ID cards help identify the employees at the workplace and even outside. If you also carry one of these cards, it’s your responsibility to keep it safe and secure.
Since the ID cards are highly critical and, in some cases, delicate, you need a protective shield to secure them. That’s when you should consider using a badge holder. Companies, too, should offer ID holders along with the ID card. In this article-cum-guide, learn different types of holders and how to select the best ones.
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Types of Badge Holders
An ID card holder is responsible for securing an ID card while displaying it to the outside world. But there are different types of holders you need to know about. You should select one after careful consideration.
The types of cardholders are:
1. Metal badge holders
Metal ID cardholders are perhaps the most durable holders. They have a frame that fully secures the card. Then there’s a clip that is used to attach the ID card to clothing. There are metal badge holder variants with a protective plastic panel placed on the front.
If you’re going to use metal badge holders, it’s recommended to get it painted or coated if it isn’t already. This will reduce the risk of metal stains on your t-shirt when the metal starts rusting. Stainless steel holders are also a great option.
2. Molded rigid plastic holders
Next on the list are molded, rigid plastic holders. Unlike regular plastic, rigid plastic is firm and tough. While the toughness depends on the molding process, you can expect them to withstand harsh conditions.
The molded plastics can either be wholly transparent or frosted. This will have an impact on the aesthetic presentation. So, it would help if you decided accordingly. When you dive deep into these cards, you’ll come across molded rigid plastic holders that have an open-face design. These don’t have any protective covering for the ID card.
But the bottom line is you’ll have hard plastic protection for the ID cards.
3. EVA plastic holders
EVA plastic isn’t actually plastic. It looks like one but is an environment-friendly cardholder. Once disposed of, it gets completely degraded.
EVA is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. This makes the material elastic with superior clarity. So you can bend the cardholders, which is not possible for other materials.
Because EVA is biodegradable, it meets the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) guidelines. So, if your company wants to meet these guidelines, use EVA plastic holders for your ID cards.
4. Acetate cardholders
Acetate is a plant-based material that’s quite tough and durable. It comprises multiple fibers that are capable of withstanding harsh treatments, thus making it quite durable.
Besides ID cardholders, acetate is also used in making eyeglass frames. It is like plastic and transparent. But with molding, color is added, which affects the transparency.
Another benefit of acetate material is that it doesn’t degrade in shape and clarity like regular plastic.
5. Yoyo cardholders
Yoyo cardholders are different from the rest of the cardholders in that they do not have any frame for the ID card. They have a retractable reel pulley with a nylon thread. It has a set provided with a plastic holder attached to the nylon thread. You’d have to use it for vertical or horizontal cards.
How to Buy a Badge Holder?
If you’re looking to purchase badge holders, there are a few things you need to do.
1. Choose the Right Type
First thing first, you need to select the type of card holders you’re going to procure. It largely depends on your necessities and preference. But as a best practice, choose according to the work conditions. You can also purchase multiple holder types if you want to run a pilot test.
2. Buy Ones With A Release Button
The release buttons make it easier to secure and insecure an ID card with ease. The buttons are located at the back of the badge holder. You slide the buttons to have them work.
3. Look at the Size
Size matters when you’re getting a badge holder for ID cards. They’re available in varying sizes. The one you purchase should be in line with the size of the ID cards. The holders should be larger than the cards but shouldn’t be excessively large.
4. Purchase in Bulk
From a pricing point of view, you should look to procure the ID card holders in bulk. That way, you can avail of greater discounts and get high-quality holders at a lower price.
It’s also recommended to have adequate stock of badge holders. Whenever an employee damages his or her holder, you can replace them readily.
