Epson SureColor S-Series: S7100, S8100 & S9100 UltraChrome GS3 64" Printers

So the first (and most important) question is: how much colour control do you really need?

4, 6 or 11 Colours?

• Epson SureColor S7100 – The most streamlined model, the S7100, uses a four-colour inkset to keep costs down, putting speed and efficiency front and centre. It may not deliver the super-smooth gradients or pinpoint accuracy of the other models, but it's perfect for everyday signage, banners, and billboards.

• Epson SureColor S8100 – The 'middle child' of the range adds two extra inks—light cyan and light magenta—for smoother transitions and improved skin tones. This six-colour inkset makes a real difference for retail signage and photographic work, where a more nuanced colour output is crucial.

1. Epson SureColor S9100 – At the top of the range, the S9100 expands to eleven colours, including green and optional white, delivering an ultra-wide colour gamut with up to 99.5% Pantone coverage. It's the top pick for fine art, high-end retail, and projects with strict brand requirements. Read our Epson SureColor S9100 Printer Review.

New Printhead, New Performance

The S Series brings several impressive tech upgrades, most notably a new, wider printhead. Designed with more nozzles than its predecessor, it lays down more ink per pass, resulting in faster print speeds without sacrificing quality. There's also Nozzle Verification Technology (NVT) to detect issues automatically and minimise errors, along with a built-in dryer to ensure prints are safe to handle straight away.

UltraChrome GS3: The Chemistry of Confidence

This hardware performance is powered by Epson's UltraChrome GS3 eco-solvent ink. Engineered to reduce the total cost of ownership while improving output, GS3 ink provides the "why" behind the range's productivity:

• Faster Out-gassing: Significant drying improvements enable lamination in as little as 6 hours, enabling a genuine same-day job turnaround.

• Exceptional Gamut: Prints offer an exceptional gamut—reaching 99.5% Pantone on the S9100—and remain weather-resistant for up to 3 years outdoors without lamination.

• Efficient Delivery: The vacuum-sealed system ensures you use every drop of ink, maximising the value of the new 800ml and 1.5L packs.

Cartridges Out, Ink Packs In

In a move towards improving sustainability, Epson has replaced cartridges with new ink 'packs'; flexible pouches that reduce plastic waste by 91% and weigh less too. This eco-friendly change helps businesses hit sustainability targets with ease. The standard pack size has increased from 700 ml to 800 ml, supporting longer print runs with fewer interventions. Plus, the S8100 and S9100 models can upgrade to 1.5 litre ink packs for even better performance.

Smart Solutions to Simple Problems

Epson has clearly listened to user feedback with the S-Series, introducing several logical usability upgrades. A transparent lid makes it easy to monitor prints at a glance—no need for extra signal lights—and all three models benefit from a lower-profile design that fits neatly into height-restricted spaces, making them more ergonomic and user-friendly. A new touchscreen panel further improves usability, ensuring that settings and adjustments are as quick and easy as possible. Together, these changes give this new wave of SureColor printers a definite edge over previous models.

The Papergraphics Verdict

We asked our Technical Manager, Graham, for his take on the new range:

"I'm genuinely impressed. While the upgrades are subtle, the standout difference is the print quality—especially on the SC9100, which looks fantastic. I can see this new range being a strong seller for Epson, with each model clearly tailored to a specific user base."

If you'd like to learn more or arrange a demo, please get in touch—we'd love to help.

Call us: 0345 1300 662, or email: info@paper-graphics.com