Thinking about investing in the Epson SureColor S8170? In this blog, we break down the full cost of ownership, from printer price and service contracts to ink savings, so you can make a smart, informed decision.
Epson SureColor S8170 True Cost of Ownership – Printer, Ink & Service
In fall 2025, Epson introduced its most productive solvent printer yet, the Epson SureColor S8170. If speed and efficiency top your priority list, this machine is a game changer. It’s officially the fastest solvent printer we have ever offered, and it is built for high-volume shops that cannot afford downtime.
But here is the real question. What does it actually cost to own?
In this breakdown, we walk through the True Cost of Ownership, including printer price, warranty coverage, service contracts, and ink expenses, so you know exactly what to expect before making the leap.
If you would like to watch our video, check it out here.
Speed, Productivity and Print Performance
Let’s start with what makes the Epson SureColor S8170 stand out.
This 64-inch production solvent printer uses a new 6-color eco-solvent ink set to deliver outdoor durable prints at speeds we have never seen before. We’re talking banner production at over 700 square feet per hour. That’s serious throughput!
Thanks to dual channels for each of the six ink colors, the S8170 achieves exceptional ink density at high speeds. The addition of Light Cyan and Light Magenta improves gradients and fine details, which is an upgrade over the previous 4-color S60600.
Even more impressive, Epson introduced a 2.6-inch PrecisionCore TFP printhead that increases speeds by 20 to 30 percent compared to the S60600 in the same print modes. We have seen banding-free banner production at 2-pass settings, essentially doubling throughput versus the previous generation.
If productivity drives your revenue, this solvent printer is built to deliver.
Printer Cost: What Is the Upfront Investment?
Now let’s talk numbers.
The Epson SureColor S8170 carries a list price of $22,995 before promotions. However, Epson frequently offers monthly rebates. For example, there is currently a $1,400 instant rebate, bringing the price down to $21,595.
It’s important to stay in contact with one of our knowledgeable sales representatives who can monitor promotions for you. Timing your purchase right can save thousands!
When evaluating the true cost of ownership, don’t just look at the sticker price. You need to factor in ink, service, and long-term maintenance.
Warranty and Service Costs Explained
Here’s where things get interesting.
The S8170 includes a one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty covering parts, labor, and printheads. That’s significant. After the first year, however, printheads become a self-repair expense.
The cost of a replacement printhead is $995.
Now for the major innovation. The S8170 allows user-replaceable printheads. You can swap the head yourself in about 10 minutes, and the printer self-calibrates in roughly an hour.
Why does this matter?
- No waiting for a technician
- Minimal production downtime
- Greater control over maintenance
For high-production environments, that flexibility is extremely valuable.
Service Contract Options
If you want extended coverage, Epson offers multiple options.
- Four-year extension for a total of five years of coverage at $1,830 per year
- Annual renewal option at $2,977 per year
Because the printhead is now user-replaceable, service contract costs have dropped significantly compared to previous generations.
When calculating your true cost of ownership, weigh the likelihood of repairs against contract pricing. Some high-volume shops prefer the peace of mind of extended coverage, while others may choose to self-maintain.
Ink Costs and How to Maximize Savings
Ink is where long-term operating expenses add up, so let’s break it down.
The S8170 ships with a full set of 800 ml ink bags included. That equals over $2,640 worth of ink bundled with your purchase. Many competitors do not include that level of value upfront.
Ink Options
You can choose between:
- 800 ml bags at $220 each
- 1.5 liter bags at $286 each
Here is how that breaks down:
- 800 ml bags equal $0.27 per ml
- 1.5 liter bags equal $0.19 per ml
That difference creates meaningful savings when using larger bags.
The integrated bulk ink system allows you to mix and match sizes depending on color usage. For high-consumption colors, choosing 1.5 liter bags can significantly reduce your cost per square foot.
In our experience, Epson solvent printers use approximately 1 to 1.2 ml of ink per square foot. Using that estimate, you can calculate your expected ink cost based on production volume.
If you want exact numbers for your files, submit a print sample here:
https://itsupplies.com/printsamples
Your file will be printed and evaluated so you receive real-world ink usage data that helps you plan accurately.
Breaking Down the True Cost of Ownership
Let’s recap the major cost components.
Upfront Investment
- Printer at approximately $21,595 with current promotion
- $2,640 in included ink
Ongoing Costs
- Ink at $0.19 to $0.27 per ml depending on bag size
- Printhead replacement at $995 after warranty if needed
- Service contracts ranging from $1,830 to $2,977 annually
When you factor in higher production speeds, reduced downtime, lower service costs, and competitive ink pricing, the Epson SureColor S8170 delivers strong long-term value for shops focused on volume and efficiency.
Should You Invest in the Epson SureColor S8170?
If your shop is growing or you’re reaching capacity with your current equipment, the S8170 may be exactly what you need.
It is fast.
It is efficient.
It is built for production environments.
The combination of user-replaceable printheads, reduced service costs, and flexible ink purchasing options makes the true cost of ownership more predictable than ever.
To see the printer in action, schedule a demo at itsupplies.com and experience the speed and quality firsthand. You may be surprised at what this production solvent printer can do.
Final Thoughts
When evaluating a production solvent printer, it’s easy to focus only on price. Smart shop owners look deeper. The real story lies in ink efficiency, service flexibility, uptime, and production capacity.
The Epson SureColor S8170 checks all the right boxes.
If productivity is your priority and you need a solvent printer that keeps up with demand, this machine deserves serious consideration.
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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