An Overview of Badge Attachments: Magnetic Badge Holders, ID Clips, & Badge Pins

From large-scale conventions to small, independent storefronts, from the classroom to the conference room, there are literally hundreds of applications for badge attachments. Because they have such a wide variety of uses, badge findings are offered in an almost endless amount of styles, ranging from adhesive-backed magnetic bars to swiveling metal clips. In this post, we get to know a few of the most popular varieties of badge attachments and compare their unique features.

The Basics

There are three basic badge finding varieties – ID clips, badge pins, and magnetic badge attachments. All three can be used with laminated documents, PVC identification cards, and plastic badge holders. While some applications may be best suited by magnetic badge attachments (which can affix a badge to clothing without leaving holes or marks in the fabric, making them a popular choice for professional events), other purposes may be better served using a more cost-effective finding like a pin or a clip. With so many styles available, you can easily find a variety that will strike a balance between function and budget.

ID Clips

ID clips utilize small, toothed clamps made of either plastic or metal to attach a badge to a garment. Some styles have an adhesive-backed foam mounted on the back of the clip, which allows it to be stuck to the back of the badge. Self-adhesive ID clips are ideal for use with cards or holders that do not have a pre-punched slot, but they cannot be removed and reused. Strap clips are made with a short PVC strap that has a metal clip affixed to one end of the strap. The strap itself has two small snaps, which allows the strap to be inserted into a slot in the badge or badge holder and then snapped to secure. Once snapped into place, the clip can be used to hang the badge as desired. Since the strap portion can be easily removed and attached to another badge, strap clips make a great choice for use with cards that are frequently updated.

In addition to the standard models, there are a few specialty ID clips that offer other features, such as swiveling clips and built-in pins. Though these varieties tend to cost a bit more than the basic styles, they may be worth the added investment for some applications.

Badge Pins

Badge pins are one of the most basic types of badge finding, featuring an adhesive-backed pin (the base of which can be made from either plastic or metal). While the standard styles offer very basic features, the more advanced varieties can include locking safety clasps (which prevent the pin from releasing) and breakaway ABS bases (a safety feature designed to help the pin break apart when stress is applied, which is required in many industrial settings). Like the adhesive-backed ID clips, badge pins cannot be removed and reused.

Magnetic Badge Attachments

Magnetic badge attachments are the newest type of badge finding, and have quickly gained popularity for a variety of reasons. Instead of relying on a pin or clip to hold a badge in place, magnetic badge attachments use an adhesive-backed piece of metal in conjunction with small, magnetic discs. There are a number of different styles on the market, ranging from round, single-magnet versions to bars that use two or even three magnets to keep the badge secure. Not only are magnetic badge findings strong and easy to apply, but they also prevent holes and creases in garments. They do cost more than ID clips or badge pins, but if you’re looking for a badge finding that is as professional as it is powerful, then they are definitely worth looking into.

In Review

Badge findings are great tools for any organization, because they can transform laminated cards, PVC identification cards, or badge holders into wearable badges in a matter of seconds. Since there are so many applications for badge findings, there is a wide selection of styles to help suit all types of needs. From basic and economical ID clips and badge pins to strong and professional magnetic badge attachments, it’s possible to find an option that will fit both your application and your budget.

Business Card Slitters: An Affordable & Easy to Use Trimming Solution!

Regardless of what industry you’re in, business cards are one of the most cost-effective and popular tools for sharing your business information with clients and prospects. With all of the user-friendly graphic design software available in today’s marketplace, it’s easy to create attractive and professional-looking business cards in your own office using a desktop printer. But once you’ve printed out your custom business cards, how do you cut them down to the appropriate size? In this post, we take a closer look at personal business card slitters, which accurately and efficiently cut letter-sized paper into standard 2″ x 3-1/2″ business cards with minimal effort.

Cardmate_200

The Basics

Personal business card cutters are available with either manual or electric operation, with either standard or full bleed cutting capabilities. Standard business card slitters are used to cut cards that have a blank border around the outer edge of the design, which are designed using a 12-up template (12 cards per sheet). Full bleed cutters are designed to cut cards that have images or text that run to the edge of the card, created using a 10-up template (10 cards per sheet). The resulting cards are borderless, which makes the full bleed cutters an ideal choice for graphics- or photography-based designs. While full bleed cutters can cut standard business cards (created using a 10-up template), standard cutters are not able to cut cards with full bleed designs.

Whether using a manual or electric model, personal business card cutters generally perform a two-step process in order to trim the business cards down to size. On the first pass through the machine, the pre-printed, letter-sized sheet is inserted vertically and trimmed down to two 3-1/2″ x 11″ strips. The strips are then fed horizontally through the machine to be cut into 2″ x 3-1/2″ business cards. The entire two-step process only takes around 10 seconds (depending upon the machine), which means that you can accurately cut up to 72 business cards per minute.

Uses

Personal business card cutters are designed for trimming business cards, but they can also be used to cut a variety of other useful items. If you have a photo-quality printer, you can print sheets of photographs onto photo paper and cut them into individual, wallet-size prints using your business card cutter. You can also create ID badges for trade shows, events, or for use around the office using either a 10-up or 12-up template and trimmed with your business card cutter. Teachers can design their own custom flash cards or other teaching materials with ease using their favorite word processing or graphic design program, and cut them to size using a business card slitter. You can even make your own full-color, business card-sized magnets using printable, magnetic stock and your personal card cutter. If you are using a standard cutter, you will need to leave a blank border around any item that you place into the 12-up template in order for them to be cut properly.

In Review

Business cards are a valuable tool for sharing your name and company information with clients and prospects, but not every organization has the budget to order custom cards from a professional print shop. For small runs of professional-looking business cards on a budget, you can use your favorite graphic design or word processing program along with your color printer and a personal business card cutter to create your own business cards. In addition to making business cards, you can also use the same process to create ID cards, full-color promotional magnets, flash cards and other teaching aids, wallet-size photographs, and many other useful items. Personal business card cutters are a great choice for home offices, small offices, and classrooms, with their ease of use, versatility, and affordable price point.