EPSON Resin vs HP Latex

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Resin vs Latex – Which is right for you?

A comparison of EPSON vs HP Wide Format Platforms

Since 2008, HP has pioneered a new wide-format printing technology known as HP Latex. Over the past decade, Latex printing has exploded from a niche eco-friendly player to the market leader in the 54” to 64” outdoor durable space. Over the years, a few rivals have tried to offer competing Latex printers, with Mimaki, Ricoh, and others taking swings at the champ. This year, a new contestant has entered the ring with Epson’s launch of their Resin SureColor R5070 platform. In this video, we’re going to compare the Epson Resin and HP Latex printers so that you can make an informed choice for your business. Stick around.

Understanding the Technology

While HP and Epson have different ink formulations, the basic technology is the same. Latex or Resin ink is laid over the top of an optimizer primer and then cured with heat to create a durable, scratch-resistant polymer film over the surface of the print media. The primary benefits of this ink technology include the ability to print on a wide variety of media types with durability without using any harmful VOCs or solvents.

Comparing Equipment Prices

For this comparison, we’ll look at the published specs from both manufacturers and put them side by side for your evaluation.

Both printers were launched this year and feature the latest respective technology, but they are not the flagship models.

  • Epson’s Flagship Model: R5070L, costs $19,495. It doubles the onboard ink capacity from 1.5L per color to 3L per color. However, it does not carry any additional speed or quality enhancements. It simply increases the ink capacity, allows for hot swapping of inks, and reduces the ink cost.
  • HP’s Flagship Model: Latex 800, costs $21,995. For this hefty price, you move up to 3L bulk inks, gain about 15% faster print speed, a modified take-up system, and a status beacon.

Printer costs are subject to change every month based on manufacturer promotions, so make sure you check with your sales rep to get the latest prices being offered on these units.

Ink Costs

  • Epson R5070 Ink Cost: 15.3 cents per ml (1.5L).
  • HP Latex 700 Ink Cost: 14.3 cents per ml (1L boxes).

For flagship models:

  • Epson R5070L Ink Cost: 12.5 cents per ml (3L packs).
  • HP Latex 800 Ink Cost: 10 cents per ml (3L packs).

HP inks are cheaper by about 20%.

Print Head Costs

A crucial differentiator is the cost of print heads:

  • Epson Micropiezo Print Head: Made to last “for years.” Estimated to last at least 2 years while printing 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Replacement cost: $695, approximately $2,695 over two years.
  • HP Thermal Print Head: A consumable. Estimated cost: $170 each, total cost of about $28,000 over two years for the same printing volume.

This results in a printhead cost of about $0.03 per ml for HP, compared to about $0.0025 per ml for Epson.

Print Speeds

When discussing print speeds, it’s important to consider the quality of output. We’ll look specifically at self-adhesive vinyl with Resin and Latex for a consistent comparison:

  • Epson R5070/R5070L: “Production Speed Adhesive Vinyl” mode at 225 square feet per hour.
  • HP Latex 700: “High-Speed Self Adhesive Vinyl” mode at 334 square feet per hour.
  • HP Latex 800: 388 square feet per hour for the same mode.

The closest comparison to the Epson R5070’s print speed may be the HP Latex 365, which advertises self-adhesive vinyl modes between 183 and 248 square feet per hour.

Printer Size

The physical size and design of the printers also matter:

  • Epson SureColor R5070: Measures 116” wide, rear-loading.
  • HP Latex 700/800: 101” wide, front-loading.

The front-loading design of HP printers allows for placement flexibility, such as back-to-back or against a wall without needing access to the back.

Test them for yourself at our Rolling Meadows, IL Showroom

Speeds and spec sheets do not tell the whole story. Before making a decision on a printer, it’s important to see them in action. We invite you to our Chicagoland facility for a demo. Here, you can experience firsthand which printer you prefer loading and unloading, which one handles print head crashes better, which one offers better color and image quality, and more.

We hope you found this video helpful as a starting point when evaluating Epson Resin and HP Latex printers. Both printers have a lot to offer, and we’re excited to offer both to our customers. If you have any questions, we’d love to answer those for you in the comments below. To schedule a demo, please reach us at itsupplies.com. Thanks!

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