MyBinding Knowledge Base
How can I make my own ID cards and name tags?
Do you want to make your own ID cards and name tags? If you do, you’ll be happy to know that’s it’s easy to do. You just need the right equipment and supplies. These are the things you’ll need:
- Something you’ll want to get is a pouch laminator. This type of device will laminate your cards so that they become more durable and will be able to withstand frequent handling. There are a lot of laminators available, so you’ll have your choice of size, brand name, price, and so on. If you’re only going to be using the laminator to process small items, a machine with a smaller feed opening (i.e. less than 8” wide) is ideal. Be sure to pick up some laminating pouches that are compatible with the device so you can start using it right away.
- The next item you need to get is a slot punch. This is simply a device that will punch nice, clean holes in your cards and tags so you can attach them to lanyards, badge reels, and so on. There are different types of slot punches available
- A lot of people like using lanyards, so you should keep a good supply on them on-hand. While lanyards used to be pretty basic, there are now some really great-looking ones available. There are still polyester ones available in different colors (black, blue, etc.) but there are also ones that are beaded, emblazoned with social awareness symbols (such as the pink ribbon for cancer awareness), made from bamboo, and so on. You can even order customized lanyards or purchase reflective ones which are perfect for people in risky jobs such as construction.
- Badge reels and wrist coils are nice alternatives for people who don’t like to wear lanyards for whatever reason. These supplies allow the user to keep his or her card/tag nearby at all times. Some badge reels can even be customized so you can show off your company’s logo or whatever else you want.
- If you prefer not to use paper to make your tags and cards, you can use PVC cards instead. These supplies are easy to use, but you’ll need to have access to a PVC card printer to get the best results. The great thing about using PVC cards is that they’re really durable so you don’t need to laminate them. This can be extremely helpful if you’re looking to save time.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
