Teslin (material)

Teslin (material)

Teslin® is a waterproof synthetic printing medium manufactured by PPG Industries that works well with an inkjet printer, laser printer, aerosol jet, or thermal printer. Teslin® is a single-layer, uncoated film, and extremely strong. This material is easily recyclable and non-toxic making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional PVC products. The strength of the lamination peel of a Teslin® sheet is 2-4 times stronger than other coated synthetic and coated papers. Available thicknesses run from 7 mil to 18 mil, though only sizes 10 mil and 14 mil are sized at 8.5" by 11" for printing with most consumer printers. Also available are perforated versions, specifically, 1up, 2up, 3up, 6up, and 8up.

Teslin® is used widely in the production of driver's licenses, voter ID cards, and other forms of identification cards. Teslin® is commonly used for producing waterproof maps, door hangers, flash cards, horticultural tags, parking permits, and more.

Teslin® is also widely used in the plastic gift and loyalty card industry. In 1984, the first Teslin®-based plastic card was produced by Ron Goade. This was done by laminating the Teslin® substrate after having been printed on and then die cutting multiple cards out of the laminated sheet of Teslin®. Millions of plastic cards using this process are produced every year by multiple businesses.