Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5180 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer. Designed for high-volume environments, this printer offers versatile functionality including printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, alongside advanced features like an Auto Document Feeder (ADF) and PCL/Postscript support. Its innovative cartridge-free EcoTank system utilizes high-capacity ink bottles, significantly reducing the need for frequent ink replacements.
1. Setup Guide
1.1 Unboxing and Initial Placement
Carefully remove the printer and all components from the packaging. Ensure all protective tapes and materials are removed. Place the printer on a stable, flat surface with adequate space for operation and ventilation. The package includes the EcoTank Pro ET-5180 all-in-one printer, an AC power cable, two bottles of 542 Black ink (127 mL), and one bottle each of 542 Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow ink (70 mL), a Quick Setup Guide, and a CD-ROM for product setup.
Figure 1: Contents of the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5180 box, including printer, ink bottles, and power cord.
1.2 Power Connection
Connect the supplied AC power cable to the printer and then to a grounded electrical outlet. Do not connect the printer to a computer yet.
1.3 Ink Filling Procedure
The EcoTank system uses refillable ink tanks. To fill the ink tanks:
- Open the ink tank unit cover on the side of the printer.
- Open the cap for the color you wish to fill (Black, Cyan, Magenta, or Yellow).
- Uncap the corresponding ink bottle and insert it into the filling port. The bottle is designed to only fit the correct color tank.
- Allow the ink to drain into the tank. The flow will stop automatically when the tank is full.
- Remove the ink bottle and securely close the tank cap and the ink tank unit cover.
- Repeat for all colors as needed.
Video 1: Official Epson guide on refilling ink tanks for EcoTank Pro series printers. This video demonstrates the simple, mess-free process of adding ink to the printer's integrated tanks.
1.4 Paper Loading
Open the paper cassette and load paper print-side down. Adjust the paper guides to fit the paper size. The printer supports up to 250 sheets in the main paper tray and various media sizes including Legal, A4, Letter, 8" x 10", 5" x 7", 4" x 6", and envelopes.
Figure 2: The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5180 printer with paper loaded in the input tray, showcasing its compact design and the 2.4" color touchscreen.
1.5 Software Installation and Connectivity
Turn on the printer. Follow the on-screen instructions on the 2.4" color touchscreen to complete the initial setup. Install the necessary drivers and software from the included CD-ROM or download them from the official Epson support website. The printer supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet connectivity. For mobile device control, download the Epson Smart Panel app.
2. Operating Instructions
2.1 Printing Documents
Send print jobs from your computer or mobile device. The printer offers speeds of up to 17 black ISO ppm and 9.5 color ISO ppm. It features automatic 2-sided printing and uses Epson DURABrite ET pigment inks for professional-quality color and black-and-white prints. PCL/Postscript support is also available for enhanced compatibility.
2.2 Copying Documents
Place documents on the scanner glass or in the 35-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF). Use the touchscreen to select 'Copy' and adjust settings such as number of copies, color/black-and-white, and paper size. The printer can produce up to 2400 copies per run.
2.3 Scanning Documents
Documents can be scanned using the flatbed scanner or the ADF. Select 'Scan' from the touchscreen and choose your destination (e.g., computer, cloud service, WSD). Ensure the Epson ScanSmart software is installed on your computer for full functionality.
2.4 Faxing Documents
The ET-5180 includes fax capabilities. Connect a phone line to the printer's fax port. Use the touchscreen to enter the recipient's fax number and send documents placed on the scanner glass or in the ADF.
3. Maintenance
3.1 Ink Level Monitoring and Refilling
Regularly check ink levels through the transparent ink tanks on the front of the printer or via the printer's display/software. Refill tanks as described in Section 1.3 when levels are low to ensure continuous operation and prevent print quality issues. Use only genuine Epson ink bottles for optimal performance and to maintain warranty validity.
3.2 Clearing Paper Jams
In the event of a paper jam, the printer's design allows for easy access to clear the obstruction. Follow the on-screen instructions or consult the detailed troubleshooting section in the full user guide for specific steps to safely remove jammed paper from various access points.
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Printer Not Responding: Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Check for any error messages on the printer's display. Restart the printer and your computer/mobile device.
- Poor Print Quality: Perform a nozzle check and head cleaning from the printer's maintenance menu. Ensure genuine Epson ink is used and ink tanks are adequately filled. Verify print settings (e.g., paper type, quality) match your media and desired output.
- Connectivity Problems: For Wi-Fi, ensure the printer is within range of your router and connected to the correct network. For Ethernet, check the cable connection. If using the Epson Smart Panel app, ensure your mobile device is on the same network as the printer.
- Paper Feed Issues: Ensure paper is loaded correctly and paper guides are adjusted. Check for any foreign objects in the paper path. Use paper that meets the printer's specifications.
For more detailed troubleshooting steps, refer to the comprehensive digital manual available on the Epson support website.
5. Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 13.7"D x 14.8"W x 13.6"H |
| Item Weight | 16.1 pounds |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet |
| Printer Output | Color |
| Maximum Print Speed (Color) | 9.5 ppm |
| Max Printspeed Monochrome | 17 ppm |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Scanner Type | Sheetfed |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 250 |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Control Method | App, Touchscreen |
| Included Components | EcoTank Pro ET-5180 all-in-one, AC power cable, 2 bottles of 542 Black ink (127 mL) and 1 bottle each of 542 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (70 mL), Quick Setup Guide, CD-ROM for product setup |
6. Warranty and Support
6.1 Limited Warranty
The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5180 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty with product registration. This includes 12 months of standard limited warranty or 80,000 plain paper sheets (whichever happens first). For an additional 12-month extended service plan (total of 24 months or 80,000 plain paper sheets, whichever happens first), register your product and use genuine Epson ink bottles. Please refer to the manufacturer's website for full warranty details and terms.
6.2 Technical Support
For technical assistance, driver downloads, and additional support resources, visit the official Epson support website. You can also find FAQs and contact information for customer service there.
