Get Attached: Wearing or Attaching Laminated Name Tags

Are you having trouble keeping track of items – or people? Laminated name tags are a visually identifiable way to keep track of items or persons during travel or large events.

Types of Attachments:

Clear Plastic Loops – These jelly-like loops are quick and easy to use. To thread onto a slotted tag:

  1. Push one rounded end through the slot, then up through the opposite round end of the loop.
  2. Pull the threading end to fix the loop to the tag.
  3. Repeat the process using the tag as the threading end to attach to luggage.

Metal Clips are quickly attached to a slotted tag by simply pinching open, then releasing to grip the tag. Some clips come equipped with a small plastic strap, which threads and snaps through a tag’s slot, leaving the clip available to clip onto clothing.

Neck Lanyards – In addition to a variety of colors and strap styles, neck lanyards come with multiple attachment styles. The two most common styles are a swivel J-hook or a bulldog clip, which operates much the same as the metal clips discussed earlier. To attach a tag to a swivel hook, pinch the straight piece that presses against the lower tip of the “J,” thread it through the tag hole, then release to close.

What kind of tools can I use to punch holes or slots in my tags?

Swivel J-hook lanyards can be attached to items simply punched with a round hole punch. However, clear plastic loops and metal clip attachments work best with tags that have a slot – a rounded rectangular shaped hole. Rounded holes can be punched using a simple hand-held punch found in most office and craft supply stores, but slots require more specialized tools like the TruLam Stapler-Style Slot Punch (Item #TL-SPUNCH). There are other tools available that can punch both styles using the same machine, like the TruLam 3-in-1 Slot Punch.

Mounted Prints Stand Up to Competition – Literally!

Provide structure to printed images by using mounting materials! Boards of different materials combined with a variety of adhesives provide a backbone for an image and prepares it to be displayed.

Why use mounting?

Prints can last longer and be displayed in a three dimensional space once mounted to a board, window, wall, floor, etc. Mounting is often helpful with in-store signage, point of purchase displays, and more.

How does mounting work?

Imagine that you’re creating a printed “pizza:”

  • A mounting board acts as your “crust” and provides the necessary backbone to support all the other elements.
  • Mounting adhesive is your “sauce” that binds the top and bottom pieces together.
  • Your printed image acts your “cheese” topping.
  • A layer of laminate is an additional “topping” that adds more flavor, or in our case, protection.

While almost all pizzas are made hot, a mounting process can be performed either with heat or with cold pressure-sensitive materials. Select hot or cold materials based on which equipment you may already have.

What kinds of materials are available?

In addition to hot or cold, you’ll decide which board (or substrate) material you wish to use:

  • Foam Board: A simple sheet of Styrofoam with a paper coating on both sides, frequently available in a 3/16 in. thickness.
  • Ryno Board: Denser foam board with a paperboard surface, often available in 1/4 in. thickness, which provides more stiffness.
  • Gator Board: Durable, rigid, strong and extremely flat; these boards are the standard for trade show graphics or applications in which the material is frequently handled.
  • Corrugated Plastic: Built similarly to standard corrugated cardboard boxes; these boards are often used for outdoor signage and are most recognizable in political campaigns.
  • Sintra: A sheet of solid PVC plastic that measures anywhere from 3mm to 6mm.
  • Paper Stock Boards: Simple, thin paperboard, very similar to matting used by frame shops and artists.

Your mounting board material choice will be affected by the conditions in which your image or sign will be displayed – indoor vs. outdoor, stationary vs. handled, etc.

Cut Paper and Costs with a Paper Trimmer!

Paper trimmers cut clean, straight edges in multiple sheets of paper at once, saving you time while finishing your project.

What kind of paper trimmer should I purchase?

Three of the most popular paper trimmer styles are rotary, guillotine, and stack cutters:

  • Rotary paper trimmers have a sliding blade that moves on a track to cut, making it the best choice for cutting a single laminated sheet or binding cover.
  • Guillotine trimmers have a blade that is raised then lowered to cut. If you’re cutting multiple thin sheets of printed material, a guillotine trimmer is a great option.
  • Stack cutters, which are actually a sub-type of guillotine trimmer, have a large, extremely sharp blade that will cut large stacks of paper all at once. Stack cutters are best used in a high volume environment, particularly if you are cutting hundreds of identical sheets at the same time.

Models across all styles are often equipped with grid markings on their tabletop for precise measurement.

I want to create a crease in my laminated project in order to fold it – can a paper trimmer help me with that?

