Re-posted with permission from BadgePass and edited.
That is the question, isn’t it? Many organizations have a difficult time determining if lamination is necessary for their ID badges. Laminating badges offers several benefits to every organization, some of which are more obvious than others. We recommend asking yourself three simple questions to determine if you need it.
Question 1: How long do I want these badges to last?
Laminate is often applied to ID badges to make the card stronger and to extend the life of the credential. Applying a laminate helps to protect the card against dirt, debris, water and other elements that may damage the card. It’s also helpful if you expect the card to get a lot of wear and tear by running it through a mag stripe reader regularly. If your organization re-issues all employee IDs every year, then lamination may not be important to you. However, if you print IDs on technology cards (ie: smart or prox cards) you may want them to last longer, to help save you money over time. In that case, we recommend a laminate.
Question 2: How important is security of the credential?
Applying a holographic laminate to a badge can add an extra element of security to the card by making it much more difficult to duplicate. We offer two standard holographic laminates to our customers, as well as the option to create your own custom laminate. Imagine how great your logo would look when applied to your badge via holographic laminate!
Question 3: Do you want to create a more professional looking ID badge?
While cards today are used for many different things, one of the main purposes of an ID is to identify the wearer. An unspoken purpose, but still one that is just as relevant, is to convey professionalism of the organization. The badges you issue are often one of the first thing a guest sees when they visit your facility. A good-looking ID badge automatically makes a great first impression!
Let Us Help You Figure It Out
Have you decided if lamination is vital to your ID system’s success? We can help! Your local ISG security and ID expert can help you find an ID card printer and laminator that best fits your organization’s needs.
Contact us today and let’s talk about your ID goals.
