Last week, original equipment manufacturer Epson America, Inc. rolled out a pair of new multifunction printers (MFPs). Rated at 55 pages per minute (ppm), these two inkjet devices cover somewhat of a sweet spot for the OEM as it continues its migration away from laser printing technology. Prior to launch, we spoke with Dennis Fan, product manager for Epson. “The WorkForce Enterprise AM-C550z and AM-M5500 fill a mid-range, 45-to-69-ppm ‘volume void’ within our business print portfolio,” Fan told The Cannata Report.
The only upward trend for color MFPs sold in 2024 was in this speed band, reports market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC). Nearly half (48%) of the 209,000 monochrome units sold in the past year were in the 41-70 ppm speed segment, according IDC, generating 52% of all mono revenue
($1.68 billion total).
Built to cost-effectively meet the printing needs of the modern/hybrid office, these MFPs are ideally suited to keep business documents flowing expediently within medium-sized businesses and enterprise environments that manage their workgroups. Vertical-market applications, explained Fan, include the architecture/engineering/construction (AEC), education, finance, legal, and government sectors. Both the A4 color and A3 monochrome inkjet models feature small, versatile footprints for optimized energy efficiency. The AM-M5500 has the same dimensions as the color model and is 8.6 poundss lighter than the color MFPs (with ink; 4.9 lbs. lighter without ink).
- The WorkForce Enterprise AM-C550z (pictured below) is an A4-format (8½x11” letter size) color MFP that can print up to 55 pages per minute (ppm); document scanning speed is 50 impressions per minute (ipm) in simplex mode, 100 ipm duplex. The AM-C550z features a space-saving inner finisher for simple offset stacking (up to 300 sheets), sorting, and corner stapling (up to 50 LTR sheets) in high-demand environments. Its flexible design can be configured as a desktop or floor-standing unit with the option to add up to three cassettes for a total of five paper sources. The AM-C550z has a recommended monthly print volume of 4,500 to 30,000 full color pages and supports up to Legal-sized media. MSRP: $10,808
Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM C550z—basic configuration shown.
- The WorkForce Enterprise AM-M5500 is an A3 (11×17”) monochrome print/copy/scan/fax device that also outputs at 55 ppm. It, too, features an efficient design as well as optional full-size or inner finisher for simple operations such as stacking, stapling (up to 50 LTR sheets), and optional hole-punching. The full-size finisher can be expanded with a saddle unit for bi-fold/tri-fold and making booklets. It has wireless, multi-fax, and multi-network connectivity options and the ability to print from iOS mobile devices or print/scan from Android devices. Engineered for departments and large workgroups, it has paper capacity of up to 5,150 sheets and recommended monthly duty cycle ranging from 8,000 to 60,000 black-and-white pages. MSRP: $17,346
Unlike competing laser-print MFPs, these Epson inkjet printing solutions are powered by the OEM’s proprietary PrecisionCore heat-free technology. The AM- C550z and AM-M5500 are designed for reliability with low waste and require zero warm-up time, delivering a fast first page out featuring outstanding image quality and crisp text. Maximized uptime enhances print productivity, Epson says. Both MFPs offer the lowest electrical power consumption in their respective classes—up to 60% lower for the AM-C550z vs. color laser printer and up to 60% lower for the AM-M5500 vs. mono laser printers—resulting in lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and a faster return on investment (ROI).
High-quality Epson Output
On the consumables side, “the AM-M5500 monochrome machine features our new, high-capacity T15K Black Ink system, which can yield up to 69,000 black pages” before replenishment is necessary, noted Fan, who spent more than eight years with Kyocera Document Solutions before joining Epson in late 2016. The DURABrite® Pro pigment ink is fast-drying as well as water-resistant and delivers outstanding image quality and crisp black text.
Fan also pointed out that the inner finisher on the AM-550z color MFP is included in the manufacturer’s warranty. “The finishing unit adds only about 9 inches in height and 10” in width to the overall dimensions,” he added.
Both WorkForce Enterprise MFPs are engineered for powerful business productivity with a full suite of the latest security features and an intuitive, user-friendly 10.1″ color touchscreen with a customizable interface for easy operation. They are also compatible with Epson Solutions Suite and industry-leading third-party solutions for seamless workflow integration.
The Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM-C550z and AM-M5500 are available through authorized BusinessFirst℠ dealers. More information is available here.
