Epson ColorWorks CW-C6500
8 Inch Industrial Color Label Printer (C6500A & C6500P)
The short answer: The Epson ColorWorks CW-C6500 is an 8.34 inch wide industrial color inkjet label printer, the widest standard ColorWorks model, delivering 1200 dpi PrecisionCore output at up to 5ips.
It is the direct color replacement for wide-format thermal transfer printers, with native ZPL II for seamless workflow integration and BS-5609 certification for GHS chemical labeling compliance. Available in two finishing configurations: C6500A (auto-cutter) or C6500P (built-in peeler). Coding Solutions, Inc. is an authorized Epson reseller with 25+ years of experience. Request a quote below.
ColorWorks CW-C6500
- Brand: Epson
- Models: CW-C6500A (Auto-Cutter) & CW-C6500P (Peeler)
- Category: 8-Inch Industrial Color Label Printer
- Print Technology: PrecisionCore TFP Inkjet
- Max Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
- Max Print Speed: 5 ips (300 x 600 dpi)
- Max Print Width: 8.34" (211.8mm)
- Ink System: UltraChrome DL Pigment — CMYK
- Max Roll O.D.: 6" on 3" core
- Connectivity: USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet
- Printer Language: ESC/Label, ZPL II
- GHS Certified: BS-5609 compliant
- Availability: In Stock — Request a Quote
Industrial Expansion: Epson ColorWorks CW-C6500
The ColorWorks CW-C6500 series extends the capabilities of on-demand color labeling to large-format applications. Specifically designed as a direct color upgrade for black-and-white thermal transfer printers, the C6500 provides high-speed, 8-inch wide printing with the rugged reliability required for industrial chemical, manufacturing, and logistics environments.
8.34-Inch Print Width: Wide-Format Color at Industrial Scale
With a maximum print width of 8.34 inches (211.8mm), the CW-C6500 handles label formats that are simply impossible on standard 4-inch printers — including GS1-128 pallet compliance labels, chemical drum labels, large logistics labels, and multi-row barcode formats. Media can be loaded as roll (up to 8.5 inches wide) or fanfold (2.0 to 8.5 inches).
The C6500 supports 6-inch OD media rolls on a 3-inch core — significantly larger than the 4-inch OD rolls used by the C6000 and C4000 — reducing the frequency of roll changes during high-volume production runs. PrecisionCore TFP technology with Nozzle Verification delivers up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for crisp barcodes, fine regulatory text, and photo-quality imagery across the full 8-inch print path.
GHS Chemical Labeling: BS-5609 Certified Wide-Format Output
The CW-C6500 with UltraChrome DL pigment ink is BS-5609 certified for GHS (Globally Harmonized System) chemical hazard labeling. The large 8-inch format is particularly valuable here — GHS labels for drums, IBCs, and chemical totes often require wide-format layouts that include pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and H/P statements in a single label print. The C6500 handles all of this natively at production speed.
UltraChrome DL pigment inks come as individual CMYK cartridges (SJIC35P series), meaning only the depleted color needs replacement — keeping cost-per-label low even in high-volume chemical labeling operations.
Connectivity, ZPL II & Fleet Management
Standard connectivity includes USB 2.0 High-Speed and Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T). The C6500 supports both ESC/Label and native ZPL II printer languages, enabling drop-in integration with Zebra-based WMS and ERP environments. Remote management tools — Epson Device Admin, Web Config, and Deployment Tool — allow IT teams to monitor, configure, and update printer fleets from a central interface. The printer is also SAP-compatible, making it suitable for enterprise manufacturing and logistics operations.
Epson ColorWorks CW-C6500 Full Technical Specifications
Print & Media
- Printing Technology:
- PrecisionCore TFP with Nozzle Verification Technology
- Max Print Resolution:
- Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
- Max Print Speed:
- 5 ips (300 x 600 dpi)
- Max Print Width:
- 8.34" (211.8mm)
- Media Width (Roll):
- 1.0"–8.5" (25.4–215.9mm)
- Media Width (Fanfold):
- 2.0"–8.5" (50.8–215.9mm)
- 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.:
- 6.0" (152.4mm) on 3" (76mm) core
- Sensors:
- Gap, black mark, media cut
- Finishing Options:
- C6500A: Auto-cutter / C6500P: Built-in Peeler
Ink & Connectivity
- Ink Type:
- UltraChrome DL Pigment Ink — individual cartridges
- Ink Cartridges:
- SJIC35P(C) Cyan, SJIC35P(M) Magenta, SJIC35P(Y) Yellow, SJIC35P(BK) Gloss Black or SJIC35P(MK) Matte Black
- GHS Certification:
- BS-5609 certified for GHS compliance labeling
- Standard Connectivity:
- USB 2.0 High-Speed; Gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-T / 100BASE-TX / 10BASE-T
- Printer Language:
- ESC/Label, ZPL II (native)
- Barcode Support:
- UPC-A, Code 39, ITF, Code 128, GS1-128, GS1 DataBar, PDF417, QR Code, DataMatrix, and more
- Remote Management:
- Epson Device Admin, Web Config, Deployment Tool
General & Environmental
- Safety Approvals:
- UL60950-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1, FCC Class A
- Power Supply:
- AC 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz (universal)
- Power — Printing:
- Approx. 39.4W
- Power — Standby:
- Approx. 7.51W
- Operating Temperature:
- 41°F – 95°F (5°C – 35°C)
- Operating Humidity:
- 20%–80% RH (non-condensing)
- Dimensions C6500A (W×D×H):
- 17.3" × 20.3" × 12.8"
- Weight (C6500A, no ink):
- Approx. 57.3 lbs (26.0 kg)
- Operating Systems:
- Windows 10/8.1/7 SP1, Server 2008–2019, macOS 10.9.5+, Linux, SAP
Epson C6500 vs. C6000: Which Wide-Format Model Do You Need?
