What is MakeON?
MakeON is Epson’s creative print solution designed for classrooms, clubs, and maker labs. These compact, professional-grade printers empower students to design and produce real products — from custom apparel and tumblers to awards, signage, and personalized gifts — all on campus.
What subjects and programs can MakeON support?
MakeON is built for cross-curricular use. It fits naturally into art and design programs, CTE and STEM labs, and business and marketing classes. Students gain hands-on experience with design, production, quality control, and promotion — practical skills that translate well beyond the classroom.
What kinds of products can students create with MakeON?
The range is broader than most people expect. Students can produce custom T-shirts, hoodies, and hats; tumblers, mugs, and water bottles; tote bags and accessories; acrylic and wood awards and plaques; custom signage; and personalized gifts.
Which MakeON printer is right for my classroom?
It depends on what your students want to make. Here’s a quick guide:
|
Printer Type |
Models |
Best For |
Example Projects |
|
Dye-Sublimation |
SureColor F170/F570 |
Polyester fabrics and coated hard goods |
Apparel, tumblers, décor, socks, spirit towels |
|
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTFilm) |
SureColor F1070 |
Almost any fabric, including cotton and blends |
T-shirts, hoodies, bags, hats |
|
UV |
SureColor V1070 |
Rigid and specialty surfaces |
Awards, signage, gifts, school projects |
Entry-level models like the Epson SureColor F170 are priced around the cost of a classroom laptop. More advanced options support higher-volume or specialty projects. For current pricing, visit Epson.com/printers-for-makers.
Do students need special training or design experience to use MakeON?
No, students can design in tools they already know — Canva, Adobe, or other classroom-friendly apps — then bring files into Epson’s print software. Supported file formats include PNG, JPEG, PDF, and TIFF. Note that Chromebooks are not currently supported, but multiple classroom computers can connect to the same printer.
What does the maker experience look like?
One of the most important features of the MakeON ecosystem is how easily it fits into a standard school day. The workflow is streamlined to move from design to a professional result within a single class period, allowing students to master the full creative cycle:
- Ideate: Pick an audience, define the goal, and sketch concepts.
- Design: Refine layouts, including typography, color, and file prep.
- Produce & Package: Choose materials, run production, assemble, check quality, label, and package.
- Market: Photograph content, write captions, and ideate simple campaigns for school events or fundraisers.
Can MakeON support school fundraising?
Yes, and this is one of its most practical advantages. Because production happens on-site, schools can eliminate vendor markups, minimum order requirements, and rush shipping costs. School programs can run small, repeatable merchandise drops throughout the year, produce only what they need, and put more revenue directly back into the program.
What ongoing supplies will I need?
Beyond the printer itself and the blanks you’re printing on, the main ongoing costs are inks and consumables. In typical use, the following supplies need replenishing about every three to four weeks:
- Dye-Sublimation: Epson Transfer Paper
- DTG and DTFilm: Replacement maintenance box
- UV: Replacement fabric wiper
These costs are well-suited for grant or PTA funding. When planning a lab or makerspace, build consumables into the budget from the start.
Where can I buy materials and supplies for MakeON?
MakeON printers can be purchased directly from Epson or through authorized resellers. For printable blanks and consumables, here are some popular suppliers by print type:
- Dye-Sublimation: JPPlus, HeatPress Nation, MakerFlo, HG World
- DTG and DTFilm: ShirtSpace, SanMar, S&S Activewear
- UV: JPPlus, Amazon (rigid blanks under 2.75″)
Genuine Epson inks should always be purchased directly from Epson or authorized resellers.
Where can I learn more or get support?
Epson offers training videos, setup guides, and troubleshooting resources through the Epson Print Academy YouTube channel and epson.com/support. For hands-on help, call 1-800-GO-EPSON. To explore the full MakeON lineup, visit Epson.com/MakeON