Paper trimmers will slice excess material from your project. If you try to use it to create a crease or perforation in a single sheet, you’ll end up with two pieces! Creasers are designed to create an indent in your sheet to make folding neater and easier, preventing unsightly wrinkles.

Cut Corners with a Corner Rounder!

One of the many conveniences of using laminating pouches is that the pouches are not only pre-cut to desired dimensions, but they also come with rounded corners. The rounded corners add an extra touch of professionalism to any project that you laminate and also eliminate the sharp edges that can be created when laminating with 7 mil or 10 mil pouches.

Unlike with pouch laminating, projects that are laminated using a roll laminator generally require trimming after lamination. While many large-format projects like posters and display graphics may not require rounded corners, smaller documents (or those that are frequently handled) will have a more polished and finished appearance if the corners are rounded. The major benefit of rounded corners is comfortable handling of your finished project. Since laminating film is essentially plastic, leaving a sharp, square corner on your project (particularly one that is using a thicker laminate like 7 or 10 mil) could potentially cause the end-user to get scratched or cut if he or she does not handle it with care. The secret to achieving a perfectly-round corner on your project? Using a corner cutter!

Manual tabletop models like the Akiles Diamond-1 or the Lassco Wizer CR-20 corner rounder are excellent choices for occasional to moderate usage. They provide an affordable means for creating consistent round corners in a variety of diameters. If you’re looking for a machine that will be used frequently in a high-volume environment, consider an electric model like the countertop model Akiles Diamond-5 or the floor-standing CR-50 series of Lassco Wizer corner rounders, which feature convenient foot pedal operation.

If you would like to ask us which corner cutter is best for you and your project needs, please do so in the comment section. If you have a favorite corner rounding machine that gets you through even the toughest jobs, we’d love to hear about it too!

Adding a Slot to Laminating Pouches, ID Badges, and More

Our basic stapler-style slot puncher is a highly-versatile office tool. Its rubber-like base not only prevents the slot punch from moving along a desk or table top while in use, but it can also be easily opened or removed to empty waste. The slot punch comes with an adjustable metal guide that guarantees the same punch placement every time for larger projects. Since it’s so small and light, it is extremely portable, making it excellent for on-demand punching!

Use this handy tool for punching laminating pouches for ID badges, credentials, VIP/backstage passes and more! Once any one of these items have a punched slot, a lanyard, badge clip, or clear plastic loop can be attached to make it complete.

Both the slot punch‘s open punch throat and removable metal guide allow it to be used for quick, handheld applications. For example, you can punch slots in the center of the top edge of a gift bag, then tie it with a satin ribbon as an alternative to handles; or punch two slots on each side, then tie on your own handles for a unique, highly-customized look!

If you use this slot puncher another way, we’d love to hear your creative ideas, too! Please leave us a comment and share your ideas with us.

Lanyards & Name Badges – Get Attached!

Where do you turn when the classic “Hello, My Name Is” label isn’t strong enough to withstand an event on its own, or when a name tag pinned to a person’s shirt or coat is likely to come off or get lost? An excellent solution is to attach a name badge to a lanyard!

Lanyards and ID Supplies from Lamination Depot

Lanyards can be as simple as plain, round, shoestring-style cords with swivel hook attachments or as elaborate as custom-printed ribbons with specialized clips. Lanyards are worn around an attendee’s neck, allowing the attached badge to hang freely without damaging garments.

For the badge itself, here are some options:

Thermal Laminating Pouches – If you’re planning to make hundreds of tags, thermal laminating pouches are not only the most affordable way to produce your name badges, but they are also the fastest. Laminating pouches are available with pre-punched slots or can be punched before or after lamination using a simple, stapler-style slot puncher. For added durability, you can also add a brass grommet using a hand-held eyelet punching tool.

Self-Laminating (Cold) Pouches – If you’re making a small number of name tags for an event, consider self-laminating pouches. These pouches are also referred to as “cold laminating pouches” because they do not require a thermal pouch laminator to activate. The interior of each pouch has one side coated in adhesive (protected by a release liner prior to use) and one side that is plain clear plastic. Self-laminating pouches can also be punched. We only recommend these pouches for small events because this type of badge takes longer to assemble than those made from thermal laminating pouches and have limited size and thickness varieties available.

Plastic Badge Holders – If tags need to be interchanged for an event, then plastic badge holders are an excellent option. Plastic badge holders come with one open end at the top, allowing paper tags, identification cards, or business cards to slide in and out freely.

