Best 5 ID Badge Laminators: Make Your Own For Business & Events

Do you need a quality laminator to make a name tags for events, employee cards, and other cards for badges?

Then you are in the right place where you can find just what you need. You can find various badge laminators so choose the one that you find the most practical for you.

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Can You Laminate Name Tags?

Yes, you can. To do that, you will need a pouch laminator that has an entry sloth width of between 4 and 6 inches. Also, you will be able to choose between basic models (that use 5mil thick pouches) if you want to laminate from time to time. However, if you need to make badges and name tags all the time, you will find heavy-duty models on the market that can laminate 10 mil pouches.

Pouch Size And Thickness

To make laminated name badges, the laminator inlet needs to be suitable for pouches of up to 15 mils thickness. The minimal recommended pouch thickness is 3 mil. It’s best to use the pouches with small dimensions like 2×4 inches, designed just for ID badges so you don’t have to cut the pouches.

Material Suitability

You can make badges from standard paper, Teslin paper, cardstock, or plastic card. That means the materials with a thickness from 0,2 to 1 mm are suitable for this type of laminator. Using the thick pouch, you can make a stable laminated name tag from a standard paper.

Why Should You Laminate Badges?

If you put laminate over the labels, you will securely protect the text and the document from breaking, fading, warping, and other environmental elements. Moreover, you will make it look more professional for a better business look in your office and other work premises.

What Else Can You Laminate With It?

Besides business badges and name tags, you can also use this type of machine for other lamination projects:

• Laminating stickers – protect stickers by putting laminating film over them
• Laminating labels – if you are a lover of printing labels, now you can also protect them by sealing them with laminating film
• Business card lamination – make the business cards you give out more durable by laminating them
• Any other small projects – you can also laminate any other documents and papers that are suitable for the pouch size if you want to protect them

How To Choose The Best Option?

These machines come with different features and characteristics. So how can you know which one is the best for you? We have explained important features to keep your eye on below.

Frequency Of Use

If you are going to be using your laminator very often or for laminating a lot of badges at once, then we suggest a heavy-duty model. That way, you will be able to laminate over 300mm per minute and with a thickness of up to 15 mils. However, if you are going to be using it from time to time, then a standard model laminating up to 5 mils will also be alright.

Hot Or Cold Modes

While hot lamination means that the machine uses a high temperature to seal the laminate film over the document, the cold mode does it without using heat. Instead, it uses pressure to seal special adhesive pouches for cold lamination over the documents. Cold lamination is more suitable for photos and it is also safer to use. We suggest investing in a laminator that offers both modes to get the best of both worlds.

Thickness

Measured in mils (1 mil=0.001 mm), the thickness tells you how hard the laminated ID tag will be. If you want a really hard laminated badge, then choose 10 mils or higher (up to 15 mils). However, for more bendy projects, choose 5 mils. Most laminators for badges will allow you to use pouches that are up to 15 mils thick to create both thicker and thinner name tags.

Speed

Unlike faster models, machines for laminating badges are usually slower (under 10 inches per minute). However, this still means you will get to laminate more than one name tag per minute, depending on their dimensions. If you want to be faster, you should invest in a model that has a bigger entry slot and a higher speed (even over 20 inches per minute). For instance, a 13-inch version will let you laminate name tags as well as larger projects with a higher speed than a model that is used for laminating ID cards only.

Run Time

If you are using the heat mode, the machine will have a recommended run time that should not be exceeded. Otherwise, it could become flammable as it works with high temperatures. For laminating ID cards, you will not need a model that has a run time bigger than 20 to 30 minutes.

Warm-Up Time

Before you can use the laminator that works with heat, you will need to turn it on to warm it up. Some models heat up in as little as 1 minute (great for frequent use). However, if you are going to be using it occasionally, then the warm-up time of up to 10 minutes will be okay, too.

Jam Release

Known for jamming, laminators should feature jam release options. They will help you resolve jamming issues quickly so you can go back to laminating.

Best 5 Badge Laminators

USI HD400 Heavy Duty Laminator

 Small Size For Cards
This Usi laminator is made of durable materials that ensure stability and long-lasting life. It has a small size because it’s purposed for laminating card-size materials. You can make a laminated name tags for your employees if you organize a professional event and so on.

Supports Thick Material
The cards and pouches can be up to 4 inches. It can laminate small materials but thick. The maximal supported thickness is 15 mils. Since it can support ultra-thick material, that means the machine is strong. The cleaning using the carrier increases the laminator’s life.

Practical For Transporting
This laminating machine works quietly which means it’s not disturbing for your ears. You can make an ID card badge in a quick time. You can use it in various places. Its compact design makes it practical for holding. It weighs about 8 lbs so it depends on the users’ power if they find it comfortable for carrying.

Temperature Control Function
Before you start laminating, the machine needs some time for preheating. About 10 minutes are enough for the machine to be ready. The lamiantor reaches the optimal temperature and adjust it depending on the material you laminate. After laminating, make sure you switched out the machine because it doesn’t have an automatic shut-off function.

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EasyIDea ML450T ID Card Laminator

ID Card Sized Materials
The easyIDea laminator comes in a small size which makes it practical for transporting. The bigger size is not needed since you laminate ID card-sized materials. Using this laminator, you can make a name tag badges for a short time.

