Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000 Desktop Color Label Printer
The short answer: The Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000 is a commercial-grade desktop color inkjet label printer delivering up to 1200 x 1200 dpi with PrecisionCore TFP technology — producing photo-quality, GHS-compliant labels on demand.
It prints at up to 3.94 ips, supports native ZPL II for seamless Zebra workflow integration, uses individual UltraChrome DL pigment ink cartridges for water and UV resistance, and is BS-5609 certified for chemical hazard labeling. Optional Wi-Fi available. Coding Solutions, Inc. is an authorized Epson reseller with 25+ years of labeling expertise. Request a quote below.
ColorWorks CW-C4000
- Brand: Epson
- Model: ColorWorks CW-C4000
- Category: Desktop Color Inkjet Label Printer
- Print Technology: PrecisionCore TFP Inkjet
- Max Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
- Max Print Speed: 3.94 ips (100 mm/sec)
- Max Print Width: 4.25" (108mm)
- Ink System: UltraChrome DL Pigment — CMYK
- Connectivity: USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet; optional Wi-Fi
- Printer Language: ESC/Label, ZPL II
- GHS Certified: BS-5609 compliant
- Availability: In Stock — Request a Quote
Next-Generation Precision: Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000
The Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000 delivers powerful connectivity and remarkable image quality in a compact desktop footprint. Engineered for reliability in demanding commercial environments, it allows businesses to print high-resolution, photo-quality labels on-demand with native ZPL II support — bridging the gap between desktop convenience and industrial-grade color output.
PrecisionCore Technology: 1200 dpi Color Output
At the core of the CW-C4000 is Epson's PrecisionCore TFP® printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology, capable of printing at up to 1200 x 1200 dpi with variable droplet size. This produces labels with fine barcode edges, rich color gradients, and regulatory-compliant text at sizes that lesser printers cannot render accurately.
At the standard production setting of 300 x 600 dpi, the C4000 outputs at up to 3.94 inches per second (100 mm/sec) — fast enough for on-demand label production in pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and chemical environments. A 2.7-inch full-color LCD display provides simplified status monitoring and settings access without requiring a connected PC.
GHS Chemical Labeling: BS-5609 Certified
The Epson CW-C4000 with UltraChrome DL pigment ink is BS-5609 certified — the internationally recognized standard for GHS (Globally Harmonized System) chemical hazard labels. BS-5609 requires label materials to withstand seawater immersion (Section 2) and abrasion resistance (Section 3) testing, qualifying these labels for chemical drums, hazmat containers, and export shipments subject to GHS regulations.
UltraChrome DL pigment inks come in four individual 50mL cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and your choice of Gloss or Matte Black), allowing independent replacement of each color to minimize waste and reduce cost-per-label. The pigment formulation delivers water resistance and UV durability beyond dye-based alternatives — critical for labels exposed to outdoor conditions or chemical splash environments.
Connectivity, ZPL II & Fleet Management
The CW-C4000 includes USB 2.0 High-Speed and Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) as standard connections. Optional Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac via USB dongle) enables cable-free deployment for flexible workstation setups. The printer supports both ESC/Label and native ZPL II printer languages — meaning it integrates directly into existing Zebra-based WMS and ERP environments without middleware or software rewriting.
Remote printer management tools allow IT teams to monitor and configure a fleet of CW-C4000 units from a central interface, reducing service calls and ensuring consistent print quality across locations. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1, Windows Server 2012–2022, macOS 10.9.5+, and Linux.
Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000 Full Technical Specifications
Print & Media
- Printing Technology:
- PrecisionCore TFP Inkjet, Nozzle Verification Technology
- Max Print Resolution:
- Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi (variable droplet size)
- Max Print Speed:
- 3.94 ips (100 mm/sec) at 300 x 600 dpi
- Max Print Width:
- 4.25" (108mm)
- Media Width (Roll):
- 1.0" – 4.41" (25.4 – 112mm)
- Media Width (Fanfold):
- 2.0" – 4.41" (50.8 – 112mm)
- Media Type:
- Plain paper, matte paper, synthetic labels, gloss paper, gloss film, wristbands
- Media Thickness:
- 0.0033" – 0.009" (0.084 – 0.229mm)
- Max Roll O.D.:
- 4.0" (101.6mm); Core: 1.75" – 2.25" (44 – 57mm)
- Sensors:
- Gap, black mark, media cut
- Cutter Life:
- Up to 1.5 million cuts (paper liner)
Ink & Connectivity
- Ink Type:
- UltraChrome DL Pigment Ink — 50mL individual cartridges
- Ink Cartridges:
- SJIC41P(C) Cyan, SJIC41P(M) Magenta, SJIC41P(Y) Yellow, SJIC41P(BK) Gloss Black or SJIC41P(MK) Matte Black
- GHS Certification:
- BS-5609 certified (Sections 2 & 3) for GHS compliance labeling
- Standard Connectivity:
- USB 2.0 High-Speed; Gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-T / 100BASE-TX / 10BASE-T
- Optional Wireless:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac via USB dongle
- Printer Language:
- ESC/Label, ZPL II (native)
- Barcode Support:
- Full range of 1D and 2D codes: DataMatrix, QR Code, Aztec, GS1 DataBar, Code 128, UPC/EAN, and more
- Display:
- 2.7" full-color LCD touchscreen
General & Environmental
- Dimensions (W × D × H):
- 12.2" × 11.1" × 11.2" (310 × 283 × 285mm)
- Weight:
- Approx. 28.7 lbs (13 kg) without ink
- Power Supply:
- AC 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz (universal)
- Power — Printing:
- 28.2W average
- Power — Standby:
- 2.6W
- Power — Off State:
- 0.13W
- Operating Temperature:
- 41°F – 95°F (5°C – 35°C)
- Operating Humidity:
- 20% – 80% RH (non-condensing)
- Safety Standards:
- UL1950 / CSA C22.2 No. 950, TUV, GOST-R
- Operating Systems:
- Windows 11, 10, 8.1; Server 2022–2012 R2; macOS 10.9.5+; Linux
Epson ColorWorks C4000 vs. C6000: Which Model Is Right for You?
The CW-C4000 and CW-C6000 share the same PrecisionCore inkjet platform and UltraChrome DL pigment ink system. The decision comes down to print volume, speed requirements, and black ink flexibility:
| Specification | CW-C4000 | CW-C6000 |
|---|---|---|
| Max print resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Max print speed | 3.94 ips (300×600 dpi) | Up to 5 ips |
| Max print width | 4.25" (108mm) | 4.25" (108mm) |
| Black ink switching | Manual — choose Gloss or Matte | Auto-switch Gloss / Matte |
| GHS / BS-5609 certified | Yes | Yes |
| ZPL II support | Yes (native) | Yes (native) |
| Best for | Low-to-mid volume on-demand desktop labeling | Higher-volume production; frequent black ink type switching |
Application selection guide
| Use case | C4000 ✓ | C6000 ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| GHS / chemical hazard labels (BS-5609) | ✓ | ✓ |
| On-demand desktop color label printing | ✓ | ✓ |
| ZPL II / Zebra workflow replacement | ✓ | ✓ |
| High-speed / high-volume production runs | — | ✓ |
| Auto-switching gloss / matte black ink | — | ✓ |
| Pharmaceutical / food safety labels | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compact desktop / low footprint environment | ✓ | — |
Key takeaways
- PrecisionCore TFP printhead delivers up to 1200 x 1200 dpi — producing photo-quality labels with GS1-compliant barcodes and fine regulatory text.
- BS-5609 certified with UltraChrome DL pigment ink — making the C4000 a compliant solution for GHS chemical hazard labeling for drums, containers, and export shipments.
- Native ZPL II support allows the C4000 to replace or supplement thermal Zebra printers in existing WMS/ERP workflows without software reconfiguration.
- Individual 50mL CMYK ink cartridges minimize waste — only the depleted color needs replacing, reducing cost-per-label compared to combined cartridge systems.
- Optional 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi dongle enables wireless printing without running Ethernet to the workstation.
