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Seiko Epson

EP-101

mini-printerIntroduced Produced 1968–Seiko Epson EP-101 family
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The EP-101 is a mini-printer introduced by Shinshu Seiki in September 1968. The EP-101 is considered the world's first mini-printer. The EP-101 was incorporated into many calculators.[1]

EP-101 — en.wikipedia.org
Fig. 01EP-101en.wikipedia.org[1]

  • Plate 01The First Epson Printer - EP-101

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Produced

1968–

Power

17 volts dc[3]

What it is

The EP-101 was developed from printing-timer work associated with Olympic timekeeping. The EP-101 became the namesake of the Epson brand, which was introduced in 1975. The brand name was formed from EP and son, reflecting a next-generation successor concept tied to the EP-101.[1][2][4][3]

How it works

The EP-101 is a drum printer. The EP-101 uses a line-printing method. The EP-101 used the flying drum method to print number and symbol types on paper. The EP-101 prints in black and red with a ribbon. The EP-101 supports plain paper with a paper width of 89 mm. The EP-101 has 21 columns and 16 characters. The EP-101 has a printing cycle time of approximately 350 ms.[2][3][5]

Where it fits in the process flow

General reference — not yet source-verified

Mini-printers of this class sit at the output stage of an electronic instrument or calculator. Such machines follow the calculation or measurement function and provide a direct paper record for the operator. Such equipment is peripheral output hardware rather than a process tool within wafer fabrication flow.

Applications

The EP-101 was used as a printer for electronic desktop calculators. The EP-101 was incorporated into many calculators. The EP-101 printed figures and symbols. The EP-101 was supplied as a printer component for calculator manufacturers.[1][2][5]

  • calculators

What do the numbers mean?

Power & electrical1

Voltage
17 volts dc[3]
Accurate?

Dimensions & facilities2

Media
plain paper (paper width: 89 mm)[3]
Accurate?
Weight
2.5 kg[3]
Accurate?

Configuration & options15

product type
mini-printer[1]2 sources
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designation meaning
EP = Electronic Printer[1]
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launch timing
September 1968[1]2 sources
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claimed distinction
world's first mini-printer[1]2 sources
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early use
incorporated into many calculators[1]
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Introduction year
1968[1]
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Device type
Mini-printer[1]
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Name expansion
EP stands for Electronic Printer[1]
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Launch date
September 1968[1]
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First
World's first mini-printer[1]
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Calculator integration
Soon incorporated into many calculators[1]
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Primary use
incorporated into many calculators[2]
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Printing method
line printing[3]
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Colors
black-and-red ribbon[3]
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Size
163.5 x 135 x 102 mm (W x D x H)[3]
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Vintage & configurations

  1. 1968-09Production start[1]

    Shinshu Seiki launched the EP-101 in September 1968.

  2. 1968-09Launch[1]

    Shinshu Seiki launched the EP-101 as the world's first mini-printer.

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What does it need to run?

Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.

  • Voltage17 volts dc[3]

Where are the manuals?

Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.

Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Frequently asked questions

What does EP mean in EP-101?

The designation EP means Electronic Printer.[1][6]

When was the EP-101 launched?

The EP-101 was launched in September 1968.[1][2][3][5]

What are the EP-101 dimensions and weight?

The EP-101 measures 163.5 mm in width, 135 mm in depth, and 102 mm in height, and it weighs 2.5 kg.[2][3]

What was the EP-101 used for?

The EP-101 was used as a printer for electronic desktop calculators and was incorporated into many calculators.[1][2][6][5]

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the EP-101 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

  • No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the EP-101 are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool

  • The control-system platform and OS era of the EP-101 are not on record.

    Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records

  • No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the EP-101 are on record.

    Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician

  • The process node or technology generation of the EP-101 is not on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report

  • No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the EP-101 are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer

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Sources & citations

Sources (6)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
  1. [1]en.wikipedia.org — en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org
  2. [2]en.wikipedia.org — en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org
  3. [3]datasheet.datasheetarchive.com — datasheet.datasheetarchive.comdatasheet.datasheetarchive.com
  4. [4]コンピュータ周辺機器としてのプリンタの歴史（開発黎明期を中心として） — doi.orgdoi.org
  5. [5]Mechanical Engineering Heritage — jsme.or.jpjsme.or.jp
  6. [6]EP-101 — Seiko Epson | Specs, Sourcing & Service | Waferpedia — waferpedia.comwaferpedia.com
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Last updated Oct 20, 2026.