Epson Unveils Speedy A3 Inkjet Printer Tailored To SMBs

Epson on Monday debuted a new A3 multifunction printer in its WorkForce Enterprise line that aims to require less service by managed print providers, while also boosting print speeds and reducing power consumption.

The new offering, the WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20590, is an inkjet color printer aimed at small and medium-sized businesses or workgroups. It features print speeds of up to 100 pages per minute for simplex printing, which Epson says makes the printer the fastest in its class. The printer includes 2,350-page paper capacity, and Epson is also selling an optional 3,000-sheet high input capacity unit and an optional finisher (for collating and stapling).

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The WF-C20590 can handle fast and detailed prints in part by using Epson's next-gen print head technology, PrecisionCore, the company said.

At Louisville, Ky.-based Epson partner XBE Inc., sales manager Steve Coats said he'd been impressed with what he's seen of the printer so far.

"It's crazy, as far as the speed, and the image quality associated along with speed. You can tell it's a quality machine," Coats said.

XBE managed print services director Jesse Work added that he expects the WF-C20590 will require very few servicing interventions.

Epson says that as an inkjet printer, the WF-C20590 includes a simpler design than comparable laser printers. That means it needs to be serviced less frequently by managed print services providers and boosts MPS profitability as a result, the company said.

The WF-C20590 also features low power consumption, as it uses a standard 110-volt supply rather than the 220-volt supply that many laser printers require.

Coats, of XBE, said the advanced technology in the new printer should allow for his business to differentiate its pitch to customers.

"It actually lets us take a message to potential customers that's different from anyone else," he said. "I feel that this technology is basically going to be a shift in the industry, just like going from analog to digital."

On Monday, Epson also introduced a second A3 multifunction printer, the WorkForce Pro WF-C869R, which replaces the WorkForce WF-R8590.

Epson said the WF-C869R includes improvements around usability (such as dual-side scanning), print quality and serviceability. The WF-C869R features print speeds of up to 24 pages per minute and 1,830-sheet total paper capacity.

Epson said both new printers would be available solely through resellers, and did not disclose suggested pricing for the printers. The WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20590 will be available this summer, and the WorkForce Pro WF-C869R will be available this spring, Epson said.