Having learned about this printer some time ago, I’ve been waiting to see it run and learn about the specification. You can see it run here on my YouTube page:
And here is the official Epson press
release: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/2014090900515
Plus an interview in Labels & Labeling: http://www.labelsandlabeling.com/news/new-products/epson-launches-precsioncore-benchtop-printer?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Tarsus+Exhibitions+%26+Publishing&utm_campaign=4698225_Show+daily+Americas+Day+3&dm_i=975,2SP69,HEYJCW,A6214,1
From my perspective, this new color label printer brings
several key advantages to the market.
First is the print resolution. At
600 x 1200 dpi, the resolution is much higher than Epson’s previous printer,
the TM-C3500, at 720 x 360. In addition,
this printer uses a new “linehead” printhead, eliminating the potential for “banding”
which may occur when the printhead moves in the TM-C3500. This banding is most likely to occur when
printing large blocks of color. At this
resolution and the new line printhead, this printer should have no problem
printing prime labels, covered edge-to-edge with ink.
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| TM-C7500 Label Printed and then Scanned |
Second, the new PrecisionCore Chip technology makes the printhead
a non-consumable item. You don’t have to
replace or even maintain the printhead. Eliminating
the need for maintenance makes this printer much easier to use. Just print.
If it breaks, Epson should have a version of their Spare-in-the-Air
extended warranty available making the printer easy to service.
Third, the C7500 comes with a built-in ZPL emulation and
colorization capability. With the ZPL
emulation, this printer can print directly from an application that uses Zebra
printers today. I believe this capability
will help eliminate the need for and the inventory of preprinted color labels
(assuming the ink is priced even to or slightly less than the existing TM-C3500
ink). By adding the preprinted color
image to your existing ZPL, you can print color labels on-demand probably at a
price close or equal to purchasing them from a printer. I look forward to learning more about the price/cost
benefit of this printing on-demand versus purchasing preprinted labels.
And fourth, the C7500 uses a durable, encapsulated pigment
ink and label media similar to the TM-C3500 and GP-C831. This waterfast and chemically resistant
durable ink makes this printer especially suitable for any application where
water or chemical resistance is required.
After working with other printers, I’ve come to realize the importance
of this feature of the Epson printers.
Although the printer is much faster (12” per second), I don’t
find this capability that important; except maybe in situations where companies
print, rewind and apply. With the built-in unwinder with capacity up to 8” rolls
and the optional rewinder, the printer will be capable to produce a lot of finished
rolls quickly.
As for downsides, I see three. First the printer has a max print width of
4.1”. This size eliminates using this
printer for drum or other packages requiring wider labels.
Second, the printer requires up to 10 seconds to first print. As I understand, the printhead moves out of
the way when not in use. The printhead
must move above the media to start printing.
For longer runs, this time is not a problem. If you want to print one label at a time,
this time to first print could be an issue.
Third, the printer will not be Generally Available until
approximately January. According to
Epson, it may be available as early as December; depending on production,
shipments and initial orders. With all
the new components and technology in this printer, General Availability may be
delayed.
Overall, I see the TM-C7500 as revolutionary technology that
will change the label printing market, making color as easy, fast and
affordable as monochrome label printing.
Plus, this printer has the potential to replace many thermal transfer
printers; at least those using preprinted color.
As an early adopter of this technology, Color Label
Solutions will be the premier reseller of the TM-C7500; providing the expertise
and support you need to move to this new technology. Contact me to discuss how the TM-C7500 may
fit your requirements; or to get in the queue to purchase one of these new
label printers.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
#colorlabels
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