F170 ink, F570 ink, and T49M ink are the exact same ink. Both the desktop Epson SureColor F170 (A4) and the wide-format SureColor F570 (24-inch) utilize the genuine Epson T49M series 140ml bottle ink (CMYK).
The common confusion stems from naming habits: buyers and operators frequently search using the printer hardware model (“F170 ink” or “F570 ink”), whereas T49M (T49M1–T49M4 in North America, or **T49N** in Europe/Asia) is Epson’s official consumable part number. Both machines share identical ink chemistry, fluid dynamics, and auto-stop key-lock fill nozzles.
F170 , F570 vs T49MHardware & Consumable Matrix
Sublimation inks rely on precise dye formulations to transition directly from solid to gas under heat and pressure, permanently bonding with polyester-based fabrics and polymer-coated rigid substrates. While Epson leverages decades of PrecisionCore engineering to deliver high-density, photographic color output, each hardware model serves a distinct production scale—powered by the exact same genuine ink chemistry:
| Technical Specs | Epson SureColor F170 | Epson SureColor F570 | Genuine Ink Specs (T49M / T49N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Width | Up to 8.5" x 14" (A4 / Legal sheets) | Up to 24.4" (610 mm roll & sheet cut) | Direct fit for both integrated ink tanks |
| Printhead Technology | PrecisionCore MicroTFP | PrecisionCore MicroTFP | Optimized for aqueous piezo printheads |
| Color Channels | 4 Colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) | 4 Colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) | 4-Color CMYK set (140ml auto-stop bottles) |
| Filling Mechanism | Physical Key-Lock fill port | Physical Key-Lock fill port | Unique mechanical groove per color |
| Transfer Parameters | 190°C – 205°C (375°F – 400°F) | 190°C – 205°C (375°F – 400°F) | Universal release across fabrics & blanks |
Note: T49M (North America) and T49N (Europe/Asia) share identical internal dye formulations and droplet properties. The primary difference lies in regional product coding and bottle-neck indexing.
Epson Surecolor f170 / f570 Compatibility Myths
When sourcing and using Epson SureColor sublimation inks, several widespread technical misconceptions often circulate across forums and marketplaces. Here is a clear clarification addressing the top three myths:
- Myth 1: “Does the F570 use an 8-color system or a higher-viscosity ink formulation?”
Fact: Both printers share the same printhead architecture. Whether it is the desktop F170 or the 24-inch F570, both feature PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads running a standard 4-color CMYK channel. Fluid properties such as viscosity and surface tension are completely identical—there is no “high-viscosity industrial formulation” or 8-color configuration.
- Myth 2: “Can regional ink bottles (e.g., North American T49M vs. European T49N) be used interchangeably?”
Fact: The internal ink formulation is identical, but the physical key-lock fill nozzles differ by region. Cross-region OEM bottles may not lock directly into the tank slots without decanting or transferring. In contrast, premium aftermarket compatible bottles often feature universal key-lock nozzles designed to fit seamlessly across regions.
- Myth 3: “Do you need to recalibrate ICC profiles when switching inks or machines?”
Fact: OEM inks yield consistent results across both printers using default driver presets. However, if you switch to high-density, high-Dmax third-party sublimation inks, calibrating custom ICC profiles for specific substrates (such as performance polyester or coated blanks) is recommended to prevent dark-area oversaturation and unlock the widest possible color gamut.
Third-party compatible ink for F170 / F570 production
While original 140ml T49M bottles are fine for light hobby use, commercial print shops face high per-milliliter costs when running continuous jobs on the F570 or batch printing on the F170. Switching to factory-direct compatible ink significantly reduces operating overhead while maintaining industrial reliability.
Key Advantages of Compatible Bulk Solutions
1:1 Key-Lock Nozzle: Custom-molded to fit the F170 and F570 ink ports directly—no syringes, funnels, or decanting required.
MicroTFP Printhead Protection: Formulated to match OEM surface tension and viscosity, preventing nozzle clogging and minimizing maintenance cycles.
