Epson Enters Dye-Sublimation Transfer Market with New SureColor F-Series Printers

LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- (ISS LONG BEACH, Booth #353) – Today, Epson America enters the dye-sublimation printing market for the first time with the announcement of two roll-fed dye-sublimation transfer printers – the 44-inch SureColor^® F6070 and the 64-inch SureColor F7070.

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The new SureColor F-Series printers are not only the first dye sublimation models from Epson, but also the first in the market in which every component – from ink and print-head to printer chassis and bulk ink delivery system – is designed and manufactured by a single company.  The result is a high-performance dye-sublimation transfer printing technology designed for exceptional reliability and industrial-level production with high quality output up to 1,440 x 720 dpi on all leading transfer papers.

The all-new SureColor F-Series models support an extensive range of applications, including efficient production of high-quality soft signage, sportswear, apparel, accessories, and customized promotional items such as mouse pads and ceramic mugs. Depending upon the application, both models can output at speeds up to 618 square feet per hour, and both feature an integral and easily refillable, high-capacity 1.5 liter bulk ink system.

Developed over a three-year period, Epson UltraChrome^® DS is a specially-formulated dye-sublimation ink, producing outstanding images with vibrant colors, intense blacks, sharp contours, and smooth gradations. This all-new ink technology exhibits excellent light- and wash-fastness, as well as resistance to alkaline and acid perspiration. Designed specifically for Epson UltraChrome DS ink technology, the newly optimized Epson MicroPiezo^® TFP^® print head ensures precise and repeatable performance as well as excellent longevity. The printers are designed to be used exclusively with the Epson UltraChrome DS inks¹. 

Epson is also introducing a new line of dye-sublimation transfer papers designed specifically for the SureColor F-Series. Epson low-tack adhesive is dedicated for high-end cut-and-sew fabric and apparel production, while the Epson standard multipurpose paper is ideal for a variety of transfer applications that use either soft or rigid surfaces, including t-shirts, mouse pads and ceramics. Both papers utilize a unique chemical coating that allows for heavier ink loads to provide superior color, and will be available in 328-foot rolls in both 44-inch and 64-inch widths.

"We are excited to provide the garment printing industry with industrial-level printers engineered from the ground up for true dye-sublimation production," said Catalina Frank, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. "Developed using our latest performance imaging technology, the SureColor F-Series allows our customers to take on more jobs and generate more profits, while reducing the number of printers needed for full production capacity."

More about the SureColor F6070 (44-Inch) and F7070 (64-Inch) Printers

Engineered from the ground up for industrial-level production designed to run all day, every day, the Epson SureColor F-Series offer a range of features, including:

• Epson MicroPiezo TFP Print Head: One-inch wide, high performance print head with 720 nozzles per color ensures efficient, precise and repeatable performance and excellent image quality; low vibration meniscus control for highly accurate dot shape and placement; ink repelling coating technology for reduced nozzle clogging; and optimized specifically for dye-sublimation inks improving the print head life
• Epson UltraChrome DS Ink: Epson exclusive dye-sublimation CMYK ink technology produces extreme color gamut with vibrant colors, intense blacks, sharp contours, and smooth gradations; provides extremely fast drying times, and with the new ink refill packs, offers a low total cost of ownership
• Auto Take-Up Reel: Standard on the SureColor F7070, this robust take-up reel allows for maximum uninterrupted production runs with minimal maintenance downtime
• Wasatch SoftRIP: Both F-Series models include Wasatch SoftRIP to enable users to start printing sellable output out of the box; the F6070 includes a full version of SoftRIP with simple setup, intuitive workflow, and powerful print controls; the F7070 includes SoftRIP TX with specialty features for textile printing

Support and Availability

The Epson SureColor F6070 and F7070 will be available in the summer of 2013 through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers. The SureColor F-Series printers offer a standard Epson Preferred^SM Limited Warranty, a one-year program that includes toll-free advanced telephone access Monday through Friday and usually next business-day on-site service in the unlikely event of any hardware failure.

For additional information, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.

About Epson

Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader whose product lineup ranges from inkjet printers and 3LCD projectors to sensors and other microdevices. Dedicated to exceeding the vision of its customers worldwide, Epson delivers customer value based on compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies in markets spanning enterprise and the home to commerce and industry.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 81,000 employees in 97 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. Epson America, Inc. based in Long Beach, Calif. is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: www.Epson.com.

You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica) and (http://twitter.com/EpsonProImaging) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonTV).

¹ The F-Series printers are designed to use only Epson ink cartridges and refill packs, and not other brands of new or refilled cartridges, or other brands of ink or bulk ink systems. Using Epson ink is important for reliable performance and high image quality.

Note: EPSON, Epson UltraChrome, MicroPiezo, SureColor, and TFP are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Epson Preferred is a servicemark of Epson America, Inc. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

SOURCE Epson America