What is the difference between “actual” and “apparent” DPI?
A. DPI is a measurement of resolution of a printer based on its ability to produce dots and is an indication of the number of dots per sq inch that a printer is capable of achieving to form text or graphics. For UV inkjet printer the most common print heads used for graphic printing is 360DPI (actual resolution). However, by adding additional print heads and or staggering them then the DPI can be increased further e.g. 2×360= 720 (apparent resolution). Therefore, a high resolution quoted may not be a true reflection of print quality achievable from a binary print-head. By far the best measure is “drop size and drop placement accuracy”, which is the ability of the printer to jet droplets of ink accurately and by the use of dithering or interlacing, through which the print quality can be enhanced whilst eliminating the effects of banding.
