Should I Use an Inkjet or Laser Printer for My Badges?

When printing name badge inserts using Imprint Plus products, your choice of printer can make a noticeable difference in quality, durability, and ease of use. While both inkjet and laser printers are compatible with our insert sheets, laser printers are strongly recommended for the most professional and reliable results.

 

Why laser printers are preferred

Laser printers offer several key advantages when it comes to badge printing:

• Sharper, crisper print quality 
  Laser printers produce clean lines and well-defined text, which is especially important for small fonts and badge layouts that include names, titles, and logos.
• Fast drying and smudge-resistant 
  Unlike inkjet prints, laser prints are dry as soon as they come out of the printer. This reduces the risk of smudging when handling your inserts and keeps the finished product looking clean and polished.
• Consistent alignment and fewer paper issues 
  Laser printers typically handle heavier paper types, like insert sheets, more smoothly and with greater accuracy in alignment. 

 

Can I still use an inkjet printer?

Yes, you can use an inkjet printer if a laser printer is not available. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Allow time for ink to fully dry before touching the insert sheet or placing it into the badge holder
• Avoid using high-saturation settings, which may cause the paper to warp or bleed
• Check for alignment carefully, as inkjet printers may shift slightly depending on the paper feed 

 

Best practices for any printer

• Use a printer capable of at least 600 DPI for sharp, legible results
• Run a test print on plain paper before using actual insert sheets
• Always print at 100% scale or Actual Size, with “Fit to Page” turned off 

 

Need help setting up your printer for badge inserts?

If you have questions about printer compatibility or are unsure how to adjust your print settings, our Technical Support team is here to help. Contact us at techsupport@imprintplus.com or call 1-800-563-2464.

The right printer can make the badge creation process smoother and more consistent, so we’re here to help you get the best results possible.

 

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