How fast can the Epson SureColor S8170 really go? We tested 1, 2, and 4 pass banner modes to evaluate real production speed, ink density, and print quality for high volume shops.
Epson SureColor S8170 Print Speed Test and Review
When Epson releases a new production printer, one question rises to the top almost immediately. How fast is it, really?
The Epson SureColor S8170 enters the market as a high-speed solvent production printer designed for serious banner output. It replaces the popular S60600, but with upgraded hardware, a new ink configuration, and a redesigned print head architecture. On paper, the numbers look impressive. In real-world banner production, the results are even more interesting.
Let’s break it down technically, then translate what those specs actually mean for your shop floor.
What Makes the Epson SureColor S8170 Different?
Before diving into the speed test, it helps to understand what changed mechanically and chemically.
1. New 6 Color Ink Set with Dual Channels
The S8170 moves beyond CMYK and incorporates Light Cyan and Light Magenta. That matters for two primary reasons:
- Improved tonal gradation in highlights and midtones
- Smoother transitions in photographic and high-end signage work
Each color is delivered through dual channels. That allows for higher ink laydown at faster carriage speeds without starving the image of density. In production terms, that means you can push speed without sacrificing saturation.
2. 2.6 Inch MicroPiezo Print Head
This is where things get serious.
The outgoing S60600 used two staggered 1-inch print heads. Combined, they delivered a 2-inch swath per carriage pass. The new S8170 uses a single 2.6-inch user-replaceable MicroPiezo print head.
That extra 0.6 inches may not sound dramatic, but in production math, it adds up quickly.
- Larger swath per pass
- Fewer passes required for equivalent coverage
- Reduced mechanical alignment complexity
With a single head instead of two staggered heads, Epson reduces the risk of micro misalignment. That translates to less banding and improved consistency at high speeds.
In short, bigger swath plus tighter control equals faster usable output.
Speed Comparison: S8170 vs S60600
Let’s look at apples to apples comparisons.
Outgoing Epson S60600 Speeds
- 4 pass mode: 310 sq ft per hour
- 6 pass production mode: 189 sq ft per hour
Epson SureColor S8170 Speeds
- 4 pass mode: 358 sq ft per hour
- 6 pass mode: 243 sq ft per hour
That equals:
- 15 percent increase at 4 pass
- 28 percent increase at 6 pass
Those are meaningful jumps in production capacity. If your shop runs banners daily, that extra output can translate into more jobs per shift and improved turnaround times.
But the real story starts when we step outside traditional pass modes.
Real World Banner Testing on 13 oz Scrim
We tested three banner samples printed on 13-oz scrim banner stock:
- 4 pass
- 2 pass
- 1 pass
All were printed on the Epson SureColor S8170.
4 Pass Mode at 358 Sq Ft Per Hour
Technically speaking, this is production quality with high-density ink laydown. The color saturation is strong. Gradients are smooth. Detail is crisp.
Side by side, 4 pass is the most vibrant and dense output. It is absolutely suitable for high-end indoor signage and premium applications.
From a production standpoint, 358 sq ft per hour at this quality level is impressive. Many shops could run this as a primary production mode without hesitation.
2 Pass Mode at 725 Sq Ft Per Hour
Here’s where things get interesting.
At 725 sq ft per hour, you’re effectively doubling output compared to 4 pass. The question becomes obvious. Does quality collapse?
Surprisingly, no.
Without a direct side-by-side comparison, it’s difficult to see a dramatic difference between 4 pass and 2 pass. There’s a slight reduction in density, but banding isn’t visibly present.
Technically, the dual-channel ink delivery and wider 2.6-inch head allow the printer to maintain adequate ink distribution even at these aggressive speeds.
For many banner applications, 2 pass mode may represent the sweet spot between speed and quality.
1 Pass Mode at 1400 Sq Ft Per Hour
Traditionally, 1 pass mode on many printers is borderline unusable. Banding becomes obvious. Ink density drops. The image can look thin.
On the S8170, 1 pass mode is a different story.
Yes, some banding is visible if you examine closely. But the ink density is shockingly strong for a single pass at 1400 sq ft per hour.
Let’s put that in perspective.
At 1400 sq ft per hour, you are entering ultra high volume territory. Outdoor banners viewed from five feet or more are absolutely sellable in this mode.
That kind of throughput can compete with machines that cost two or three times more.
Technical Analysis: Why 1 Pass Works Better Here
Three factors contribute to improved 1 pass performance:
- Wider print head swath
- Higher nozzle density across 2.6 inches
- Dual-channel ink delivery for each color
By increasing nozzle coverage per pass, Epson reduces the visual gaps that typically cause banding in lower pass modes. While physics still limits perfection, the improvement is significant.
From an engineering standpoint, the S8170 is designed to operate efficiently in lower pass configurations without degrading into unusable output.
Seeing Is Believing
If you want to evaluate 1 pass or 2 pass output yourself, you can request printed samples by sending your file to: https://itsupplies.com/printsamples
Or better yet, visit the IT Supplies Chicago land demo center and test it in person. Push it to the limit. Run your own files. Examine density and banding under your own lighting conditions.
There is no substitute for hands on testing.
Final Thoughts
The Epson SureColor S8170 is not just incrementally faster than the S60600. It represents a structural upgrade in print head architecture and ink delivery strategy.
When tested on 13 oz scrim banner:
- 4 pass delivers premium density
- 2 pass offers outstanding production balance
- 1 pass opens serious high-volume potential
If banner production is central to your business, these speed improvements are not just numbers on a spec sheet. They translate directly into higher output and improved profitability.
To learn more about the Epson SureColor S8170, visit:
https://itsupplies.com/epson-surecolor-s8170-64in-production-edition-solvent-printer
And if you are ready to push this printer to its limits, IT Supplies is currently taking orders!
Speed is one thing. Usable speed is everything.
If you’re interested in watching the video, click here.
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