High Dmax & Wide Gamut: Nano-dispersed dyes deliver deep, rich blacks and vibrant color transfer on apparel and hard blanks.
50%+ Cost Reduction: Available in standard 140ml bottles and economical 1-liter bulk jugs to slash production costs.
Winnerjet In-Action Tutorial: F170 Print & Transfer Workflow
Watch the step-by-step setup and real-world transfer results on polyester blanks in our practical tutorial:
Watch Tutorial: Epson F170 Sublimation Tutorial 2026: 3 Stunning Designs Step-by-Step
Where to Source Authentic Ink
While standard retail bottles work for casual home crafts, commercial print operations demand both printhead reliability and sustainable margins. Sourcing directly from an established digital consumable manufacturer gives you the best of both worlds:
100% Printhead Safety: Precision-filtered dyes engineered to protect your MicroTFP printheads from clogging and premature wear.
Zero-Downtime Key-Lock Design: 1:1 auto-stop bottles engineered for instant, spill-free refills on both SC-F170 and SC-F570 printers.
Direct Factory Supply: Eliminate middleman markups with custom bulk packaging (140ml ready-fill bottles and 1L commercial jugs).
Ready to lower your production costs without compromising print vibrancy?
FAQ Epson Surecolor f170 / f570
What is sublimation ink, and how does it work?
Sublimation ink is a special type of ink that, when heated, changes from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid state. In sublimation printing, the ink is printed onto a transfer paper and then, through a heat-press process, is transferred onto a polyester or polyester-coated substrate. The ink molecules bond with the fibers of the substrate at a molecular level, resulting in a permanent and vibrant print.
How long does sublimation ink last?
The shelf life of sublimation ink can vary depending on the type and storage conditions. Generally, unopened Epson sublimation inks like F170, T49M, and F570 can last up to 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, using the ink within 6 – 12 months is recommended for optimal performance.
Can I use F170 ink in my Epson F570 printer?
It’s not recommended to use F170 ink in an Epson F570 printer. The F170 ink has a lower viscosity and different dye formulations optimized for the F170 printer’s nozzles. Using it in an F570 printer can lead to issues such as nozzle clogs, inconsistent printing, and poor color output. Stick to using F570 ink or the more versatile T49M ink in the F570 printer.
Why is T49M ink considered an upgraded version?
T49M ink is considered an upgrade for several reasons. It has enhanced dye stability, which means it is more resistant to color degradation over time, especially when exposed to UV light. It offers better color saturation and accuracy, achieving a 92% Pantone match rate. Additionally, its cross-compatibility with both F170 and F570 printers makes it a more versatile option for businesses that may have multiple printer models.
Is F570 ink suitable for indoor and outdoor use?
F570 ink is highly suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It has excellent weather resistance, withstanding over 500 hours of UV exposure according to the ISO 105-B02 standard. This makes it ideal for printing outdoor banners, signage, and other promotional materials that will be exposed to the elements. For indoor use, its high-contrast and accurate color output makes it perfect for large-format prints such as wall art and exhibition displays.
How can I ensure the best color accuracy when using these inks?
To ensure the best color accuracy, start by calibrating your printer regularly using Epson’s recommended calibration tools. Use high-quality polyester or polyester-coated substrates, as the ink bonds better with these materials. When designing your print, use color profiles that are compatible with sublimation printing. Additionally, make sure to follow the proper heat-press settings for the type of substrate and ink you are using, as incorrect heat and pressure can affect color transfer.
What should I do if I experience clogged nozzles when using these inks?
If you experience clogged nozzles, first try running the printer’s built-in nozzle cleaning cycle. For Epson printers, this can usually be accessed through the printer’s control panel or software. If the clog persists, you may need to perform a deeper cleaning using a specialized nozzle-cleaning solution. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using cleaning solutions. Also, ensure that you are using the correct ink for your printer model, as using the wrong ink can increase the likelihood of nozzle clogs.