Big Material Thickness
The laminator offers a temperature control function. The laminating machine adjusts the heat settings depending on the material thickness. There are two settings purposed for thinner and thicker cards. The maximal thickness of the cards can be 30 mils. That means you can laminate plastic credit cards as well as the Teslin paper.

About 2 Hours
The machine can work for 2 hours in continuity. This time is enough to make a big number of badges for events and conferences. You can also make employee cards in your office. You can use the pouches that have a thickness of 10 mils maximally.

Two Or Three Times
To make your badges for conferences more stable, you should run the material through the laminator for 2 or 3 times. The machine is simple to use because there is one button you need to press to start laminating. The laminating machine takes a small space.

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Brainstorm ID ID-Lam 45 Laminator

Up To 4 Inches
To make laminated id badges using the Teslin paper, it’s best to use this Brainstorm laminator. With the size of about 4 inches, this laminating machine is ideal to make ID cards for your employees, for events, and more. You can use it anywhere since this small laminator requires a little place.

Two Settings For Two Types
The optimal pouch type for using if you laminate with this laminator is butterfly 7 mil or 10 mil pouch.  Depending on these two pouch thicknesses, there are two temperature settings. The heating system adjusts the temperature which makes it harmless for name tag materials you laminate.

Indicator Light Signs
The heat that is needed for laminating is reached for about 5 minutes after you switch on the machine. After the preheating time, you can start laminating. The indicator lights will show you when the machine is hot enough. Don’t forget to set the appropriate option for heat laminating by pressing the button.

Double Pressure Rollers
If you don’t use the hot pouch ready for heat lamination, you can set the cold lamination option. You need to purchase the adhesive type of pouches. In the cold mode, instead of the heat, the machine uses the high pressure of two rollers.

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Efficentline YE381 Laminating Machine

Wider Inlet Built-In
Unlike the previous models I reviewed, this one has a larger size but still doesn’t take a lot of space. The length of this model is about 12 inches. The machine holds the papers with A3 format and smaller. If you want to make budges, you can laminate multiple pieces at once.

For School Or Home
This laminating machine is practical to use at school if you have to make student cards for some events. It’s also appropriate for home use or for office. The package comes with 50 pieces of pouches but for cards. You need to purchase small card format pouches separately. Thanks to the speed of 250 mm/min, you will finish your job quickly.

Cold Or Hot?
You can choose between two laminating options. There is a hot mode that makes badges by sticking the melt pouch to the paper or cardstock. If you find the heat too dangerous for your material, you can choose the cold laminating method. The double roller system makes high pressure needed to stick the pouch and material.

Tools For Better Look
You will get additional accessories in the package. The equipment set includes the paper trimmer and corner rounder. You can use these tools to improve the appearance of the name tag. To prevent the jam, you need to press the ABS button placed next to the indicator lights.

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Akiles Prolam Plus 330 Laminator

Heavy-Duty Inside And Outside
The Akiles model has a metal construction which makes it durable and ideal for commercial purposes. It has a heavy-duty look and a strong laminating system. Not only the rollers but the machine uses also the heat plate to make quality laminated ID tags.

From 3 To 10 Mils
The inlet size of 13 inches supports the materials of A3 format and smaller. It’s strong enough to support the lamination of multiple ID cards at the same time. You can use the pouches of various thicknesses. The temperature is ideal for 3-10 mil thick pouches.

Precise Laminating Settings
The laminator includes the control panel with a rotatable button for temperature, indicator lights, and more. You can choose the hot or cold laminating method. Each mode has double functions. The laminating system of this machine has precisely adjustable settings. You can use it to laminate materials with various thicknesses.

The Highest Speed
The biggest thickness of the material you laminate is 1 mm. This powerful laminator can work with a speed of 23 inches per minute which is 580 mm per minute. You need to place this machine on a desktop but it’s not so portable since it weighs about 20 lbs.

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How Do You Laminate Badges?

To laminate badges, name tags, ID cards, and other such things for your business, you will need:

• Printed labels
• Lamination pouches
• A laminator

Steps To Take

To laminate, follow these steps one by one:

1. Print out the labels you want to laminate.
2. Cut out the labels to prepare them for lamination.
3. Put individual labels into ID card-sized pouches.
4. Turn on the laminator and let it warm-up for the recommended time.
5. Run the pouches through the laminator.
6. Leave the laminated badges to cool down.
7. Trim the edges if needed.

For more explanation, watch this video:

How Can You Laminate ID Without A Laminator?

To laminate without a machine, you need to consider self-laminating name badges. They come in different sizes and allow you to laminate over the ID name tag without having to deal with hot temperatures and making a mess. Moreover, they sometimes come with clips so that you can fasten the badge to garments (such as shirt pockets). Alternatively, you can also wear the badges around the neck by connecting the laminated tag to a lanyard.

Home DIY: Use Clear Packing Tape

You probably have some clean packing tape in your home. Even if you do not, it is very accessible to buy and usually cheap. While it can be tricky to perfect, with practice it will become much easier. It is a great choice for small labels. Then, you can make a hole in the frame and connect to a lanyard.