The CW-C6500 and CW-C6000 share the same PrecisionCore platform and ink system. The decisive factor is print width and media roll capacity:
| Specification | CW-C6500 | CW-C6000 |
|---|---|---|
| Max print resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Max print speed | 5 ips | 5 ips |
| Max print width | 8.34" (211.8mm) | 4.25" (108mm) |
| Max media width | 8.5" (215.9mm) | 4.41" (112mm) |
| Max roll O.D. | 6.0" (152.4mm) | 4.0" (101.6mm) |
| GHS / BS-5609 certified | Yes | Yes |
| ZPL II support | Yes (native) | Yes (native) |
| Best for | Wide pallet, drum, & logistics labels | Standard 4-inch label formats |
Application selection guide
| Use case | C6500 ✓ | C6000 ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet / GS1-128 logistics labels (wider than 4") | ✓ | — |
| Chemical drum & IBC GHS labels | ✓ | — |
| Standard 4-inch shipping / carton labels | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thermal transfer replacement (ZPL II) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended production runs (large rolls) | ✓ | — |
| Peel-and-apply workflow (peeler model) | ✓ | — |
| SAP enterprise integration | ✓ | ✓ |
Key takeaways
- 8.34-inch print width — the widest standard ColorWorks model, accommodating pallet labels, drum labels, and wide-format logistics formats that exceed 4-inch printers.
- Two finishing configurations: C6500A (auto-cutter for cut-stack production) and C6500P (built-in peeler for peel-and-apply workflows).
- Supports 6-inch OD media rolls on a 3-inch core — reducing roll changes versus 4-inch OD rolls used by smaller ColorWorks models.
- BS-5609 GHS certified with UltraChrome DL pigment ink — compliant for chemical drum, IBC, and hazardous materials labeling at wide-format scale.
- Native ZPL II support enables direct replacement of wide-format Zebra thermal transfer printers without software reconfiguration.
- PrecisionCore TFP delivers up to 1200 x 1200 dpi at up to 5 ips — industrial color quality across the full 8.34-inch print path.
- Coding Solutions, Inc. is an authorized Epson ColorWorks reseller with 25+ years of labeling expertise. Call 630-443-9602 for wide-format media and configuration support.
Frequently asked questions — Epson ColorWorks CW-C6500
What is the print width of the Epson ColorWorks CW-C6500?
The Epson ColorWorks CW-C6500 supports a maximum print width of 8.34 inches (211.8mm), making it the widest Epson ColorWorks model below the industrial C8000. It accepts roll media up to 8.5 inches (215.9mm) wide and fanfold media from 2.0 to 8.5 inches. This wide format is ideal for pallet labels, chemical drum labels, logistics shipping labels, and GS1-128 compliance labels requiring large print areas.
What is the difference between the Epson C6500A and C6500P?
The Epson CW-C6500A and CW-C6500P are identical in print technology, resolution, speed, and ink system. The only difference is the finishing mechanism: the C6500A includes an auto-cutter that cuts labels to length after printing, while the C6500P includes a built-in peeler that separates the label from the liner for immediate application. Choose the C6500A for cut-stack label production and the C6500P for peel-and-apply workflows.
Is the Epson CW-C6500 compatible with ZPL II?
Yes. The Epson ColorWorks CW-C6500 includes native ZPL II support alongside ESC/Label. This allows the C6500 to integrate directly into existing Zebra-based thermal transfer workflows without software reconfiguration — making it the standard choice for facilities looking to add full color to a Zebra-driven WMS or ERP label environment without replacing software infrastructure.
Is the Epson CW-C6500 GHS certified for chemical labeling?
Yes. The Epson CW-C6500 with UltraChrome DL pigment ink is BS-5609 certified, the international standard governing GHS chemical hazard label durability. BS-5609 requires printed labels to survive seawater immersion and abrasion testing — qualifying the C6500 for chemical manufacturers, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and hazardous material distributors who print GHS Safety Data Sheet compliance labels.
How fast does the Epson CW-C6500 print?
The Epson CW-C6500 prints at up to 5 inches per second (ips) at 300 x 600 dpi. The printer supports 6-inch OD media rolls on a 3-inch core, reducing roll changes during high-volume production runs compared to printers using smaller 4-inch OD rolls.
What is the difference between the Epson C6500 and C6000?
The primary difference is print width. The CW-C6000 has a maximum print width of 4.25 inches — standard for most label formats. The CW-C6500 doubles that to 8.34 inches, enabling wide-format pallet labels, chemical drum labels, and large logistics labels that exceed 4-inch width. The C6500 also supports larger 6-inch OD media rolls versus the C6000's 4-inch OD rolls. Both share the same ZPL II, PrecisionCore, and BS-5609 GHS certifications.
Where can I buy the Epson CW-C6500 with technical 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 wide-format media recommendations, and ongoing technical support. Request a quote on this page or call 630-443-9602.
What label media is compatible with the Epson CW-C6500?
The Epson CW-C6500 accepts roll media from 1.0 to 8.5 inches wide and fanfold from 2.0 to 8.5 inches, with media thickness from 0.0033 to 0.009 inches (0.084–0.229mm). Compatible media types include plain paper, matte paper, synthetic (PP/PET) labels, gloss paper, gloss film, and wristbands. For GHS and chemical labeling, Epson-qualified synthetic media with UltraChrome DL ink delivers BS-5609 compliance. The C6500 also supports SAP environments for enterprise label management.
Request an Epson CW-C6500 Quote
Tell us about your label dimensions, application, and production volume — our team will recommend the right model (C6500A or C6500P) and compatible wide-format media.