Rigid Plastic Badge Holders – This type of badge holder is designed to provide added protection to an already laminated name badge. They can either hang vertically or horizontally and are available in multiple colors. Rigid plastic badge holders can be used multiple times, so they are ideal for use at monthly meetings or sporting events.

If you’re looking to make several name tags, backstage/VIP passes, or credentials for a large event and would like personalized recommendations, feel free to ask us – we’re always happy to help!

Using the Akiles Roll@Blade Rotary Trimmer

The Akiles Roll@Blade rotary paper trimmer series offers precise trimming at a budget-friendly price, making it a popular choice among schools, offices, and production environments alike. With its self-sharpening tungsten blade and twin sliding poles, it will provide years of trouble-free use with little-to-no maintenance. Below we take a closer look at the features of the Akiles Roll@Blade series and share step-by-step instructions for using each of the models.

The Basics

The Akiles Roll@Blade is available in three lengths – 18″, 36″, and 64″ (which comes mounted on a rolling work table with a built-in waste receptacle). All three models feature the same high-quality, self-sharpening tungsten blade, which helps to ensure a clean, precise cut every time. To utilize the self-sharpening feature, simply slide the blade carriage back and forth along the twin sliding poles without any media in the cutter. The Roll@Blade is capable of cutting practically any material up to 2mm in thickness, including paper, cardboard, plastic, vinyl, aluminum foil, PVC, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, leather, and more. In order to accurately cut all types of materials and document sizes, the Roll@Blade features a ruler guide and adjustable depth margin, a convenient, gridded work table, and a clamping bar that prevents shifting during trimming.

To keep the cutting action smooth and silent, you may need to lightly lubricate the twin sliding poles from time to time. It is also recommended that you keep the blade clean and free from dust and other residue.

Instructions

  1. Place your Roll@Blade on a flat, sturdy work surface. Note: Always carry your Roll@Blade by the work table. Never use the twin sliding poles to move your cutter, as it may cause damage to it.
  2. Position the blade carriage at either end of the twin sliding poles. The Roll@Blade’s rotary design allows it to cut in both directions.
  3. Adjust the depth margin based on the size of the item that is being trimmed. To move the depth margin guide, slightly loosen the screw that holds it in place and slide it to the desired location. Once the guide has been positioned, tighten the screw to secure it.
  4. Insert the material that is being trimmed beneath the clamping bar (located at the front of the trimmer) and align it to both the ruler guide and depth guide.
  5. Use one hand to hold your item(s) in place and use the other hand to slide the blade carriage from one end of the trimmer to the other. Moving the blade carriage through your entire item in a single movement will help to ensure a smooth, accurate cut. Never place your fingers on or near the clamping bar while trimming.
  6. Remove your item(s) and repeat steps 3-5 as necessary to cut to the desired size.

In Review

The Akiles Roll@Blade series features quality trimmers that are both easy-to-use and powerful. Unlike light-duty rotary trimmers which have a small capacity and are limited to trimming paper, the Roll@Blade provides precise, accurate results on a wide variety of materials up to 2mm thick (including up to 15 sheets of 20 lb. paper per cut). Because it is offered in 18″, 36″, and 64″ lengths, the Roll@Blade is well-suited for projects of all sizes, from small photographs to large-scale display materials. Since it requires only minimal maintenance, the Roll@Blade is an excellent choice for communal use in a school or office setting. If you have a need for a precise paper cutter that is both user-friendly and safe, the Akiles Roll@Blade is well worth the investment.

Electric Business Card Cutting with the Akiles CardMac Power Pack

Designed for low-volume business card slitting, the Akiles CardMac business card cutter series is a cost-effective way to create professional-looking business cards in your home or office. Both the bleed and non-bleed versions are available with manual operation, utlizing an easy-to-turn handle to advance the sheets through and cut them to size. For users who want an even more automated cutting experience, both styles are also offered as electric versions that use a small motor to move paper through the slitters.

While other business card slitters in this category have dedicated manual and electric versions, the CardMac’s unique design uses a “power pack” to turn the manual model into an electric machine. The Akiles power pack can be purchased independently of the card cutting unit, which allows you to transform your manual machine an electric model without having to invest in a brand new machine. Furthermore, you can remove the CardMac power pack at any time to use your machine manually, which is a convenient feature for those who want to have the ease of electric cutting but still want the flexibility of being able to slit cards when an outlet is not available.

Attaching the power pack to your CardMac is fast and easy.

