Discussion: How Durable is the Material Used?
When you’re investing in a high-end novelty ID, you want to know that it’s going to last. We’ve all seen cheap cards that start to peel at the edges or fade after just a few weeks in a wallet. I wanted to start a discussion about the durability of the materials used by the top vendors in our community. Is polycarbonate really the way to go?
Most premium vendors have moved away from simple PVC and are now using multi-layer polycarbonate or Teslin. Polycarbonate is particularly durable because the layers are fused together under heat and pressure, making it almost impossible for the card to delaminate. It also has a very distinct "metallic" sound when dropped on a hard surface.
What to Look for in a Durable Card
- Edge Quality: The edges should be smooth and fused together. If you can see the individual layers, it’s a sign of poor lamination.
- Flexibility: The card should be able to bend slightly without cracking or permanent deformation.
- Ink Adhesion: The printing shouldn’t rub off or fade, even with frequent use. The best vendors use inks that bond directly with the card material.
I’ve been carrying my recent Oregon ID for three months now, and it still looks as good as the day it arrived. No peeling, no fading, and the barcode still scans perfectly. What are your experiences? Have you had any cards that failed the durability test? Let’s share our long-term observations so we can find the vendors who are building cards to last.
