3" Paper Punch for Badge-a-Minit Button Machines
The 3" Paper Punch cuts graphics to the exact size a 3" Badge-a-Minit machine needs: 3.377" round. It is an all-metal, table-top punch built for one job, and it does that job the same way on the first cut and the ten-thousandth.
Badge-a-Minit machines use a proprietary shell and mylar that are not the same as the industry-standard 3" size, which means the graphic has to be cut larger than a standard 3" graphic. Cutting by hand or with a standard 3" cutter will not give you a clean crimp. This punch is made to order and non-returnable, so please confirm your machine size before ordering.
3" B.A.M. Paper Punch Specifications
| Graphic Cut Size | 3.377" round |
|---|---|
| Machine Compatibility | 3" Badge-a-Minit button machines only |
| Construction | All metal β no plastic parts to break |
| Cutting Action | Punches the full circumference in one stroke |
| Centering | Large center opening for a clear view of the graphic |
| Paper | Regular printer paper β no special stock required |
| Warranty | Self-sharpening blade with our lifetime warranty against defects |
| Order Type | Made to order and non-returnable |
| Manufactured | Made in USA |
| Best For | Schools, libraries, churches, nonprofits, and organizations already running a 3" Badge-a-Minit press |
Badge-a-Minit Sizing β Why It Matters
This punch cuts the Badge-a-Minit size, not the industry-standard 3" size. A 3" Badge-a-Minit graphic finishes at 3.377" round. An industry-standard 3" button uses a 3.451" mylar and a correspondingly different graphic. The two are close enough to look interchangeable on a ruler and far enough apart that the wrong cut will not crimp correctly in either machine.
If you are not certain which machine you own, call us at (972) 985-5074 before ordering. We will help you identify it, and because this punch is made to order it cannot be returned once production starts.
What Makes Our Punch Cutters Different
A punch cutter is the part of a button operation that either saves time every single day or costs it. This one is built to be the first kind:
- No special paper required. Cut regular printer paper into strips and feed them through β there is no proprietary stock to reorder.
- All-metal construction. Nothing plastic in the cutting path, which is where lighter punches fail first.
- Full-circumference cut in one stroke. The entire circle is punched at once, so every graphic comes out the same size.
- Large center opening. You can see the artwork while you position it, which matters for photos and off-center designs.
- Light operating force. Volunteers and students can run it without fighting the handle.
- Compact and lightweight. It stores on a shelf and moves to an event table without a second person.
- Self-sharpening blade. Backed by our lifetime warranty against defects.
What Else You'll Need for 3" B.A.M. Buttons
The punch cuts the graphic. These are the supplies and accessories that finish the button β all stocked for Badge-a-Minit owners.
3" B.A.M. Pinback Sets
The three-part supply for one finished button: 3" BAM shell, mylar, and pinback. For manual Badge-a-Minit machines only.
Ceramic Magnets
Strong ceramic magnets that turn a finished pinned button into a refrigerator magnet without changing your press setup.
MagTag-Triple Play
Three protected magnets so buttons can be worn on jackets, hats, and delicate fabrics without a pin hole.
Bulldog Clips
Peel-and-stick clips for unpinned buttons β the usual answer for staff name badges and lanyard-free events.
Flashing LED Assembly
Bright red flashing LED with batteries and safety pin. Pairs with the Metal Craft Punch to open the back.
Metal Craft Punch
Heavy-duty punch that puts a clean round hole in seven sizes through metal button backs and other materials.
Badge-a-Minit Supplies & Machines
We keep Badge-a-Minit supplies in stock because plenty of schools and libraries still run those presses and have no reason to replace a machine that works.
One thing worth knowing before you buy: Badge-a-Minit supplies are limited to pinback, magnet, and mirror backs. If you have been wanting keychains, zipper pulls, ponytail holders, badge reels, or un-pinned sets, those only exist in the industry-standard 3" size. Some customers pricing out a replacement punch decide the money is better spent moving to a standard 3" press instead.
Not sure which way to go? Call (972) 985-5074 and we will walk through what you already own before you spend anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size does this punch cut?
It cuts a 3.377" round graphic, which is the finished cut size a 3" Badge-a-Minit machine requires. That measurement is larger than the finished button because the extra paper wraps around the edge of the shell during pressing.
Will this punch work with my standard 3" button machine?
No. This punch is built for the Badge-a-Minit cut size only. An industry-standard 3" button uses a different graphic size, so a 3.377" circle will not press correctly in a standard 3" machine. If you have a standard 3" press, you need a standard 3" cutter instead.
Do I need special paper?
No. Regular printer paper works. Cut your printed sheets into strips and feed them through the punch β there is no proprietary stock to buy and no minimum paper weight to worry about.
Can I return it if I ordered the wrong size?
This punch is made to order and is non-returnable. That is why we would rather you call us at (972) 985-5074 first. Tell us what machine you have and we will confirm the right cut size before anything goes into production.
How long does the blade last?
The blade is self-sharpening, so it does not need replacing on a schedule the way a rotary blade does. The punch carries our lifetime warranty against defects.
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