Over the past nine months, Epson has completely transformed its SureColor S Series solvent printer lineup. The long‑running S40, S60, and S80 models—beloved by print shops for nearly a decade—have officially been retired. In their place, Epson has introduced three next‑generation 64″ solvent printers designed to meet the needs of every type of print operation, from new sign shop startups to high‑volume production houses to ultra‑high‑gamut print specialists.
In this blog, we’ll break down the new SureColor S7170, S8170, and S9170, highlight what’s new, compare print speeds and pricing, and help you determine which model is the best fit for your business. If you’re interested in watching the video as well, you can check that out here.
A New Era for Epson’s Solvent Lineup
The previous generation—S40600, S60600, and S80600—served three distinct customer profiles:
- Entry‑level shops needing reliability and affordability
- High‑production environments requiring speed and efficiency
- High‑gamut print providers focused on color-critical output
Epson’s new lineup mirrors those same customer segments with three upgraded models:
- SureColor S7170 (Entry Level)
- SureColor S8170 (High Production)
- SureColor S9170 (High Gamut / Premium Applications)
Let’s take a closer look at each.
SureColor S7170: Entry-Level Powerhouse
Replacing the S40600, the Epson SureColor S7170 is built for budget‑conscious shops that still demand professional quality.
Key Upgrades
- Same 4‑color GS3 ink set, now in larger 800 ml ink packs
- 15% fewer cartridge changes
- Full compatibility with previous‑generation color profiles
- 20% faster print speeds than the S40600
- Thanks to a new 1.33″ PrecisionCore® Micro TFP® printhead
- Improved color consistency
- A new temperature sensor near the nozzle plate stabilizes output
- Familiar, proven chassis
- Epson retained the S40 body style to keep costs low
The S7170 is ideal for shops entering the solvent market or those needing dependable production without the higher price tag of the S8170 or S9170.
SureColor S8170: High-Speed Production Redefined
Designed to replace the S60600, the Epson SureColor S8170 is built for serious throughput. This model introduces a completely new design—compact, efficient, and visually modern.
What’s New
- Expanded 6‑color ink set
- Adds Light Cyan and Light Magenta for smoother gradients and finer detail
- Massive single printhead
- Replaces the dual staggered heads of the S60
- Reduces banding and boosts speed by 20%+
- One of the most productive sign printers ever built
- Exceptional performance in high‑speed modes
- Outstanding ink density even at 2‑pass and 1‑pass speeds
If your shop prioritizes speed without sacrificing image quality, the S8170 is the workhorse you’ve been waiting for.
SureColor S9170: The New High-Gamut Flagship
The Epson SureColor S9170, released in early 2025, replaces the iconic S80600—long considered the gold standard for color-critical solvent printing.
Why It’s a Gamechanger
- 11‑color ink set
- Includes Red, Orange, and the new Green
- 99% Pantone coverage
- Up from 98% on the S80600
- Unmatched color accuracy
- Perfect for brand‑critical, fine art, and specialty applications
If your business needs to reproduce virtually any color with precision, the S9170 is the clear choice.
Key Differences Buyers Should Know
Before comparing speeds and pricing, here are three important distinctions to keep in mind.
1. White Ink Availability
- Only the S9170 supports white ink
- Essential for printing on clear films or colored substrates
2. User-Replaceable Printheads
- S8170 and S9170: User‑replaceable printheads
- Swap in a new head without tools or a technician
- Minimizes downtime in high‑production environments
- S7170: Requires a service call for printhead replacement
3. Ink Capacity & Cost
- S8170 & S9170:
- Support 1.5L ink bags at 19¢ per ml
- Also compatible with 800 ml packs (mix‑and‑match allowed)
- S7170:
- Limited to 800 ml packs at 27.5¢ per ml
For shops focused on lowering consumable costs, the S8170 and S9170 offer a clear advantage.
Print Speed Comparison
Below are Epson’s conservative published speeds. In real‑world testing, many shops—including ours—achieve even faster results.
| Printer | Adhesive Vinyl | Banner |
|---|---|---|
| S7170 (4‑color) | 140 sq ft/hr | 280 sq ft/hr |
| S8170 (6‑color) | 243 sq ft/hr | 358 sq ft/hr |
| S9170 (11‑color) | 220 sq ft/hr | 376 sq ft/hr |
High-Speed Mode Insight
- The S8170 delivers the best ink density at extreme speeds
- 2‑pass mode: Up to 725 sq ft/hr with impressive quality
- S8170 and S9170 share the same printhead, but the S8170’s dual‑channel configuration allows heavier ink laydown at high speeds
Pricing Overview (Before Promotions)
Epson frequently runs promotions, so consider these baseline prices:
- SureColor S7170: $15,595
- SureColor S8170: $22,995
- SureColor S9170: $27,995
For current promotions, reach out to IT Supplies—we can often save customers thousands depending on the month. You can email us at hello@itsupplies.com or give us a call at 1-800-771-9665.
See the Printers in Action
Want to compare print quality or speed for yourself?
Upload your file at itsupplies.com/printsamples
We’ll print it, record the pass mode and timing, and send it back. Or visit our Chicagoland demo center to test your files on all three printers in person. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect fit for your shop!
Final Thoughts
Epson’s new SureColor S Series lineup represents a major leap forward in solvent printing technology. Whether you’re launching a new shop, scaling production, or demanding the widest possible color gamut, there’s a model tailored to your needs. The S7170, S8170, and S9170 each bring meaningful improvements that make this generation faster, more efficient, and more capable than ever.
Epson has completely overhauled their S-Series Solvent printer lineup. Gone are the S40, S60 and S80 that customers have loved for a decade. Come meet the 3 new printers that are replacing and upgrading the Epson S Series Solvent family.
About IT Supplies
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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