Epson SureColor Multifunction T-Series for CAD: Print, Scan and AutoCAD
Epson's multifunction SureColor T-Series adds wide-format scanning to technical printing. AutoCAD plotting should still be standardized independently from scan/copy software so a scanner problem never gets confused with a printer-driver problem.
Beginner takeaway: MFP means two workflows in one chassis; keep their settings mentally and technically separate.
Where this family fits in CAD plotting
Multifunction T-Series devices combine wide-format printing and scanning in one chassis, but they remain two separate workflows. AutoCAD should target the printer queue and Page Setup; scan/copy software should be diagnosed independently.
- Epson has offered compact T3170M/T5170M multifunction technical printers and production T5770DM/T7770DM systems.
- The production DM models integrate a 36-inch scanner for wide-format scan/copy workflows.
- Printer drivers and scanner drivers/utilities are separate software layers even when delivered in one package.
What matters in AutoCAD
- Troubleshoot print and scan independently.
- Use scan-to-file/PDF workflows as document capture; do not use scanner scaling to compensate for AutoCAD sheet setup.
- For production MFPs, keep printer queue/PC3 standards centrally managed.
Related CADPlotting guides: Epson SureColor CAD Printing Guide, Printer Is Not Listed in AutoCAD, and AutoCAD PDF Is the Wrong Scale: How to Fix It.
Beginner setup: create one reliable AutoCAD test Layout
Step 1 — Install the manufacturer driver first
Where: Epson support site / operating-system printer settings
Do this: Install the driver intended for the exact device and operating system. Confirm the printer works outside AutoCAD before building a PC3.
Check: A test page or manufacturer utility can reach the device.
Step 2 — Open one AutoCAD Layout
Where: Layout tab > PAGESETUP > Modify
Do this: Select the system printer or approved PC3, then choose the real paper/roll size used for the test.
Check: The intended media is visible and the orientation matches the title block.
Step 3 — Keep the sheet at real paper size
Where: PAGESETUP > Plot Area / Plot Scale
Do this: For a prepared Layout, use the Layout workflow and keep the paper output at 1:1. Let viewport scale control the model view.
Check: Plot Preview shows the complete border without Fit to Paper.
Step 4 — Preview before hardcopy
Where: Ctrl+P > Preview
Do this: Inspect border edges, rotation, lineweights and raster content before sending a physical job.
Check: The Preview is correct before the plotter driver becomes part of the diagnosis.
Step 5 — Create a controlled PC3 only when useful
Where: PLOTTERMANAGER / Page Setup
Do this: Save a PC3 when you need repeatable device-specific settings that differ from the Windows/macOS printer defaults.
Check: The PC3 is named by device + media/office standard, not by a vague name such as ‘Plotter 1’.
Paper, rolls and printable area
Roll and paper rules belong to the printer side. Scanner input width/resolution does not define AutoCAD output paper size.
Physical print margins still come from the printer/media path, not the scanner.
Driver and PC3 strategy
Use the Epson print driver for AutoCAD; install scanner components for scanning workflows, but do not point AutoCAD at scanner software.
Common CAD plotting problems with this family
| Symptom | Most likely hardware/driver layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner works, printer absent | Printer driver/queue | Repair print side. |
| Printer works, scan utility fails | Scanner software | Do not rebuild AutoCAD Page Setup. |
| Copy scale differs | MFP copy settings | Keep copy scaling separate from CAD plot scale. |
| Network MFP partially available | Services/driver components | Test print and scan separately. |
What not to automate or assume
- Do not assume a functioning scanner proves the printer queue is correct.
- Do not use MFP copy enlargement/reduction as part of a scale-critical CAD issue workflow.
- Do not store CAD plot standards only in the MFP front panel.
Practical example
An MFP can print AutoCAD sheets correctly but its scan utility fails after an update. Leave the CAD Page Setup alone: the print path is already proven. Repair the scanner software separately so a scanning problem does not trigger unnecessary plotting changes.
Verification before a real issue set
- Run AutoCAD Plot Preview from the named Page Setup.
- Create one PDF and compare page dimensions and scale.
- Print that same PDF or one direct test plot on the intended media.
- Check the border on all four sides, one known dimension, lineweight hierarchy and orientation.
- Only then save the Page Setup/PC3 as the office standard for that device.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
Should I use Epson Raster or PostScript?
Use the driver path supported by your exact model and test your real CAD sheets. PostScript is not automatically the best choice for every AutoCAD drawing.
Can I keep an old Epson HDI driver?
Only in a compatible, tested legacy environment. For a modern OS, prefer the current manufacturer-supported driver unless you have a specific reason.
Does the scanner affect AutoCAD plotting?
No. On MFP models, print and scan are separate software/workflow layers.
Explore more in CAD Printers & Plotters Guide.