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Debossed, & Embossed, & Printed - Oh My!
There is often a lot of confusion regarding the various styles
of custom silicone wristbands. Many people
confuse embossed bracelets with debossed bracelets (even some
silicone bracelet suppliers!) and are uncomfortable with printed
wristbands. Throw in the option of laser-engraved wristbands and
they throw up their arms in surrender.
Debossed Wristbands
Debossed wristbands are the most common and are the same style
as Lance Armstrong's trendsetting LIVESTRONG bracelets. Debossed
refers to the fact that the design is actually recessed down
into the wristband itself. To accomplish this, a custom bracelet
mold is manufactured that incorporates whatever customized
design that is desired. Because they require a mold to be
manufactured, custom debossed bracelets are more expensive and
take longer to produce than printed bracelets or laser-engraved
bracelets.
Embossed Wristbands
Embossed wristbands are not nearly as common, yet they are an
excellent choice if you are looking for a custom silicone
bracelet that is more stylish and unique. An embossed bracelet
also incorporates any custom design and requires a mold to be
manufactured. However, with embossed bracelets, the fully customized design is
raised up off the wristband as opposed to recessed down into the
wristband. Pricing and turnaround times for embossed bracelets
are very similar to that of debossed bracelets.
Printed Wristbands
Printed wristbands are by far the most economical choice.
Printed bracelets start with a blank wristband and are then
silk-screen printed. The "technology" for screen-printing wristbands has come a long way. The dyes
used today actually penetrate the silicone rubber of the
wristband. Many people are under the impression that the print
which is used on printed bracelets is cheaply painted on and
will crack or flake off. With a reputable custom silicone
bracelet manufacturer, this simply is not the case. You can
expect the printing to last the lifetime of the silicone
wristband itself. Printed bracelets do not require a mold to be
manufactured. Instead, a template is produced that is used to
apply the custom design onto the bracelets. Because a template
is used rather than a mold, printed wristbands are less
expensive with quicker turnaround times than debossed and
embossed wristbands.
Laser-Engraved Wristbands
Laser-Engraved wristbands are becoming more and more popular.
Quite frankly, they are very inexpensive to produce, yet many
silicone wristband suppliers still charge exorbitant prices.
Laser-engraved bracelets duplicate Lance Armstrong's popular
LIVESTRONG debossed style. For smaller orders of 5,000 custom
silicone bracelets or less, laser-engraved wristbands are your
best choice if you prefer this popular debossed bracelet style.
Similar to printed bracelets, laser-engraved bracelets start
with a blank wristband. A simple setup program allows a
laser-engraving machine to engrave the custom silicone bracelets to the exact
specifications of whatever fully customized design that is
desired. Laser-engraved bracelets do not require a mold to be
manufactured; therefore, they are less expensive and enjoy
quicker turnaround times than debossed and embossed bracelets.
The Best Choice
So, what is the best choice when it comes to selecting between
debossed, embossed, printed, and laser-engraved wristbands? The
answer is that it is always a matter of personal preference. One
style that is becoming more popular is the laser-engraved
wristband that is then color-filled. This replicates the most
popular LIVESTRONG debossed look while incorporating an
appealing contrast of colors. The cost is a little more since
the color-fill is actually an oil-based paint that must be
applied by hand, but, by choosing laser-engraved bracelets over
the more expensive molded debossed style, you end up getting the
debossed look and color-fill together for about the same price
as just a plain debossed bracelet. Regardless of your personal
preference, it is imperative to select a custom silicone wristband manufacturer that does not
hit you with hidden fees for setup, mold, and shipping expenses.
Whomever you select, look for a pricing structure that offers
one low price that includes everything - setup, design, mold,
and, most importantly, shipping fees. This will prevent any
unwanted surprises.
About the author:
Clark A. Swihart is the CEO and founder of The Awristocrat, an
on-line store specializing in the production of Custom Silicone Wristbands at phenomenally low
prices. No Setup, Mold, or Shipping Fees! Get yours today at www.TheAwristocrat.com.
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