Resolution is a measurement of the detail with which an image can be represented.  Resolution is measured in dots-per-inch.  A “dot” is equivalent to the smallest part of the image that it is possible for a given system to represent.  The higher the number of dots per inch, the greater the resolution of an image; and the sharper the image will appear.

ID Badge Printers typically print images onto ID cards with resolutions of between 300 and 600 dpi.  Often the resolution any given ID badge printer produces depends more on the process it uses than on its manufacturer.

Zebra Plastic ID Card Information

For example, the Evolis Pebble 3 ID card printer, the Zebra- Eltron 420i ID card printer, and the Fargo DTC 550 ID card printer are all dye sublimation printers; all of them have resolutions of 300 dpi.  Fargo, however, also makes a thermal inkjet ID badge printer, the Persona C7; this “CardJet” ID card printer produces ID badges with a resolution of 600 dpi.

In the end, resolution is just one of many measures by which the appropriateness of an ID badge printer for your needs must be judged.  To optimally match your individual needs to an ID card machine, it is usually best to contact an independent ID card representative aware of the entire scope of products available.