Epson SureLab D700 Printhead FA17020 FA17000

The Epson SureLab D700 Printhead (part numbers FA17020 / FA17000) is the genuine original replacement printhead for the Epson SureLab SL-D700 professional minilab printer and compatible models in the SureLab range, as well as the Fujifilm DX100. Built on Epson's Advanced MicroPiezo AMC (Actuator Micro Channel) platform, this is a 6-color, 1,080-nozzle photo lab printhead with variable drop technology down to 2.5 picoliters — the core component responsible for the SureLab D700's ability to produce up to 430 4"×6" prints per hour at photo lab quality. It is the only printhead compatible with Epson's UltraChrome D6-S dye-based ink system used in these printers. Every FA17020 / FA17000 we stock at Digiprint USA is 100% genuine original Epson — not aftermarket, not remanufactured, not compatible.

UltraChrome D6-S dye-based inks only. This printhead is engineered exclusively for Epson's UltraChrome D6-S dye-based ink system. It is not compatible with pigment inks or third-party ink formulations. Use of non-genuine Epson inks will cause nozzle plate damage and will void the manufacturer warranty on the printhead. This printer is designed by Epson for use exclusively with genuine Epson cartridges.

Installation advisory — replace head cables at the same time. It is strongly recommended to replace the head data cables when installing a new FA17020 / FA17000 printhead. Worn cables from the previous head are a leading cause of nozzle communication errors and drop-out after installation, and are not covered under printhead warranty. Order replacement cables before scheduling the swap.

Technical Specifications

Compatible Printers

Epson SureLab / SureColor

• Epson PX-700

• Epson SureColor SC-D700

• Epson SureLab SL-D700

• Epson SureLab SL-D800

• Epson SureLab SL-D830

• Epson SureLab SL-D850

• Epson SureLab SL-D860

• Epson SureLab SL-D870

• Epson SureLab SL-D880

Fujifilm

• Fujifilm DX100

Not sure this is the right head for your specific machine or serial number? Contact us before ordering — we confirm FA17020 / FA17000 compatibility for your printer model at no obligation.

FA17000 vs FA17020 — What Is the Difference?

FA17000 and FA17020 are two valid Epson part numbers for the same printhead assembly. The difference reflects Epson's regional or revision-level part numbering rather than any physical or functional change to the head itself. Both numbers are accepted by the SureLab D700 series and Fujifilm DX100. If your service documentation or previous parts order references either number, this listing covers both.

About the Advanced MicroPiezo AMC Platform

The FA17020 / FA17000 is built on Epson's Advanced MicroPiezo AMC (Actuator Micro Channel) printhead platform — a purpose-engineered photo lab head designed for the high-duty-cycle, dye-based minilab environment. Unlike general-purpose wide-format piezo heads, the AMC platform is optimized for photo paper substrates, dye ink chemistry, and the specific colour channel layout of the UltraChrome D6-S 6-color system (C, LC, M, LM, Y, K). The inclusion of Light Cyan and Light Magenta channels — and the 2.5 pl minimum drop size with variable drop technology producing up to three different drop sizes per line — is what allows the SureLab D700 to achieve smooth skin tone gradients, fine highlight detail, and grain-free shadow rendering that distinguishes photo lab output from standard inkjet printing. The ink-repelling and static-resistant nozzle plate surface prevents dye ink buildup and satellite dot formation during high-speed production runs, maintaining consistency across thousands of prints between cleaning cycles. The integrated auto nozzle detection sensor identifies missing or misfiring nozzles without consuming paper or ink, and triggers automatic recovery cleaning — reducing operator intervention during production.

Why the SureLab D700 Uses a Dye-Based Head

The FA17020 / FA17000 is a dye-based printhead — not a pigment head. This is a deliberate architectural choice by Epson for the minilab market. Dye-based UltraChrome D6-S inks deliver a wider colour gamut on glossy and luster photo papers than pigment inks on the same substrates, and produce the continuous-tone appearance customers expect from photographic prints. The dye chemistry also eliminates the need to switch between Photo Black and Matte Black — the single black channel works across all supported media types, simplifying production workflows. Epson's UltraChrome D6-S formulation is engineered for smudge, water, and fade resistance on genuine Epson photo media, giving prints long-term durability without the visual surface texture of pigment ink on glossy paper.

Applications

• Photo lab and minilab production — high-volume 4"×6", 5"×7", and 8"×10" print output for retail, portrait, and event labs

• Event photography on-site printing — fast turnaround photo printing at weddings, resorts, and events using the compact D700 footprint

• Photo kiosk and ID printing — self-service and assisted photo kiosk systems requiring consistent high-speed output

• E-commerce photo fulfilment — small-format print production for online photo order workflows

• Square format and specialty print sizes — 5"×5", 6"×6", 6"×20", 8"×20" output for non-standard product lines

Warranty Notice

This printhead carries a genuine Epson manufacturer warranty. Warranty coverage is voided by: use of non-genuine Epson inks or third-party ink systems (including bulk ink systems), misuse or improper installation, failure to perform periodic maintenance as specified in the printer documentation, and damage caused by neglect or improper storage. Due to the sensitive nature of inkjet printhead components, Digiprint USA cannot accept returns or refunds once the printhead has been installed. All sales are final. Contact us with any compatibility or installation questions before ordering.

Why Buy from Digiprint USA

• 100% genuine original Epson FA17020 / FA17000 — not remanufactured, not aftermarket

• Genuine Epson manufacturer warranty included

• In stock in Doral, Miami FL — same day shipping before 2PM EST

• Covers the full SureLab SL-D700 through SL-D880 range and Fujifilm DX100 from a single stocked part

• Free technical support — we confirm FA17020 vs FA17000 for your region and advise on cable replacement before you order

View our full range of genuine Epson printheads and spare parts stocked by Digiprint USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FA17000 and FA17020?
They are the same printhead. FA17000 and FA17020 are two valid Epson part numbers for the identical assembly — the difference reflects Epson's regional or revision-level catalogue numbering, not any physical change. Both are accepted on all compatible printer models. If your service documentation shows either number, this listing is the correct part.

Does the FA17020 work with the Fujifilm DX100?
Yes. The Fujifilm DX100 is built on the same Epson print engine platform as the SureLab D700. The FA17020 / FA17000 is the correct printhead replacement for the Fujifilm DX100 as well as the full Epson SureLab SL-D700 through SL-D880 range.

Can I use third-party or bulk inks with this printhead?
No — and doing so will void the manufacturer warranty on the printhead. The SureLab D700 system is engineered by Epson for exclusive use with genuine UltraChrome D6-S dye-based ink cartridges. Third-party ink formulations are not calibrated to the AMC nozzle plate chemistry and drop-weight tuning of the FA17020, and will cause nozzle plate degradation and colour calibration errors. Epson's warranty exclusions explicitly cover any damage related to the use of non-original inks or bulk ink systems.

Why should I replace the head cables when installing the FA17020?
Head data cables degrade through repeated carriage flexing and ink vapour exposure over the printhead's service life. A new FA17020 installed with worn cables is a common cause of intermittent nozzle errors that are incorrectly attributed to the new head. Replacing cables simultaneously eliminates this variable, protects the warranty on the new head, and avoids a second service call. We can advise on the correct cable part numbers for your specific SureLab model.

Do you ship the Epson SureLab D700 printhead to Latin America?
Yes — same day shipping from our Doral, Miami FL warehouse. Our Miami location is ideal for Latin American photo labs, portrait studios, event photography operations, and Fujifilm DX100 service centres using freight forwarders in the Doral area.