Epson Shifts from Cartridges to Ink Tanks

Epson plans to launch its new EcoTank ink jet printers, which can print up to 4,000 pages in black and up to 6,500 pages in full color. According to Tech Times, despite the fact that most desktop printers use ink cartridges, Epson’s new printers, EcoTank L355 and EcoTank L555, are sold complete with ink tanks. The OEM says if a home user prints 200 pages monthly, the tanks will last for two years before requiring replacement. The new, easy-to-refill ink tanks have high capacities and enable the printers to deliver high page yields.

The OEM notes that, compared to a printer with cartridges, an ink tank printer will help users save from 60% to 65% on ink cost. Each Epson ink refill bottle costs only $5.50. Moreover, users are “allowed to refill the ink tanks with non-Epson brand ink refills.”

As reported, the new printers feature the standard print, copy, scan functions and Wi-Fi connectivity. The L555 also has a fax capability, an Automatic Document Feeder for up to 30 pages and an LCD screen.

In addition, Epson offers a warranty for the Ink Tank system, which, Tech Times declares, “is good for a period of one year or a minimum of 30,000 pages.”

Tech Times said the new printers—priced by Epson at around $400—are  priced higher than other printers priced at around $120. But, reporters believe Epson will make its profits from the new machines while in the past, profits depended upon the sale of ink cartridges.

Further, Tech Times commented that Epson’s decision is driven by consumers preferring generic ink cartridges rather than branded cartridges, which have cut the profits of Epson and other printer manufacturers. Also, users print less now, because they prefer to share images on social media without printing.