Digital printing has enabled the transition from monochrome printing to high-quality color images. The technology for inkjet printing systems has improved dramatically over the past decade, and this is driving full-color printing to new heights.
Although printing has been around for centuries, quality reproduction stems from a variety of technological innovations that have come together to deliver today’s high-impact prints. Epson’s strongest advancements in this area include its PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and its UltraChrome inks.
Today’s newest color printers typically use the CMYK color profile, and Epson’s SureColor SC-T5430M wireless printer is one such example. Designed for technical, engineering, and business graphics, this high-speed device is ideal for blueprints, line drawings, and posters up to 36” wide. It features 2400×1200 dpi print quality and a very competitive price point.
The ongoing proliferation of color inkjet technologies from a wide range of vendors has contributed to the success of suppliers in this segment. Advancements in image quality, color capabilities, and ink technology in technical aqueous devices combined with an ever-growing variety of media have enabled users to produce a wider range of applications.
According to Keypoint Intelligence – InfoTrends’ most recent forecast for wide format technical printers, an estimated 353 million sqm will be produced in the Asia-Pacific region by 2023. This output consists of two primary technical aqueous print applications—CAD for engineering/presentation graphics and GIS for maps. CAD represents an estimated 70% of the volume while GIS printing accounts for about 25%. The remaining 5% includes graphics applications like presentation posters and banners.
While only accounting for a small share of the market, graphics printing opens up some interesting application opportunities that were previously unattainable from a technical printer. The sheet-fed capabilities of smaller devices like Epson’s 24” SureColor SC-T3130X are now used with For Placement Only (FPO) proofing, poster prints, indoor signage, and small Point-of-purchase (POP) graphics in the SOHO environment. Meanwhile, larger roll-fed devices like Epson’s 36” SureColor SC-T5430M and 44” SC-T7270D are capable of producing larger POP displays and indoor signage. Epson offers a full range of technical printers that can accommodate the needs of home/small offices up through enterprises.
The forecast for Asia-Pacific also indicates that the installed base of 100,000 units in 2018 is expected to grow by 4.3% through 2023. Although most output is produced digitally, this massive installed base indicates that print is still the preferred mechanism for presenting technical and GIS documents. Although some of this print work is handled by in-house or print-for-pay reprographic print facilities, many engineers and architects are investing in technologies that enable them to print high-resolution color drawings in real-time.
Epson’s ongoing investments in its product line offer many user-friendly solutions to engineers, architects, and cartographers. The SureColor T-series printers are small footprint devices with full front operation capabilities that make them ideal for placement in the corner of any office. Designed for convenience, the auto switch function enables a seamless transition between roll and cut sheet paper. Additionally, the T-series printers can print and cut printouts without dropping them until they are ready to be collected.
Advancements in secure digital technology continue to occur, fueling the opportunity to print a widening array of technical graphics on a variety of media from a single device. Accommodating print widths from 24” to 44”, Epson’s T-Series line of printers addresses end-user needs for fast printing, high resolution, and vivid colors—all without compromising quality!
To find out more about the Epson T-Series printer line, click here.