Badge Stock Requirements

The customer is responsible for purchasing the Badge Stock according to the specifications below. Currently, badge data can only be printed in black. If the badge design includes color images (such as a logo), the image(s) must be preprinted on the badge stock by the vendor from whom the customer purchases the badge stock. 

Badge Stock Specifications

The badge stock must be:

• 4”x3” (perforations every 3”) or 4”x 6” (perforations every 6”)
• Single or double sided (also known as two-sided) 
• "Direct Thermal” badge stock
• Paper or tear-resistant badge stock, NOT adhesive labels on a backing 

The badge stock must have either:

• A black bar sensor marking on the back of the labels denoting where to cut the label (Example 1), or
• Notch sensor marks in the center or at the edge of the badge (Example 2 and Example 3)
   

Example 2 - Center Notch

Example 3 - Edge Notch

CADMIUM RECOMMENDS 

Cadmium recommends ordering badge stock from one of these vendors. Customers may choose to order badge stock from a different vendor provided the badge stock specifications mentioned are met. 

Badge Stock Quantity

Customers should consider the number of anticipated onsite attendees and the number of badge kiosks when determining how much badge stock to order.

CADMIUM RECOMMENDS 

Order 30-40% more stock than the number of badges expected to be printed at the event. The extra stock will be needed for badge test prints, badge reprints and walk-in registrations. 

Example 1: 

500 Onsite Attendees

Double-sided Badges

Minimum of 1000 Badges Needed

What to order: 

If a roll contains 730 badges per roll, 2 rolls (1460 badges) will be required to meet the minimum amount needed 

If the event will have 2 check-in kiosks with 2 printers onsite, 2 rolls will be required (1 roll is needed per printer) 

Example 2: 

1,500 Onsite Attendees

Single-sided Badges

Minimum of 1,500 Badges Needed

What to order: 

If a fan fold pre-printed stack contains 250 badges per stack, 6 stacks are required to meet the exact minimum needed however at least 8 stacks should be ordered to account for test prints, reprints, and onsite registrations 

If the event will have 3 check-in kiosks with 3 printers onsite, then 9 stacks will be needed (3 stacks will be needed per printer)

To learn more about the next steps for implementing Check-in and Badging at your event, return to the Check-in and Badging Event Planner's Guide.