Epson Releases SureColor T-Series Wide-Format Multifunction Printers

New 24-in. SureColor T3170M is available now, and 36-in. SureColor T5170M will be available next month.

The Epson SureColor T3170M 24-inch wireless printer with integrated scanner. (Image source: Epson.)

The Epson SureColor T3170M 24-inch wireless printer with integrated scanner. (Image source: Epson.)

Epson has announced two new SureColor printers, the 24-inch SureColor T3170M and the 36-inch SureColor T5170M. The T3170M is currently available, while the T5170M will be available in May. The new wireless printers are designed to assist professionals in construction and engineering by making it easier to copy and scan blueprints, technical documents, renderings and graphics.

“A lot has changed in our work environments in the last year. These models are ideal for businesses looking for a multifunction device that will conveniently fit into modern work from home and small office environments,” said Epson’s Jacob Hardin.

Both SureColor multifunction printers (MFPs) rely on Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology. The pigment-based UltraChrome XD2 inks are critical to creating durable documents, according to Epson.

The Epson SureColor T5170M 36-inch wireless printer with integrated scanner. (Image source: Epson.)

The Epson SureColor T5170M 36-inch wireless printer with integrated scanner. (Image source: Epson.)

Hardin said that Epson began planning the printers approximately four years ago. It generally takes about five years to bring a concept to market.

“Well before the pandemic, we started noticing the trend in firms wanting to work from home. Since we released the T3170M, this product has been very popular,” Hardin continued.

Hardin said the new SureColor MFPs are the smaller, faster, more capable descendants of the large plotters that could take up a small room.

“They can connect with Wi-Fi Direct (a connection that allows for device-to-device communication). For example, if you’re in the field, you could print on an MFP in your truck by sending the document on your phone. If you’re on the couch, you could print the document on the MFP across the room,” said Hardin.

The new MFPs aim to help engineering firms digitize blueprints and plans stored in paper archives at the office.

“With our devices, an engineer can get that archived document. They can scan it at home or at work and share it easily with colleagues,” said Hardin.

During the pandemic, researchers at Epson America, Inc.—the company’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America—have been showing customers how to use the product through interactive demonstrations.

“At our lab, the Carson Technology Center in Carson, California, we test and demo the product to show what it can do and answer questions. We’re also working on some short videos and how-to guides,” said Hardin.

Hardin said feedback for the T3170M has been excellent so far.

“People rely on the accuracy of the plans. The lines need to be in the right places. The scanner is very good at reproducing and keeping that high-quality precision,” said Hardin.

Epson plans to continue making future devices more compact and more connected. This will make the MFPs increasingly adapted to remote work.

“Since you can scan and send documents with the MFPs, they help alleviate the need to mail documents. The jury’s still out on whether firms will move to fully remote work. We’re already seeing some people return to offices in a limited capacity. Yet we’re seeing some firms keeping their work from home policies,” said Hardin.

An office with the Epson SureColor T5170M 36-inch wireless printer with integrated scanner on the far right. (Image source: Epson.)

An office with the Epson SureColor T5170M 36-inch wireless printer with integrated scanner on the far right. (Image source: Epson.)

One of the additional selling points of the SureColor MFPs is that they have several eco features that make them more environmentally friendly. The devices are RoHS compliant, meaning that they comply with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC, adopted in 2003. This directive restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The MFPs are also recyclable products.

In addition, Epson America, Inc. is a SmartWay transport partner. SmartWay is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by creating incentives to improve supply chain fuel efficiency.