Let’s Talk About Teslin
Think about the last time you checked into a hotel, swiped a gift card at your favorite store, or showed your employee or student ID. Those cards probably looked and felt like plastic, right? While many are traditional laminated plastic cards, there’s also a chance they were printed on Teslin® by PPG.
Teslin is a unique synthetic printing material that combines the printability of paper with the durability of plastic. When laminated, it creates the strong, rigid feel you expect from a traditional plastic card, while still offering the printability and versatility of a synthetic sheet.
As one of only three master distributors of Teslin in the United States, WCP Solutions provides customers with access to this unique substrate and the expertise to help determine if it’s the right fit for their application. We recently partnered with PPG to create our own Teslin swatchbook so customers can see and feel the different options firsthand.
In this product spotlight, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Teslin different, how it works, and where it can be used.
What is Teslin?
Teslin is a high-performance synthetic printing substrate with a unique microporous structure. It prints like paper but performs like plastic, offering exceptional durability, superior ink and toner adhesion, and strong lamination performance. Like all other synthetics, Teslin is waterproof, tear-resistant, and highly durable. It is an excellent choice for products that need to withstand frequent handling or harsh environments, such as ID cards, membership cards, gift cards, hotel key cards, luggage tags, maps, and industrial labels.
Why Does Being Microporous Matter?
One characteristic that sets Teslin apart from other synthetic products is its microporous structure. It has millions of tiny interconnected pores throughout the material. These pores allow inks, toners, adhesives, and laminating films to penetrate beneath the surface instead of simply sitting on top.
During lamination, the film flows into Teslin’s microscopic pores, creating a strong mechanical bond that is up to 10 times stronger than what is possible with non-porous plastic materials. This helps prevent peeling, bubbling, and delamination.
Printing on Teslin
Teslin runs on many high-volume digital presses and is static-dissipative, meaning it helps reduce the buildup of static electricity that can cause feeding issues or paper jams during printing. Its excellent toner and ink absorption also minimizes scratching, flaking, and image wear, even with frequent use.
Learn More
To learn more about Teslin, request a new swatchbook, or explore other synthetic substrates, contact your local WCP Account Manager or Customer Service Team or contact our Design Center. We can help you compare options and find the right sheet for your next print project. You can also call us at (877) 398-3030.
