Event Badge Printers
What are you looking for in an event badge printer?
- 1-Color & Full-Color:
- 5,400 cph (CR80)
- 1,800 cph (3.5” x 5.5”)
- CR80 3.375" x 2.125" (86 x 54mm)
- CR100 3.88" x 2.63" (100 x 70mm)
- 3.5" x 5.5" (88 x 140mm)
- 4" x 4" (102 x 102mm)
- 4" x 6" (102 x 152mm)
- Paper, labels, & envelopes ≤ 4.2" x 11.7" (108 x 297mm)
- Up to 30 mil
- 1-color: 410 cph
- Full-color: 195 cph
- 2.125" x 5.5" (54 x 140mm)
- 24 mil
- 1-color: 1,400 cph
- Full-color: 180 cph
- 3.5" x 4.88" (88 x 124mm)
- 3.5" x 5.5" (88 x 140mm)
- 10 to 39 mil
- 1-color: 750 cph (3.375");
- 540 cph (4.33"); 519 cph (5.5")
- Full-Color: 190 cph (3.375"); 112 cph (4.33")
- CR80 (54 x 86mm)
- 2.125" x 4.33" (54 x 109mm)
- 2.125" x 5.5" (54 x 140mm)
- 20 to 50 mil
- 300 cph (3.5" x 5");
- 285 cph (4" x 6"); 180 cph (6" x 8")
- 3.5" x 5" (89 x 127mm)
- 4" x 6" (102 x 152mm)
- 6" x 8" (152 x 203mm)
- 9 or 12 mil
Six Questions to Ask
Most professional event badges are sized at 3.5" x 5.5", while some events use the smaller CR80 (credit card-sized) format. Consider badge thickness too — especially if you’re adding a label or sticker. For versatility in width, length, and thickness, the Canon CX-G6400 is a strong performer.
If your badges need bold branding or a polished look, edge-to-edge printing makes a big difference. Not all printers support this — some leave a small border. The Canon CX-G6400 leaves a minimal 3mm white edge, which may be acceptable for most designs. If you need true edge-to-edge results, a dye-sublimation model like the Zebra ZC10L is your best bet.
Want to print on both sides of the card — for schedules, maps, or emergency contacts? The MAGiCARD E+ prints dual-sided in a single pass, unlike some models that require manual reloading.
A common setup is to pre-print the full-color badge and leave a white CR80-sized area for personalized data. Some printers can only personalize within that small area. The Zebra ZC10L, however, allows full-edge-to-edge personalization across the entire 3.5" x 5.5" card — no pre-framing needed.
Need a quick “bag-tag” solution? The SwiftColor SCC-3000 prints dye-sub edge-to-edge on a thick film material that can easily be placed into a vinyl badge holder.
For high-traffic events with tight check-in windows, speed is critical. High-output models like the Canon CX-G6400 can print thousands of full-color badges per hour, making them ideal for large-scale environments where every second counts.
If speed at the event is your top priority, pre-printing is another smart option. Detailed designs can be printed in advance, leaving only a small area for fast, on-site personalization. The Universal Smart Card ECP-XL is purpose-built for this hybrid approach — combining high design quality with lightning-fast check-in.
Frequent travel can be rough on printers — especially inkjet models, which are sensitive to jostling. If mobility is key, the Zebra ZC10L, Universal Smart Cards ECP-XL, and SwiftColor SCC-3000 are all lightweight and easy to transport, making them each a solid option for traveling event teams.
If your badges need to integrate with RFID-based access control or check-in systems, you’ll need a printer that supports RFID encoding. The Universal Smart Cards ECP-XL can both print and encode smart cards in a single pass — saving time and simplifying your workflow.
Easily compare each event badge printer and view badge sizes and printable areas, so you can choose printer that’s right for your event.
Own or Rent: What’s Right for Your Event?
Durable, high-performance card printers designed to meet your immediate and long-term needs.
- Own high-performance printers that suit your brand standards.
- Plan for maintenance, software setup, and staff training.
- Ideal for teams needing repeat, reliable badge production.
The perfect short-term solution for events — access top-tier printers without the commitment of ownership.
- Access top-tier hardware without the capital investment.
- Includes setup, tech support, and emergency backup printers.
- Cost-effective and hassle-free.
Durable, high-performance card printers designed to meet your immediate and long-term needs.
- Own high-performance printers that suit your brand standards.
- Plan for maintenance, software setup, and staff training.
- Ideal for teams needing repeat, reliable badge production.
The perfect short-term solution for events — access top-tier printers without the commitment of ownership.
- Access top-tier hardware without the capital investment.
- Includes setup, tech support, and emergency backup printers.
- Cost-effective and hassle-free.
Preview the Possibilities
Printer emergencies are bound to happen…
Shipping your printer?
One wrong move can break it.
Your printer arrived, but no one knows how it works.
Days from your event — and you’re out of printer supplies.
Smudged badges, broken printer, and no time to spare.
InkJet vs Dye-Sub: What’s the difference?
Our Event Badging Support Team Helps You Navigate All Printer Options
Inkjet or dye-sub? Badge design and size? Visual security or physical access control? Rent or buy? K&A will help you find the best fit for your event.
InkJet
A fast, affordable option best suited for light, minimal-ink badge designs.
Dye Sublimation
The premium choice for full-color designs that make a bold impact.
