Employee Name Badge Key Terms

Learn employee name badge key terms before you buy

By Shannon Tani

Many companies find that employee name badges are a great benefit to their company. However, when deciding which types of name badges to purchase, you may come across some terms that you don't know. Should you pay the extra money for a photo ID badge or save money with a window name badge? Do you need the extra security that a magnetic badge swipe system or biometric badge can give you? Take the time to learn these common terms to make the right decisions for your business.

Laminating machine

Companies that need simple name badges for their employees may find that they can save money by doing them in-house rather than hiring a printing company. A laminating machine helps make this possible. When you laminate a badge, you take the paper with the badge printed on it and place it between two plastic film sheets. The laminator heats the plastic and melts it together, creating a sturdy badge.
Try: See examples of laminating machines at Fellowes.

Window name badges

A window name badge has a window that displays the employee's name. This helps save money because you don't have to order new name badges for new employees. You can simply reuse an old one by inserting a new name.
Try: Stoffel Seals shows window name badges.

Photo ID badge

A photo ID badge prominently displays the employee's photo on the badge. This adds a level of security, especially if you have a guard in your office building that checks badges as employees enter.
Try: Visit EasyIDCard to see examples of photo ID badges.

Name badge attachments

The name badge attachments allow employees to wear the badges. These attachments could be a simple pin or may be a lanyard that they hang around their necks.
Try: To see the variety of name badge attachments available, visit Need Badges.

Magnetic badge swipe system

A magnetic badge swipe system is an extra level of security for your office. All employee name badges have a magnetic stripe that allows them to enter the building. The employee swipes their card through the machine and the doors unlock.
Try: Clockmax.com describes its magnetic badge swipe system.

Biometric identity card

Biometric identity cards offer a high level of security. They contain a small microchip that stores biometric information, such as fingerprints.
Try: To learn more about biometric cards, visit BiometricIdentityCards.info.