Epson TM-C3500 versus CW-C4000: Which printer is right for you?
10th Nov 2022
It can be difficult to decide which printer is right for your needs. The Epson TM-C3500 and the CW-C4000 are both great 4-inch printers, but they have some differences that may make one more suitable for you than the other.
The TM-C3500 is a lower-cost printer, but it doesn't have some of the features of the CW-C4000, such as wireless connectivity, Mac or Linux compatibility, or a Gloss version (gloss inks are better for printing on glossy synthetic labels like silver polyester, glossy polypropylene, or clear polyester). Plus, it’s a lower resolution printer at 720 dpi versus 1200 dpi on the CW-C4000. Read on to learn more about the two printers and see which one would be the best fit for you.
The Epson TM-C3500 (720 dpi max) and CW-C4000 (1200 dpi max) are 4-inch color label printers that use inkjet technology to print on a variety of label stock types. These color label printers are designed for retail, healthcare, food and beverage, pharmacy, service, and identification applications. With print speeds of up to 4 inches per second, Epson's TM-C3500 and CW-C4000 color label printers offer high-quality, affordable, on-demand color printing.
Though the CW-C4000 is a more robust solution, the Epson TM-C3500 and both versions of the CW-C4000 have some similarities. All models come with an auto cutter, Ethernet and USB ports, and a standard 1-year warranty (upgraded warranties available and sold separately.
Differences include the following:
- Ink types -- Both printers use four-color pigment inks that are designed to resist fading and smudging. The CW-C4000 comes in either Matte or Gloss versions. The Matte version uses a dark black for matte and paper media, whereas the Gloss version is formulated for use with glossy media. All use individual CMYK ink cartridges.
- Max print width -- The TM-C3500's print width is 4.1 inches while the CW-C4000's is 4.25 inches.
- Print speed -- The CW-C4000 is slightly faster at up to 4 inches per second compared to 3.4 inches per second on the TM-C3500.
- Print resolution – Both printers are fine for GHS chemical label applications. However, the Epson TM-C3500 has a max print resolution of 720 dpi, whereas the Epson CW-C4000 has a max print resolution of 1200 dpi. The higher resolution is better for applications with fine print.
- Printer language -- The Epson TM-C3500 label printer uses raster while the CW-C4000 uses ESC/LABEL and ZPL II.
- Wi-Fi option -- If you need Wi-Fi connectivity, you'll need to purchase one of the CW-C4000 models and order the Wi-Fi option as Wi-Fi is unavailable on the Epson TM-C3500.
- Connectivity -- Both printers support Windows and major middleware, however, the CW-C4000 also supports Mac, Linux, and SAP.
Glossy versus Matte Media
The first decision you'll need to make when purchasing either of these printers is which type of ink you need -- glossy or matte. Glossy labels are shinier and more vibrant, but they can easily smudge. Matte labels have a duller finish but are more resistant to smudging, scratches, water, and chemicals. Glossy labels are best for product labeling applications, while matte labels are better for industrial applications, including GHS BS5609 chemical labels.
If you primarily print on glossy media, you'll want to purchase the CW-C4000 Gloss version. If you print on matte or other non-glossy media more often, or if you need to print GHS BS5609-compliant labels, you should choose either the CW-C4000 Matte version or the TM-C3500. To print GHS BS5609-compliant labels, you will need to use our Matte Chemical Labels.
Label Expert stocks matte and glossy labels engineered for Epson ColorWorks label printers, including the Epson TM-C3500 and Epson CW-C4000. Choose from a variety of materials, including paper, polypropylene, and vinyl in matte and gloss versions. We also offer a wide selection of sizes, shapes, and colors.
If you already own one of these Epson color label printers, be sure to purchase the correct type of media for your needs. If you're unsure which label stock to buy, please get in touch with one of our experts, and we'll be happy to help you choose the right labels for your application.
For large label orders, we recommend ordering free sample labels before committing to a purchase. This way, you can test the labels with your specific application to ensure compatibility and print quality.
Which Epson 4-inch Color Label Printer is Right for You?
Choosing a printer can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it's hard to know which is the best for your needs. Epson TM-C3500 and CW-C4000 color label printers are both great options for those needing to print high-quality labels on demand.
If you need a gloss printer for printing on glossy media, go with the CW-C4000 Gloss. If you need a matte printer for matte or other non-glossy media, either the Epson CW-C4000 Matte or TM-C3500 will work great. The CW-C4000 is a little faster and is available with a Wi-Fi option (sold separately).
Ultimately, the best printer for you will depend on your specific needs. But whether you choose the TM-C3500 or CW-C4000, you can be confident that you're getting a reliable and high-quality label printer.
Not sure which printer is best for you? Get in touch with one of our label experts by calling us at 403-279-4455, and we'll help you choose the perfect printer for your needs.