There are a few important factors to consider before placing an order for flexible badge holders that will help you determine which holder is best for you.
Card sizeFirst, you'll want to make sure that your ID card (and any additional badge holder contents) will fit. Badge holders come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of credentials. Generally, they can be classified as belonging to one of the following size groups:
- ID card size : these hold standard ID card size inserts (the same size as a credit card: 3.38'' x 2.13'')
- Government or military size : these hold credentials slightly larger than a standard ID card and have the same general proportions (approximately 3.25'' x 2.31'')
- Event size : these hold larger cards with a variety of dimensions and are generally more square or longer in proportion (size can range between 3'' x 4'' and 5'' x 8'')
- Business card size : these hold standard size business cards (3.5'' x 2'')
Orientation (vertical or horizontal)You’ll need to know whether your badge design features a horizontal (landscape) or a vertical (portrait) orientation. Some badge holders support both vertical and horizontal card orientations, but most are designed for one or the other.
Card removalIf your cards will be removed from their holders on a routine basis for inspection by security personnel or to be scanned by a card reader, consider badge holders that include a thumb notch, thumb hole or slider for quick card removal. Often, these badge holders are made from rigid plastic rather than vinyl.
See Rigid Badge Holders. Texturized vinyl badge holders, however, are flexible and have an orange peel-like texture that prevents card inserts from sticking inside the holder, making them easier to remove.
Safety and sanitationFor increased visibility and cardholder safety, consider
reflective safety badge holders. These holders feature a reflective, orange frame and are trimmed with photo-luminescent ink. If your facility has strict safety or sanitation codes,
antimicrobial badge holders are a smart option. These holders help kill pathogenic microorganisms and fight germs.
Site size and security levelIf you need to order badge holders for a large site with various types of personnel, you may benefit from
color bar or color frame badge holders. These holder types come in a variety of colors that can be assigned to distinct roles or access levels to help differentiate between personnel within your facility.