Hobbies And Interests
Laser Made
Laser-made wristbands are those the manufacturer crafts using a laser. According to Wristbands.net, the laser behaves as a printer, producing letters by burning off a layer of silicone. As Wristbandconnection.com points out, these wristbands are an inexpensive way for schoolchildren to make a fashion statement, or to demonstrate school pride.
Color-Filled
With the color-filled bracelet, the maker can manufacture a band in one color against the background of another. This is an effective tool for those who want to create a message that stands out and promotes a cause. This wristband has one major advantage: according to Wristbands.net, the color-filled types are long lasting. The paint the manufacturer uses is strong, which prevents fading or peeling.
Color Core
Color-core bracelets are sensitive. You cannot wear them overnight, lest the color and/or lettering begin to fade from use. According to Wristbandconnection.com, the best practices for care include removing it before going to bed, and cleaning it with soap and water.
Embossed
The manufacturer of an embossed wristband prints letters to appear raised. Unlike the color-core type, this type of bracelet lasts longer, because the lettering never rubs or fades away, according to the Wristbandconnection website. The maker uses 100 percent hypoallergenic silicone material.
Debossed
On a debossed wristband, the manufacturer imprints the design into the bracelet itself. According to Wristbandconnection.com, he first makes a custom bracelet mold, then incorporates the desired message, design or logo. Because this type of band requires a mold, it tends to be more expensive.
Screen-Printed
In making a screen-printed wristband, the manufacturer uses special screens to make each color of the bracelet design. According to Wristbandconnections.com, skilled technicians then place the screens in special machines that produce the bracelets one at a time by squeezing ink through the place in the silk where the message is. The manufacturer then bakes the band to ensure the ink sticks and stretches. Wristbandconnections.com says that, since the screen-printed bracelet doesn't require a mold, it's less expensive than both its embossed and debossed counterparts.
Terry Cloth
Athletes, especially tennis players, use terry cloth wristbands to absorb sweat from their wrists on hot days while practicing their sport. These wristbands are made of the same material that makes up towels, washcloths and many robes.
Medical Wristbands
Hospitals use wristbands to identify patients by name, age, health conditions and advanced directives. The Geisinger Health System, for example, uses color-coded wristbands to identify the conditions of patients. Red, for example, denotes a person with allergies to food, dust or grass, among other items. When a doctor sees a purple bracelet, he knows that patient is under a "Do Not Resuscitate" advanced directive. Green indicates latex allergies, and pink indicates a patient with swollen extremities and informs doctors to use caution while taking blood pressure. Also, medic-alert bracelets tell first-responders about an unconscious person's condition. For example, a medic-alert bracelet might have the word "epilepsy" on the back, indicating the person may have had a seizure.