  1. Attach the power pack to the right side of the machine so that the drive shaft on the power pack is aligned to the side gear (where the handle would be attached). You may need to manually rotate the drive shaft slightly so that it aligns with the side gear.
  2. As the power pack is attached to the machine, listen for two clicks to ensure that it has been installed properly. The two clicks indicate that the release switch and safety lock are engaged – the power pack will not operate until the power pack has been fully inserted.
  3. Plug the power adapter into the wall and the power jack into the power pack.
  4. Press and hold the power button (located on the top of the power pack) to activate the motor.

Using the Akiles CardMac Business Card Cutter

The Akiles CardMac business card cutter is a fast and efficient way to transform your letter-sized sheets into standard business cards (2″ x 3-1/2″). The CardMac is available in two varieties – a non-bleed version that cuts 12 business cards per sheet and a bleed version that cuts 10 business cards per sheet. The non-bleed version is intended for designs in which the graphics do not extend to the edge of the cards, while the full-bleed version can create cards that have design elements that reach the perimeter of the card with no margin. Both CardMac styles are capable of slitting cards up to 12 mil (140 lb.) in thickness.

Cutting your business cards to size with the Akiles CardMac takes only four easy steps:

  1. Set up your CardMac by placing the wire guide located at the back of the machine in its upright position. Install your choice of the two handles onto the side gear (located on the right side of the machine). The CardMac comes packaged with both a crank handle and a turn handle, which can be interchanged based on user preference.
  2. Open the flap on the front of the machine.
  3. Insert a single sheet of paper into the rear-most slot. The first cut will cut the sheet into two 11″ x 3-1/2″ strips (plus waste strips), so the paper will need to be inserted vertically with the 8-1/2″ edge first. Adjust the paper guides on both sides to align the paper with the internal blades. Turn the handle to pull the sheet through the machine and cut it to size.
  4. Insert one of the 11″ x 3-1/2″ strips into the front feed tray with the 11″ edge first. Adjust the paper guides on both sides to align the paper with the internal blades. Turn the handle to pull the sheet through the machine and cut the business cards to their finished size. Repeat with the second strip to complete the process.

The Akiles CardMac business card slitter is ideal for home users, small offices, and schools that occasionally need to create short-run business cards. For even easier business card cutting, Akiles also offers an optional power pack that can be attached to either of the CardMac models to transform them into fully-electric business card slitters.

Make a Statement with Pre-Printed Lanyards!

From conventions to classrooms, neck lanyards are one of the most convenient and popular ways to display wearable badges or identification cards. In addition to plain lanyards and custom lanyards, there are also many eye-catching pre-printed lanyards that are available. In this post, we learn more about printed lanyards and discover what benefits they can offer users.



The Basics

Lanyards are commonly made from nylon, polyester, or cotton and feature a variety of attachment options. Swivel hooks and badge clips are among the most popular attachment styles, since they can be used with pre-punched laminating pouches, badge holders, or ID cards to quickly and easily display event credentials. The breakaway attachment, which is a safety feature that allows a small clasp on the lanyard to temporarily open when the lanyard is tugged or pulled, is a common addition to lanyards (especially for use at events with children in attendence) since it reduces the risk of injury or strangulation for the wearer.

Printed lanyards come in a wide selection of styles, ranging from popular awareness lanyards to easy-to-read pre-printed messages. Awareness lanyards, which feature colored ribbon images, are available in a wide array of hues and are ideal for charity events such as fundraising walks or marathons. Patriotic lanyards have flag-inspired or camouflage coloring along with messages such as “Support Our Troops.” Patriotic lanyards are especially popular for holiday events, including Fourth of July, Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day. The most versatile of all printed lanyard styles have bold, easy-to-read text to help distinguish the wearers at even the most crowded event. These solid-color lanyards are available with a number of pre-printed messages, such as “Volunteer,” “Event Staff,” “Visitor,” and “Contractor.” Because they do not have any logos or event-specific information, these lanyards are great for organizations that hold frequent conferences or events since they can be used again and again.

In Review

Custom-printed lanyards are an powerful tool for promoting brand awareness or sharing a promotional message with attendees of fundraisers, conventions, large-scale meetings, or other company-sponsored events, but not every organization has the budget to create personalized lanyards. Printed lanyards offer a cost-effective alternative to custom lanyards, featuring a wide selection of pre-printed graphics and text in various themes. In addition to being more affordable than customized lanyards, pre-printed lanyards do not require a turnaround time (which can be up to 3 weeks in the case of custom lanyards). Whether you’re holding a marathon or an industry convention, you’re sure to find a lanyard style that suits your needs among the wide variety of printed lanyards available on the market today.