Epson SureColor S7170 Solvent Printer: Real Cost Breakdown for Sign Shops

Epson has just released their newest entry-level solvent printer, the 64-inch SureColor S7170. This is an exciting option for sign shops looking for a cost-effective printer without sacrificing quality or speed. With units now arriving at production floors nationwide, it is the perfect time to take a close look at the real-world costs involved in purchasing and running the Epson S7170.

At IT Supplies, we know that understanding the total cost of ownership, from upfront purchase price to ongoing ink and maintenance expenses, is crucial for your shop’s profitability. In this blog, we will break down the key cost factors of the Epson SureColor S7170 so you can make an informed buying decision.

The Epson SureColor S7170: An Overview

Replacing Epson’s popular S40600, the SureColor S7170 steps up as their newest entry-level solvent printer. The S40600 was a reliable four-color workhorse for nearly a decade, and Epson has built on that legacy with several important upgrades.

Key improvements include:

  • A 30 percent larger print head, significantly increasing print speeds.
  • Larger 800 ml ink pouches, offering 15 percent more printing before needing an ink change.
  • A new 4.3-inch touchscreen interface for easier printer control.
  • Print head guards designed to flatten uneven media and reduce head strikes.
  • Advanced features like nozzle verification to bypass clogged nozzles and a print head sensor to maintain consistent color over long print runs.

The S7170 only comes in a 64-inch width with CMYK inks, making it straightforward and efficient for many sign and graphics applications.

Hardware Costs: What You Are Paying For

The Epson SureColor S7170’s MSRP is $15,595 before promotional discounts or financing options. While this is Epson’s lowest-cost solvent printer, it still delivers industry-leading print quality and speed for its class.

If you are interested, we always recommend contacting your sales rep at IT Supplies to discuss the latest promotions and financing specials. That way, you can get the best possible deal and accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.

Operating Costs: Ink and Consumables

Understanding ink costs is essential since they have a major impact on your ongoing expenses and profit margins.

  • The S7170 uses four ink colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
  • Ink comes in 800 ml pouches priced at roughly $220 per bag, which works out to about 27.5 cents per milliliter.
  • Epson’s 4-color solvent ink set totals $880 for a full replacement set.
  • Notably, the S7170 does not use optimizer, light inks, or maintenance fluids, which keeps ink costs simpler and lower.

On average, the S7170 consumes less than 1 ml of ink per square foot, translating to roughly 27.5 cents in ink per square foot of printed material. This is often more efficient compared to other printers that use more complex ink sets or multiple ink channels.

For precise estimates, IT Supplies offers a free sample print service where you can send your artwork and preferred media. We will provide your print samples along with exact ink usage data. Visit itsupplies.com/printsamples to learn more.

Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your Printer Running Smoothly

Beyond ink, there is just one main consumable to factor in:

  • The maintenance kit costs $101 and includes air filters, a flushing pad, and Epson’s fabric wiper.
  • This wiper is a tiny paper towel roll that automatically cleans your print head, reducing downtime and manual maintenance.
  • One kit typically lasts over a month with regular printing.

This streamlined maintenance process helps keep the printer running reliably without complex upkeep.

Service and Support: Protecting Your Investment

Every new Epson S7170 includes one year of full coverage for parts and labor. You can extend this coverage up to five years with additional service contracts.

  • Prepaid service contracts offer the best value at approximately $1,678 per year, covering parts including the print head and next-day onsite support.
  • Paying annually without prepaying runs about $2,910 per year.
  • We strongly recommend prepaying to save over 40 percent on extended service costs.
  • Different contract lengths and options are available, so be sure to reach out to your IT Supplies rep to discuss what fits your budget.

Why Choose the Epson SureColor S7170?

The Epson SureColor S7170 provides a compelling balance of price, speed, quality, and reliability for sign shops and print service providers who want a solvent printer that keeps running smoothly without breaking the bank.

  • It builds on a proven platform with smart upgrades that improve efficiency.
  • Its four-color ink set and simple maintenance keep operating costs predictable.
  • Epson’s support and service options help minimize downtime and protect your investment.

At IT Supplies, we are here to help you understand the full picture and get the most value from your new printer purchase!

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are considering the Epson SureColor S7170, we encourage you to reach out to one of our knowledgeable sales reps for the latest pricing, promotions, and financing options. We will help you calculate the true cost of ownership for your unique printing needs.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more in-depth product breakdowns, tips, and industry insights!

Watch Our Video on the Epson S7170 – Click 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!