EPSON WF-7720 Series Review

The EPSON WF-7720 Series has made its mark in the market as a versatile, wide-format all-in-one printer targeted mainly at home offices and small businesses. Known for its high-quality output and extensive functionality, this printer promises to tackle everything from borderless graphics to high-volume document workflows. But, like any technology, the WF-7720 line is not without its share of issues that can impact user experience. In this review, we’ll dive into the common problems users face, provide a step-by-step guide to resolving these challenges, and offer our final verdict on whether the EPSON WF-7720 is the right investment for your printing needs.

1. Common Problems with the EPSON WF-7720 Series

While the EPSON WF-7720 Series is celebrated for its impressive feature set—including duplex printing and scanning, wireless connectivity, and support for wide-format media—several recurring issues have been reported by users. Below are the primary problems that many encounter:

• Paper Jams and Feed Issues
  One of the most noted frustrations with the WF-7720 series is paper jams or feed issues, especially when using specialty media or high-capacity trays. Users often find the printer struggling to pick up paper properly, resulting in frequent interruptions.
• Print Quality Deterioration
  Despite its PrecisionCore technology, some users have expressed concerns over declining print quality after a period of use. This manifests as streaked lines, color fading, or inconsistent output, often due to clogging of the print head or improper maintenance routines.
• Connectivity Problems
  Wireless connectivity is a major selling point, but users sometimes experience difficulties in establishing or maintaining a solid connection with their Wi-Fi networks. Dropouts during print jobs or inability to recognize networked computers can stall productivity.
• Ink Consumption and Cost
  Epson printers are notorious for their high ink usage, and the WF-7720 is no exception. Genuine ink cartridges can prove costly, and the printer may display low-ink warnings prematurely or refuse to print when only one color runs out.
• Firmware and Software Conflicts
  With regular firmware updates, some users report compatibility issues with third-party cartridges or existing drivers, especially after a major system or printer update.

2. Step-by-Step Instruction to Fix EPSON WF-7720 Common Issues

If you’re encountering any of the aforementioned problems, there are practical strategies you can employ to restore your WF-7720 to top working condition. Here’s how you can address the most frequent issues:

• Resolving Paper Jams and Feed Problems
  • Always use paper that meets Epson’s specifications for weight, thickness, and size.
  • Fan the paper stack before loading and do not overfill the tray.
  • Check rollers and the feed path for dust or stray pieces of paper. Gently clean the rollers with a lint-free damp cloth if necessary.
  • Remove jammed paper following on-screen instructions, pulling gently to avoid damaging internal components.
• Improving Print Quality
  • Regularly run the printer’s ‘Head Cleaning’ function through the maintenance menu. Repeat if necessary, but avoid excessive cleaning as it consumes ink.
  • Align the print head from the printer’s control panel to ensure precise ink placement.
  • Use only high-quality, compatible paper to avoid absorbency issues.
  • Replace ink cartridges promptly if they are low or expired.
• Fixing Wireless Connectivity
  • Ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date by visiting Epson’s official website or through the printer’s own update settings.
  • Restart your printer, computer, and router to refresh the connection.
  • Place the printer closer to your router or use a Wi-Fi extender to strengthen the signal.
  • Set a static IP address for the printer to avoid confusion in larger networks.
• Managing Ink Consumption
  • Enable ‘Eco’ or ‘Draft’ mode for less critical documents to save ink.
  • Regularly update your printer’s firmware for more accurate ink level readings.
  • Only use authentic Epson ink cartridges for reliable performance. If using third-party cartridges, verify compatibility to avoid firmware lockouts.
  • Monitor print habits and consolidate printing tasks to minimize waste.
• Addressing Firmware and Software Issues
  • Before updating firmware, check community feedback on compatibility with third-party supplies.
  • Completely uninstall outdated printer drivers and software from your computer before reinstalling the latest versions available from Epson’s website.
  • Contact Epson support for firmware rollbacks if the latest update causes functionality loss, especially pertaining to ink cartridge recognition.

3. Conclusion: Is the EPSON WF-7720 Worth It?

The EPSON WF-7720 Series is an appealing choice for users seeking wide-format versatility, loaded with features like automatic duplexing, a 35-sheet ADF, and robust wireless options. While the printer excels in handling high-quality prints and large sheet sizes, it is prone to issues like paper jams, print quality degradation, and high ink consumption if not properly maintained.

Fortunately, many of these challenges are manageable with regular care and attention to recommended usage guidelines. Ensuring you use the right paper, perform periodic maintenance, and keep your device updated can significantly extend the lifespan and reliability of the WF-7720. While ink costs remain a consideration, those who print heavily and demand both photo and document excellence may find the investment worthwhile.

In weighing the pros and cons, the WF-7720 stands out as a formidable all-in-one for creative professionals or offices with diverse printing needs. With the right approach to troubleshooting, its robust features and wide-format printing capabilities can provide consistent value, making it a solid addition to any small business or home office setup.