The Big Interview
Kaizen – a business philosophy to live by
Epson has a strong foundation in manufacturing and lives by the Japanese business philosophy of Kaizen, which means ‘continuous improvement’. To learn more about Epson’s continuously improving print technology in the sign market, Sign Update editor Melanie Attlesey spoke to Phil McMullin, head of sales commercial and industrial at Epson UK, to find out more.
E
ight years ago, Epson introduced to the sign market the SureColor SC-S series of professional 64in signage printers to great reception.
“If you wind the clock back eight years, the consensus in the industry was ‘what does Epson know about signage’. The launch of the SC-S series put us right at the forefront of the signage market,” says Phil. At the time the SC-S series provided print service providers with a choice of three printers to create high impact, durable and profi table signage and display graphics. Fast forward eight years and following the manufacturing concept of Kaizen, small tweaks have been made to the range and the current SC-S80600L is now the number one selling 64in signage printer globally. The only real difference between the original SC-S80600 and the SC-S80660L is a bulk ink tank of 1.5l, the introduction of ink in bags rather than plastic cartridges, and cosmetic changes to streamline the appearance.
eco-solvents inks, which means all the carcinogens and nickel have been removed, leaving behind a very safe and secure ink. The main feedback received from customers is the appreciation and love for the vibrant prints produced, which are second to none. The prints so loved by operators and end-users are made possible through the large colour gamut and the ability to run metallic inks and whites.
“There is no perfect printer, but the SC-S80600L is as close as it gets,” says Phil. “It is totally versatile and is extremely frugal on the ink.”
small-footprint UV A4 fl atbed printer. The SC-V1000 is the little brother to the SC-V7000 UV fl atbed large format printer. This entry-level printer was specifi cally produced to meet the needs of small businesses in the promotional goods industry which print onto 3D objects and rigid media. If it’s fl at and less than 70mm thick you can print on it. “Its sweet spot is small scale signage – that’s what it’s designed for really,” says Phil. “The traditional sign maker is doing signs and graphics for vehicles and outdoor signage. What we are trying to encourage is for them to think about indoor signage, décor for the offi ce, wayfi nding signage. It’s about adding another string to the sign makers’ bow.” Something that Epson is currently exploring with this printer is the ability to print Braille on signs. It’s quite diffi cult to do, but should be a possibility says Phil.
The new SC-S series concept was showcased at drupa
Rather excitingly, Epson showcased a new SC-S series concept at the recent drupa exhibition held in Düsseldorf, Germany. This concept is the next generation of the SC-S80600L, which promises big things. Details at the moment are sketchy, but it is anticipated that this series will feature a sleek new design, green inks and a bulk ink capacity of 800ml and 1.6l. This new series is expected to launch next year.
Phil McMullin with the SC-S80600L Huge growth area
This workhorse of a printer can print onto virtually any substrate, including; vinyl banners, canvas, meshes, window graphics and wallpaper. It uses
| 38 | July/August 2024
Recognising that the sign market is a growth area and with that comes new opportunities, at the beginning of the year Epson introduced its fi rst
Phil adds: “It’s about testing out the market, making sure we can add value and do something different to what everyone else is doing. We are
www.signupdate.co.uk
To fi ll another gap in the market, an A3 version of the SC-V1000 is currently in development and expected to be available in the spring next year. This will have a 10-colour inkset, whereas the SC-V1000 features CMYK plus white and varnish.
The SC-V1000
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
