The definition for what is a commonly used lanyard in the 21st century is a strap or cord worn around the neck, wrist or arm that carries small objects such as keys, pens, whistles, cell phones, digital cameras, access cards and ID badges. They can be seen worn around many necks in many different places such as schools, hospitals and businesses as well as at events such as trade shows, conventions, reunions, concerts and many sports and recreational activities. They have several names such as a neck lanyard, wrist lanyard, arm lanyard, neck cod, neck chain and many more. A frequent use is to carry the user’s photo ID for identification and security purposes so guards, officials and examiners can verify a person’s identity making sure they have permission to be in a certain place.
Materials Do Vary Greatly
There are a number of different materials from which lanyards can be made. These would include polyester twill, nylon, cotton and cord. Although cord is the least expensive, it cannot be printed upon because it lacks a smooth surface. Other materials that are flat and smooth can be customized through three different types of printing methods: dye sublimation, screen printing or hot stamping.
Hot Stamping
A metal plate is designed reflecting either artwork supplied by a customer or the manufacturer’s artist.
Selected color film is placed on the lanyard and a heated metal plate is applied to the film with pressure. The heated film transfers the color and design upon the selected lanyard material. Since hot stamping employs only a single color transfer, it is the most economical printing method. It is used in many different applications suitable for trade shows, reunions, school IDs and other uses where a simple, inexpensive lanyard is needed.
Screen Printing
When lanyard users seek a higher quality look that is also dependably durable, choosing the screen printing method is a good choice. Following along with this method’s name, a fine screen mesh is made from supplied artwork or designs made by the manufacturer’s artist. The designed screen sits atop the lanyard material while colored ink is applied using a squeegee to push the ink through the mesh creating the design on the fabric below. The ink is then cured through heat application for a high-resolution finish.
Dye Sublimation
The best and superior choice for printing is the dye sublimation process. This produces a multi-colored, highly detailed result from a customer or in-house produced design. The design is transferred into fine paper that can receive dye sublimation inks. The paper is laid upon the lanyard where, when heat is applied, the image becomes part of the material. This method used allows for the transferred image to be less likely to fade.
Hardware to Be Had
Different types of hardware can be used with a lanyard. An O-ring is a common choice used to carry or secure items like keys or a whistle. Some lanyards have split-connector hardware that can easily be attached and removed. Users carrying an ID badge can benefit from swivel snap hooks where a bulldog clip – the type that when squeezed opens two serrated jaws – is attached and used to secure the badge.
Many companies make bulk purchases of lanyards for promotional giveaway since they are fairly inexpensive to buy.