How to Choose a Slot Punch
Slot punches offer a simple, effective way to create an attachment point on your ID cards for use with badge accessories, such as a lanyard or badge reel. Before you use a slot punch, it’s important to know how and when to use it. Here's how to choose a slot punch with three important, cost-saving tips:
- Tip #1: Slot punch printed cards only
Slot punching makes the surface of ID cards uneven and can damage your printer’s sensitive printhead. If you slot punch an ID card and then feed it through your ID card printer, you may leave a small sliver of plastic behind that could possibly puncture a hole in one of the heat elements on the printhead. Damaged printheads result in distorted and poor quality images on your cards and can be costly to replace. Slot punching the photo ID cards after they have been printed will not only ensure the quality of the card, but also the longevity of your ID card printer.
- Tip #2: Take extra care with proximity cards
Proximity cards have an antenna embedded into the card, so you will need to be sure to punch the slot in the correct spot on the card so as not to damage the antenna or chip. If the antenna is damaged, your proximity card will not work. Since these cards can cost anywhere from $3 to $8+ per card, it’d be a waste to damage these cards because of a mistake that can be easily avoided! To avoid these issues, you may opt to use another attachment method, such as a gripper attachment.
- Tip #3: Print test cards
You do not want to print hundreds of cards and then realize that the slot punch will interfere with the design of the card. Instead, print a test card and test the slot punch before finalizing your badge design.
There are a number of styles and prices of
slot punches available; your choice primarily depends on the volume of cards you need to slot punch. To more information or help choosing the slot punch that's right for your ID card program, call an ID Professional at (800) 321-4405. We're here to help!
