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Teslin/Full Sheet
Teslin is a synthetic paper - all this means is that it’s actually a plastic that you are able to print on using a standard home or office Inkjet or Laser printer.
There is Inkjet Teslin, and Laser Teslin. The only thing to concern yourself with when picking out your Teslin sheets is to use the correct grade for your printer.
If you’ll be making many ID cards, or simply want to ensure you have perfect ID cards, and you don’t mind spending a little more upfront on equipment - then using Full Sheet Laminates and non-perforated Teslin sheets is the right choice for you.
Full Sheet Laminates are simply sheets of laminate which are 8.5” x 11” to match Teslin sheets of the same size.
After laminating Teslin sandwiched between 2 full sheet laminates, you would cut the sheets to create 2 sheets which are 4” x 11” each.
You then feed those in to the ID Die Cutter, align the card in the cutter’s window, and pull the handle to stamp out your completed ID card.
Equipment
- NEW! ID Maker
- Any inkjet/laser printer
- 9"+ Laminator
- ID Die Cutter
Steps
Designing
You can design a card template from scratch or choose one of 100+ templates from various industries.
Printing
The ID Maker will generate a Printable for you at the end, and provide directions for how to print it.
Articles
Read the articles in our knowledge base to learn more.
Pro Tips
Choosing the right paper
If you have an inkjet printer you will want to use Inkjet Teslin. Our Inkjet Teslin is commonly referred to as Teslin IJ 1000WP or Double Sided Inkjet Teslin. This type of Teslin is best for use with all types of inkjet printers, and is double-sided so you get great print quality on both sides of the sheet.
If you have an ink jet printer which uses pigment-based ink (such as Epson printers which use DuraBrite inks), you have the option of choosing inkjet, or SP 1000. If you are unsure, you can either try to find out which type of ink your printer uses, or go with Inkjet Teslin to be sure.
Laser Teslin is specially designed (chemical treated) to tolerate the higher temperatures of a laser printer to ensure minimal shrinkage during printing.
If you plan to use an offset press you can feel free to use either Laser Teslin, or Teslin SP 1000. If you plan to use a photocopier (electrophotographic/xerographic), or intaglio you will want to use Laser Teslin.
Choosing the right Teslin thickness
The thickness of the Teslin we carry is either 10 mil or 14 mil. A "mil" is a thousandth of an inch (0.001", about 0.0254mm), so 10 mil is 0.01" (0.254mm) and 14 mil is 0.014" (0.3556mm).
For most applications 10 mil is the desired thickness. If you require a much more rigid card, then 14 mil should be considered. Don't forget that you'll be laminating the Teslin, so, for example if you use 10 mil Teslin, and you choose a 10 mil laminate, your total card thickness will be 30 mil (this is 10 mil laminate + 10 mil Teslin + 10 mil laminate).
Cost per card
| 50 cards | 100 cards | 250 cards | 500 cards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I have all the equipment: | $0.38 | $0.38 | $0.38 | $0.36 |
| Add die cutter: | $2.18 | $1.28 | $0.74 | $0.54 |
| Add laminator: | $5.38 | $2.88 | $1.38 | $0.86 |
| Add die cutter & laminator: | $7.18 | $3.78 | $1.74 | $1.04 |
| Add printer & die cutter & laminator: | $9.18 | $4.78 | $2.14 | $1.24 |
Videos
What does Teslin look like.
Using a die cutter.
Gloss vs. matte laminate
The different thicknesses of laminates
