The 3" Graphic/Photo Punch is a button graphic punch, built to cut artwork for American Button Machines' 3" round buttons. It cuts a 3.451" circle, not a 3" circle, so the extra paper wraps around the edge of the front shell and locks under the mylar when the button is pressed.
One punch handles both standard printer paper and photo paper, so the same tool cuts campaign buttons, school buttons, and full-bleed photo buttons. It is all-metal, self-sharpening, made in the USA, and covered by our lifetime warranty against defects.
Why the Cut Is 3.451", Not 3"
This is a button graphic punch, not a general 3" craft punch. A button graphic has to be cut larger than the finished button so the paper can wrap around the curved front shell. That is why this punch cuts a 3.451" circle for a 3" finished button, the same diameter as our 3" mylar.
A craft-store punch that cuts an exact 3" circle will leave the graphic too small to wrap the shell, and the edge of the artwork will show a gap or slip out from under the mylar. For 3" buttons, use a punch or cutter sized for button making.
3" Graphic/Photo Punch Specifications
| Cut Size | 3.451" diameter round |
|---|---|
| Finished Button Size | 3" round |
| Designed For | American Button Machines 3" button makers (Model 300 / 3" Photo Button Maker) and ABM 3" button supplies |
| Paper | Standard printer paper (24 lb bond recommended) or photo paper. One punch size works for both. |
| Not For Use With | Badge-a-Minit 3" machines; card stock or any material thicker than photo paper |
| Cutting Method | Entire circumference punched at once, one graphic per press |
| Centering | Large center opening for a clear view of the artwork while lining up the cut |
| Operation | Requires very little physical force |
| Construction | All-metal, no plastic parts; self-sharpening |
| Classroom Use | No exposed blade; safe for school use |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty against defects; eligible for the Ultimate Extended Warranty at checkout |
| SKU | 3451 |
| Manufactured | Made in USA |
| Best For | Schools, libraries, political campaigns, photographers, event planners, churches, nonprofits, and button sellers |
Features
- No special paper required. Print on regular printer paper and cut it into strips, or use photo paper for photo buttons.
- All-metal construction. There are no plastic parts to crack or break.
- Full-circle cut in one press. The entire circumference is punched at once for speed and a consistent, accurate edge.
- Easy centering. The large center opening gives a clear view of the artwork so each graphic is cut where you want it.
- Very little force needed. A press of the handle cuts the full circle.
- Self-sharpening. The punch maintains its edge through normal use.
- Lifetime warranty. Covered against defects for as long as you own it.
Who Uses the 3" Graphic/Photo Punch
Schools, Libraries & PTOs
With no exposed blade, the punch is a safe choice for classrooms, art rooms, and library makerspaces. Students and volunteers can cut graphics for spirit buttons, reading-program rewards, and graduation keepsakes without handling a loose blade.
Political Campaigns
The 3" button is large enough to read from across a room, and the punch keeps up with a printed sheet of candidate graphics strip by strip, giving every button the same clean edge.
Photographers & Photo Studios
Because one punch handles photo paper as well as printer paper, studios can cut sports, school, and portrait photos for 3" photo buttons without a second cutter.
Event Planners & Fundraisers
Reunions, memorials, team banquets, and fundraisers use 3" buttons as keepsakes. The punch makes it practical to cut a full run of graphics on site.
Churches, Nonprofits & Community Programs
Vacation Bible School, volunteer appreciation, donor recognition, and rec-league banquets all benefit from a cutter that volunteers of any experience level can operate.
How to Use the Punch
Print your graphics, cut the sheet into strips, and follow these steps. Our Punch Cutter Tutorial and How to Make a Button guide cover the full process from printing to pressing.
- Insert the strip. Slide the paper strip into the punch and center the graphic in the opening.
- Press the handle. Push the handle straight down until the punch goes all the way through the paper.
- Remove the circle. Take out the cut graphic and set it aside.
- Repeat. Pull the strip through to the next graphic, center it, and press again.
Warranty & Guarantees
This punch includes our lifetime warranty against defects and qualifies for the Ultimate Extended Button Machine & Punch Cutter Warranty, which is offered during checkout. See all American Button Machines guarantees.
Compatible Machines & Related Supplies
The 3" Graphic/Photo Punch is sized for American Button Machines 3" button makers and ABM 3" supplies. It is not sized for Badge-a-Minit 3" machines. Badge-a-Minit owners should use our dedicated Badge-a-Minit 3" punch instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this punch cut an exact 3" circle?
No. It cuts a 3.451" circle. Button graphics are cut larger than the finished button so the paper wraps around the edge of the front shell and is held in place by the mylar. A 3.451" cut is the correct size for a 3" button.
Can I use a regular 3" craft punch instead?
No. Craft-store punches cut to the size of the button, which leaves the graphic too small to wrap the shell. For 3" buttons, use a punch or cutter made for button making, such as this one.
Do I need a separate punch for photos?
No. For 3" buttons, one punch size works for both standard printer paper and photo paper.
What paper should I use?
Standard 24 lb bond or regular inkjet printer paper works well, and photo paper can be used for photo buttons. The punch cuts one graphic at a time and will not cut card stock or anything thicker than photo paper.
Will it work with my Badge-a-Minit 3" machine?
No. This punch is sized for American Button Machines 3" machines and supplies. For Badge-a-Minit 3" machines, use our 3" Paper Punch for Badge-a-Minit Button Machines.
Is the punch safe for students to use?
Yes. The punch has no exposed blade, which makes it a good choice for classrooms, libraries, and youth programs.
What should I do if the punch jams?
Run a playing card through the punch from front to back to push the trapped paper out, and keep the cutter clean of paper dust. A small amount of grease on the handle is normal and helps it move freely.
We Also Recommend
