Epson’s exhibit at the Bharat Print Expo was supported by regional business development partner Star Labels and Solutions and focused on the transition from traditional monochrome thermal printing to high-fidelity, on-demand colour.
Jobin John, representing the Epson showcase, highlighted two primary models tailored for the diverse needs of the Indian manufacturing sector: a 4-inch entry-level solution and a high-performance 8-inch variant.
Precision engineering and scalability
The Epson ColorWorks lineup is designed to provide manufacturers with the flexibility to print labels in-house, eliminating the lead times and inventory costs associated with third-party print shops.
The 4-inch model is aimed at standard product labelling and offers a 600 DPI resolution at a price point of approximately INR 1.5-lakhs. This variant serves as an accessible entry point for small and medium enterprises looking to upgrade their branding without a massive capital investment.
For larger format requirements, such as those found in chemical drums or large-scale retail packaging, Epson presented the 8-inch high-performance unit. Priced at INR 3-lakhs, this model offers a professional 1200 DPI resolution for industries where visual clarity and data density are critical.
Both systems utilise a specialised four-colour CMYK ink configuration, allowing for vibrant, full-colour reproduction on a wide variety of media, including chromo paper and synthetic substrat
Pigment ink technology
Unlike standard dye-based inks, which are susceptible to smudging and environmental degradation, Epson’s pigment-based system is engineered for long-term survival in difficult conditions.
The resulting labels are non-tearable and resistant to both water and oil, making the technology particularly valuable for the lubricants, chemicals, and cosmetics sectors. John noted that the labels remain intact and legible even in the event of product spills, meeting a critical requirement for both brand protection and regulatory compliance.
On-demand cost efficiency
Epson’s approach focuses on maintaining a low total cost of ownership for short-to-medium print runs.
With a high-capacity ink system designed for continuous operation, the estimated cost per label is approximately INR 1.50. This print-as-needed model allows companies to reduce waste by avoiding the storage of thousands of pre-printed labels that may become obsolete due to changing regulations.
The printers can handle various formats, including die-cut and porch labels, at a speed of 1.5-inches per second, providing a consistent balance of quality and throughput.