Tickets can be made out of a variety of materials, depending on their purpose and requirements. Here are some of the most common materials used for making tickets:
Paper
Paper is one of the most common materials used for tickets. Paper tickets are relatively inexpensive to produce and easy to print information and designs on. There are many different types and weights of paper that can be used:
- Cardstock – Thick, durable paper often used for tickets that need to last. Provides a premium feel.
- Text paper – Thinner, lightweight paper. Less expensive for simple tickets.
- Specialty paper – Paper with specific properties like waterproofing, security features, etc.
Paper tickets can be easily printed on using standard printing methods. Information, graphics, and security features like holograms can be added as needed. The downside is that paper tickets can tear or degrade more easily than other materials.
Plastic
Plastic is another very common material used for tickets. There are a few types of plastic tickets:
- PVC – Polyvinyl chloride plastic. Durable and lightweight. Commonly used for basic plastic tickets.
- PET – Polyethylene terephthalate plastic. Higher quality plastic used for tickets that need more durability.
- ABS – Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic. Dense, rigid plastic used for things like airline tickets.
Plastic tickets offer more durability and resistance to wear and tear over paper tickets. They are waterproof and can have graphics and text printed directly on them. Plastic can also be designed with embedded security features like holograms that are hard to duplicate. The downside is plastic tickets cost more to produce than paper.
Fabric
Fabric is sometimes used to create tickets for major events or attractions. Fabric can be very lightweight and allow for unique designs to be printed or woven into the material. Some common fabric materials used include:
- Cotton – Breathable and comfortable cotton fabric is used for things like festival wristband tickets.
- Polyester – Durable and smooth polyester fabric is often used for commemorative event tickets.
- Tyvek – A synthetic, paper-like fabric that is very durable and tear-resistant.
The advantage of fabric tickets is they can be very distinctive and comfortable to wear. Printed graphics and security features can be added to fabric. The disadvantages are that fabric is usually more expensive than paper or plastic. It is also more vulnerable to damage from moisture and sunlight.
Cardboard/Paperboard
For very inexpensive tickets, cardboard or thick paperboard may be used. This includes materials like:
- Chipboard – Made from recycled paper, an inexpensive option for simple tickets.
- Corrugated cardboard – The ridged material used for cardboard boxes can also be used for very low-cost ticket printing.
Cardboard and paperboard tickets are not very durable, but they are incredibly inexpensive to produce. This makes them a good choice for very high volume or single use tickets that don’t need to last very long. Security features cannot be added to cardboard tickets.
Specialized Materials
There are some other specialized materials that may be used in certain types of tickets:
- Metal – Aluminum or other thin metals can be used to create high-end collectible tickets.
- Wood – Durable, natural wood veneers are sometimes used for special event tickets.
- Hybrids – Materials like Tyvek can be blended with plastics for enhanced durability.
These types of materials are less common but provide a unique look and feel for commemorative or collectible tickets. They tend to be more expensive to produce than standard paper or plastic tickets.
Key Factors in Material Selection
There are a few key factors that determine the best material to use when creating tickets:
- Cost – Paper and thin plastic are the most inexpensive materials. Fabric, wood, and metal are generally the most expensive.
- Durability – Plastic, Tyvek, and other synthetic materials provide the most durability for heavy use and outdoor events.
- Security – Plastic or hybrid materials work best for embedding secure holograms and graphics to prevent counterfeiting.
- Printability – Paper and some plastics print very smoothly in high resolution. Fabrics or textured materials are more difficult to print on.
- Appearance – Paper, fabric, and specialty materials provide more options for a visually distinctive ticket.
When selecting a material, it’s important to weigh factors like cost, lifespan, security needs, print quality, and desired appearance to match the right material to the specific event or venue.
Conclusion
Tickets come in all shapes and sizes, and their materials are chosen based on the requirements of the event or establishment. Simple paper tickets are inexpensive and easy to produce. Plastic tickets offer much more durability for frequent scanning and adverse conditions. And for special occasions, fabric or even metal keepsake tickets create a memorable souvenir. By understanding the strengths of each material, venues can choose the right ticket substrate for their specific needs and budget.