How Epson measures print speeds

Exploring the science behind print speeds with Epson

When it comes to gauging print speeds, Epson employs a rigorous and internationally recognised standard – ISO/IEC 24734. This standard, embraced by the inkjet printer industry in 2009, has established itself as the benchmark for assessing the speed of inkjet printers, all-in-one devices, and lasers under consistent conditions.

Deconstructing ISO print speeds

ISO/IEC 24734 international standard

ISO print speeds, also known as ISO/IEC 24734 print speeds, provide a consistent and impartial means of comparing printing speeds across diverse printer models from various manufacturers. This method ensures a “like-for-like” comparison, empowering you to accurately evaluate a printer’s performance and find the ideal fit for your printing requirements.

The precision methodology

Laser-quality black and colour print speeds are meticulously evaluated using the default single-side mode, aligned with ISO/IEC 24734. Actual print times may differ due to factors such as system configurations, software versions, and page complexity.

Insightful testing patterns

Our testing involves an extensive set of four pages in multiple formats, including Word®, Excel®, and Adobe® Reader.

Word test files

Excel test files

Adobe test files

Transparent terms and measurements

We employ clear benchmarks to assess print speeds, ensuring transparency throughout the process:

Office Category Test: A typical collection of office documents used to measure print speeds.
FSOT (First Set Out Time): The time taken to complete printing the entire document set in seconds.
EFTP (Effective Throughput): The average print speed across document sets, expressed in images per minute (IPM) or pages per minute (PPM).
ESAT (Estimated Saturated Throughput): The average print speed for document sets excluding the first set, expressed in IPM or PPM.
1 set test: The average print speed for one set of typical office documents.
1 set + 30 seconds test: Average print speeds for multiple sets of documents (one set plus 30 seconds).
1 set + 4 minutes test: Average print speed for multiple sets of documents (one set plus 4 minutes).
Duplex and Simplex: Referring to automatic two-sided printing (Duplex) and single-sided printing (Simplex). Epson specifies duplex speed for models with automatic two-sided printing.

Maximum print/copy speeds: revealing peak performance

Our maximum pages/copies per minute (PPM/CPM) measurements are conducted after the first page, employing text patterns in Draft Mode or Economy Mode on plain paper. Actual print/copy times are influenced by system configuration, software, and page complexity.

Tests in action: open and reliable

We conduct tests in a controlled office environment (72 ºF, about 40% relative humidity) using contemporary and accessible equipment. As of May 2008, Epson utilises Dell® Dimension series desktop computers with Intel® Core 2 Duo 1.86 GHz or Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 2.20 GHz processors and 2.0GB of RAM running Microsoft Windows XP, Service Pack 3. Our dedicated lab technicians employ an electronic stopwatch to record precise timing.

At Epson, we bring precision, dependability, and transparency to print speed assessment, ensuring you make informed decisions for your printing needs.