Introduction: A New Challenger in the Solvent Printing Arena
The Epson SureColor S80600 has long been a favorite in the wide-format printing world. Launched nearly a decade ago, it set a high benchmark for eco-solvent print quality and productivity. But with the arrival of the Epson SureColor S9170, professionals and print shop owners are asking: Is it finally time to upgrade?
In this blog, we dive into an in-depth solvent speed test comparing the legacy S80600 (S80) with the new S9170. Using real-world media and rigorous testing, we reveal just how far Epson has pushed the boundaries of print speed and quality.
Putting Speed Claims to the Test: The Real-World Approach
Every printer manufacturer makes bold claims about speed, but print professionals know that lab numbers don’t always hold up in the field. That’s why we decided to conduct a real-world test using both printers on a challenging substrate—gloss adhesive vinyl. Known for highlighting imperfections like banding, it’s the perfect test media to evaluate quality at speed.
The file used was a hefty 52” x 70” (over 25 square feet) and printed in three different pass modes per printer. This allowed us to analyze each printer’s ability to balance speed vs. sellable quality.
Shocking Results: S9170 Outpaces S80600 by 2.5x in Production Mode
Originally, the test aimed to show both printers side-by-side in identical pass modes. However, the output told a different story. The Epson S9170’s 4-pass mode matched the image quality of the S80600’s 8-pass mode, while delivering an astounding 376 square feet per hour compared to the S80’s 143 sq ft/hr.
This performance leap is made possible by Epson’s new 2.6-inch PrecisionCore print head, enhanced feed system, and a refined ink drop algorithm. These improvements result in banding-free output even in faster modes—something that simply wasn’t possible with the older generation.
Blind Taste Test: Experts Couldn’t Tell the Difference
To verify these findings, the prints were evaluated by a team of in-house professionals, including color technicians and service experts. In a blind taste test, they were asked to choose the better print—without knowing which printer produced which.
The results? A near-perfect split. The 50/50 verdict underscores that the S9170’s high-speed output is indistinguishable from the slower S80’s higher-pass mode in terms of quality. That’s 2.5x the productivity with zero compromise.
Real-Time Comparison: Side-by-Side Print Duration
In time-lapse testing, the Epson S9170 completed the full-size test print in just 5 minutes and 5 seconds, while the S80600 took 11 minutes and 50 seconds using its comparable quality mode. The newer printer’s speed advantage was obvious—and dramatic.
This isn’t just an incremental update; it’s a generational leap forward that could dramatically improve your shop’s workflow and profitability.
Key Features of the Epson SureColor S9170
- High-density 2.6” PrecisionCore print head for vibrant, accurate prints
- Banding-free output even on challenging media like gloss adhesive vinyl
- Advanced ink drop control algorithm
- Speed capability of up to 376 sq ft/hr in production quality mode
- Ideal for banners, vehicle wraps, vinyl graphics, and more
Why the Epson S9170 Is a Game-Changer for Print Shops
For shops that run high-volume jobs or need faster turnaround times, the S9170 offers more than just a speed bump—it offers a competitive edge. With a price tag around $26,000, it delivers performance often associated with printers costing 2-3 times more.
Final Verdict: Is It Time to Upgrade?
Based on our testing, the answer is a resounding yes. The Epson SureColor S9170 not only outpaces the S80600 in speed but does so without sacrificing the image quality you’ve come to expect. If you’re still running an S80, the S9170 deserves your attention—especially if you’re scaling production or replacing aging equipment.
See It for Yourself: Demo Opportunities Available
If you’re not quite convinced, we invite you to contact us at IT Supplies to schedule a demo or send us your test files. We’ll print them on the Epson S9170 and send them back to you for review. Experience firsthand what 2.5x faster print speeds look like—without compromising quality.
Watch the Full Video Test
Check out our full YouTube video for visual proof of this incredible performance jump: Epson SureColor S9170 vs S80600 – Solvent Speed Test
✅FAQs
1. What makes the Epson S9170 faster than the S80600?
The S9170 features a larger 2.6″ print head and enhanced ink algorithms, enabling higher ink density with fewer passes—dramatically increasing print speed.
2. Is the image quality in faster modes still professional-grade?
Yes. In blind testing, experts couldn’t distinguish the 4-pass S9170 output from the 8-pass S80, proving its professional-grade quality even at high speed.
3. Can I use the Epson S9170 for vehicle wraps and banners?
Absolutely. It’s optimized for all common wide-format applications, including vehicle graphics, banners, wallpaper, and adhesive vinyl.
4. Is the S9170 worth upgrading from an S80600?
If speed, throughput, and lower operational costs matter to your shop, then the S9170 is a highly worthwhile upgrade.
5. How can I test the S9170 before buying?
Reach out to us at www.itsupplies.com to schedule a live demo or send in your own test files—we’ll print and return them for evaluation.
Learn more about the S9170 by clicking here.
IT Supplies is your one-stop shop for everything you need to achieve the perfect print. We partner with top manufacturers to bring you the best in printing technology, including Eco-Solvent, Latex, UV, and Aqueous printers from EPSON, HP, and Canon. Our lineup also features a wide selection of Dye-Sublimation, DTF, and DTG printers from EPSON and HP. Explore our full range at www.itsupplies.com or by giving us a call at 1-800-771-9665!
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