Custom lanyards are sometimes called imprinted lanyards because the customisation is performed as a printing process. At Wizid we will only supply customers with a stock sample lanyard if required. We do not supply custom printed samples.
There are four common methods of printing used. Prices will vary significantly depending on which type of print and the quantity of lanyards you require.
When ordering lanyards there are several things to consider:
If you are producing a custom lanyard then in most cases you can choose any colour you require. Standard widths are available up to about 20mm wide. You should also specify the length of the lanyard. The material used can be selected using cost and durability from a range of synthetic and natural options. Polyester and cotton weave being a standard choice.
The primary material making up a cord lanyard are synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester. This is the most basic of lanyards and is sold blank or with a custom imprinted label sewn to a polyweb strap. The cord is 4.76mm (3/16") wide with a solid core (no flimsy cord lanyards here). The material is hot cut to 91.44cm (36") length producing a finished length of 44.45cm (17.5").
Applying a metal crimp to the end that also forms the smaller loop at the bottom that holds the hardware forms the large loop that goes around your head. In order to make safety cord lanyards we use male/female plastic tubular connectors that are affixed to both hot cut ends. All cords come standard with a slide size adjustor bead. Metal hardware attachment choices include: swivel, split-ring and alligator clip.
Nylon lanyards are available in 9.52mm (3/8") or 19.05mm (3/4") widths. The starting cut length is 91.44cm (36") resulting in a finished length of 17.5". Woven nylon is both durable and very comfortable to wear. The main loop of Nylon Lanyards is formed by stitching the bottom (bar tack) on an industrial sewing machine. The bar tack holds the lanyard firmly together while attaching the hardware at the bottom. Available metal hardware attachment choices include: swivel, split-ring and alligator clip. Optional breakaway connectors are available to form Safety Nylon Lanyards.
The connectors are made from durable black plastic and are flat for added comfort. They function via a male-female connection mechanism that comes apart when pressure is exerted on the lanyard and is reusable. All styles of Nylon Lanyards are available either blank or with a single colour custom imprint. You have the choice of either having repeat your design around the lanyard or have it appear once on the left and right side. You can also print one design on the right and different design on the left.
100% Cotton Lanyards are available in 9.52mm (3/8") and 19.05mm (3/4") widths. The starting cut length is 91.44cm (36") resulting in a finished length of 44.45cm (17.5") Custom lengths are available. Cotton lanyards are formed via metal crimp at the bottom. The crimp is loaded into a metal die made in a kick press machine. The hardware is attached and the two material ends are brought together inside the crimp. The crimp is tightened when the top die is brought down towards the bottom die. Available metal hardware attachment choices include: swivel, split-ring and alligator clip.
Cotton lanyards can be made into Safety Cotton Lanyards with an optional breakaway connector. The connectors are made from durable black plastic and are flat for added comfort. They function via a male-female connection mechanism that comes apart when pressure is exerted on the lanyard and is reusable. Cotton Lanyards are available either blank or with a single colour custom imprint. You have the choice of either having repeat your design around the lanyard or have it appear once on the left and right side. You can also print one design on the right and different design on the left.
Polyester twill is a synthetic material that looks and feels more like cotton than nylon. It's very durable and comfortable to wear. These lanyards are custom imprinted using the Hot Stamp method of printing or Dye Sublimation. As with other lanyards, polyester twill lanyards are available with your choice of metal hardware connector and optional breakaway connector.
This is more suitable for simpler logos and shorter usage, for example at conventions. This generally gives the quickest delivery and is a good choice for smaller quantities.
With hot stamping a metal printing plate is produced from your black and white artwork. The plate is placed in a printing press and heated. The desired colour film is positioned under the plate and over the material being printed. The application of both plate pressure and heat onto the coloured film and material results in the transfer of your design onto the fabric.
This is of good durability and gives good reproduction. This method of printing customised lanyards is suitable for medium quantities.
Is the most cost effective method of custom printing text and basic 'logo' graphics, this type of lanyard printing is the most popular. The number of printed colours is usually limited to four and results in a very low cost product that's suitable for many applications including, employee and student name badges, tradeshows and special events, reunions and more.
Screen printing is a process whereby a very fine mesh screen is made from your black and white artwork. The screen with the desired ink colour is laid down on top of the material. Pressure applied to the screen results in the transfer of the ink through the screen mesh onto the lanyard material. The ink is cured through the application of heat. This type of printing produces a very durable high-resolution imprint and is one of the most popular printing methods used in the promotional products industry.
This is most durable and gives good quality for custom printing of intricate logos and for a larger order achieves a good cost, however the order time is generally the longest.
Produces a stylish lanyard ideal for those special events and promotions. High quality graphics using a special dye sublimation process means the appearance of your lanyard is limited only by your imagination.
Unlike hot stamping and screen printing, dye sublimation printing is done in two steps. First paper is printed with your design using dye sublimation inks. Second pressure and heat are applied to the paper. This process results in the integration of the image with the material. Since it is dye material the surface remains smooth resulting in an image less prone to fading and abrasion over time.
"Woven' Fabric" is where the text and/or graphics are woven into the lanyard fabric. These are generally applicable to heavy-duty applications where they are used in a robust environment that requires very long life.
For custom lanyards there are a large number of clips, hooks and rings that can be used as attachments. Knowing your application choose between the common options of swivel or alligator clips and split ring, or go for a more exotic option to finish your customised lanyard. If you want a custom key-chain lanyard then you need to pick the right attachment or key ring, probably with a quick release.
At Wizid we have specific artwork requirements for your custom lanyards and file formats for artwork are clearly indicated in our artwork specification section. Wizid will also require you to approve artwork before production is commenced.