There are two basic types of badge printers. Direct thermal (LP) and thermal transfer (TLP) models, which can handle two and four inch printing jobs, are the standard for almost every industry. Two inch wide jobs are perfect for wristbands, which are used by many hospitals, as well as bars, clubs, and events that charge admission. Four inch badges are more common for employee and visitor identification or parking passes that must be displayed in visitors' cars.

Options for Badge Printers

In addition to what size you want and whether you want LP or TLP, you can also decide if you want color or the capacity to print graphics clearly. Many people want to use a badge printer to print two-dimensional bar codes, and only certain models are up to the task. Others want to use color coded data on the badge to identify different visitors, and you need to make sure you get a printer model for which color cartridges are made.

You have to make sure that your badges are compatible with your printer. Some software works with standard ink or laser printers, and the materials you use for the badges can be standard Avery labels or cardstock. You can then laminate them with another machine to make them more durable, if you like. Other printers require specific software or paper materials.

Options like self-expiring labels or laminating badge printers require a more precise correlation of pieces of specialized equipment and supplies. Label printers are typically not proprietary, which means that you could combine at least a few different software programs and sheets of labels with any given printer, but there are some cases where the paper and the printer you have would not be compatible. It is always best to check with your supplier or directly with a manufacturer to make sure that you're getting compatible products and that you have a source to restock supplies as needed.