supplied as a kiosk system, with cabinet, head unit and user interface software, for high street retail and copy shop environments.

“That kiosk unit will be available later in the year,” said Phil McMullin, UK sales manager, Epson UK Pro Graphics Division. “The software will allow people to link the interface with other machines they have in the shop or elsewhere, so they can offer products like photobooks and mugs too.”

He added: “We appreciate this is a crowded market but what’s available in that market for professional photographers tends to be dye sub which tends to give lower quality and slower print and not be as reliable.” 

The SureColor SC-F7100 is meanwhile targeted at garment printers and at soft signage printers perhaps currently using a solvent process.

“What dye sub gives you is a much more vibrant image quality and safer print in terms of where the signage can be hung,” said McMullin. “The wider print area will just make sure if someone’s got a large application they can do it in one go.”

The SC-F7100 is available from resellers iSub and RA Smart. Productivity is approximately 58 sq/m/hr or 30 sq/m/hr in two-pass production mode. 

The SureLab D700 offers print speeds of 720 prints per hour, can print 100,000 images without parts needing to be replaced, and has a recommended retail price of 3,000 euros.

Epson also intends to launch ten new inkjet printers over the next 18 months to become a “number one player” in the commercial, signage, textile and label markets.

More details are set for release by the end of the month.