- Cutter rated at up to 1.5 million cuts for sustained on-demand production without premature maintenance cycles.
- Coding Solutions, Inc. is an authorized Epson ColorWorks reseller with 25+ years of industrial labeling expertise. Call 630-443-9602 for application-specific media and configuration guidance.
Frequently asked questions — Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000
What is the print resolution of the Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000?
The Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000 prints at up to 1200 x 1200 dpi using PrecisionCore TFP inkjet technology with variable droplet size. This resolution delivers photo-quality color labels with sharp barcodes, fine text, and GS1-compliant symbologies. At the standard production speed of 300 x 600 dpi, the printer outputs up to 3.94 inches per second (100 mm/sec).
Is the Epson CW-C4000 compatible with ZPL II?
Yes. The Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000 includes native ZPL II support alongside Epson's ESC/Label language. This allows the C4000 to integrate directly into existing Zebra-based label workflows and enterprise WMS/ERP systems without requiring software reconfiguration. ZPL II compatibility makes it a drop-in color upgrade for facilities already using thermal Zebra printers.
Is the Epson CW-C4000 GHS certified for chemical labeling?
Yes. The Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000 with UltraChrome DL pigment ink is BS-5609 certified, which is the international standard for GHS (Globally Harmonized System) chemical hazard labeling. BS-5609 requires labels to withstand seawater immersion and abrasion — making the C4000 a compliant solution for chemical manufacturers, laboratories, and hazardous material distributors printing GHS Safety Data Sheet labels.
What ink does the Epson ColorWorks CW-C4000 use?
The Epson CW-C4000 uses UltraChrome DL pigment ink in four individual 50mL cartridges: Cyan (SJIC41P-C), Magenta (SJIC41P-M), Yellow (SJIC41P-Y), and either Gloss Black (SJIC41P-BK) or Matte Black (SJIC41P-MK). UltraChrome DL pigment ink delivers water resistance, UV durability, and the color consistency required for GHS-compliant labeling. Individual ink cartridges minimize waste — only the depleted color needs replacement.
Does the Epson CW-C4000 support Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is an optional add-on for the Epson CW-C4000 via a USB Wi-Fi dongle supporting 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. Standard connectivity includes USB 2.0 High-Speed and Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T). For facilities requiring wireless label printing without running Ethernet drops to workstations, the optional Wi-Fi dongle enables flexible, cable-free deployment.
What is the difference between the Epson C4000 and C6000?
The primary difference is speed and black ink flexibility. The CW-C4000 prints at up to 3.94 ips and requires you to choose gloss or matte black ink at installation. The CW-C6000 prints faster at up to 5 ips and adds automatic black ink switching between gloss and matte based on the label stock loaded. Both share the same 4.25-inch print width, 1200 dpi resolution, ZPL II support, and BS-5609 GHS certification. The C4000 suits low-to-mid volume on-demand desktop labeling; the C6000 is better for higher-volume production or mixed-stock environments.
Where can I buy the Epson CW-C4000 with expert support?
Coding Solutions, Inc. (CSI) is an authorized Epson ColorWorks reseller based in St. Charles, IL with over 25 years of industrial labeling expertise. CSI supplies the full Epson ColorWorks line — C4000, C6000, C6500, and C8000 — with application consulting, compatible media recommendations, and ongoing technical support. Request a quote on this page or call 630-443-9602.
What label materials are compatible with the Epson CW-C4000?
The Epson CW-C4000 accepts roll media widths from 1.0 to 4.41 inches (25.4–112mm) and fanfold from 2.0 to 4.41 inches, with media thickness from 0.0033 to 0.009 inches (0.084–0.229mm). Compatible media types include plain paper, matte paper, synthetic (polypropylene/polyester) labels, gloss paper, gloss film, and wristbands. For GHS labeling, Epson-recommended synthetic label stock with UltraChrome DL ink delivers BS-5609 compliance. CSI can match you with the right media for your specific application.
Request an Epson CW-C4000 Quote
Tell us about your application and volume — our technical team will recommend the right configuration and compatible media, and provide a fast, accurate quote.