Epson’s precision strategy: From 64-inch fine art to local manufacturing

At the Consumer Electronics and Imaging Fair (CEIF), Epson India signalled a major shift in the professional imaging landscape, moving beyond traditional studio prints to dominate the high-end fine art and large-format production segments. Amit Sehgal, deputy general manager, LFP-sales and marketing, Epson India, leading the company’s large-format business, highlighted the successful debut of the SureColor SC-P20530, a 64-inch, 12-colour powerhouse that is redefining art reproduction in the Indian market.

The SC-P20530 is designed for high-volume production and museum-quality results, utilising UltraChrome PRO12 pigment inks. This set includes orange, green, and violet, allowing for an expansive colour gamut that hits 99% of the Pantone range. “What you see on the monitor is exactly what you get on the print,” Sehgal noted, emphasising the accuracy required for high-end brands like Hahnemühle and Felix Schoeller.

Central to this performance is Epson’s proprietary micro piezo technology. Unlike the thermal heads used by many competitors in the signage space, Epson’s piezo heads allow for ultra-precise droplet control as small as 3.5-picolitres. This precision is the "trump card" that ensures skin tones and fine gradations remain faithful to the original digital file, a critical requirement for Mumbai’s elite photographers and art restorers.

A significant trend highlighted at the event is the migration of small studios from traditional chemical-based silver halide systems to digital inkjet solutions. With the rising cost of chemicals and the environmental challenges of traditional labs, studios in tier-II and tier-III cities are opting for Epson’s dedicated photo range, spanning from 4x6-inch desktop units to 24-inch and 44-inch production printers.

While digital file sharing initially threatened physical volumes, Sehgal observed a tangible revival of the physical photo album. He shared, “People have realised you can lose a digital file, but you can preserve a print. We are seeing wedding functions that used to be purely digital now returning to consolidated, high-quality physical albums."

Furthermore, the company recently inaugurated its first ink tank printer manufacturing facility in Chennai (in collaboration with partner Rikun). This plant is set to bolster Epson's ability to serve the B2C and home-office segments with greater agility. By assembling entry-level models locally, Epson is aligning with the Make in India initiative while maintaining the quality standards associated with Japanese engineering.

While photo remains a core pillar, the next 12 months will see Epson aggressively expanding its signage portfolio. The company is phasing out older models in favour of compact, high-performance machines targeting the burgeoning wallpaper printing and interior decor markets. With a green solvent ink technology that is odourless and indoor-safe, Epson is positioning itself as a leader in the sustainable signage space, ensuring that quality-conscious customers in both metros and B-class cities have a reliable alternative to the cost-heavy traditional lab models.