CD replication is a physical
production process that involves actually
pressing the discs during manufacture from
a glass
master. Replicated discs are also referred
to as CD ROM discs, with the 'ROM' standing
for 'Read-Only Memory' (as opposed to the
CD-R where the 'R' stands for 'Recordable').
The glass master is made
of glass that has been coated by a chemical,
which is burned off with a laser. The glass
master is a 'negative' of the CD and it is
then coated with a molten nickel compound
and turned into a 'stamper'. The stamper
punches tiny pits in the production CDs that
use molten aluminium as the reflective surface
and polycarbonate for the remainder of the
disc.
CD replication is a very quick and
cost-effective production method for larger
quantities of discs (1000 or more). Due to
the high setup costs this type of production
is not suitable for smaller production runs.
Replicated CDs are then printed using a
five colour silk screen or offset lithographic
process, resulting in a very high quality
disc.
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Advantages: |
• |
Ideal for print runs of more than 1000
discs with much lower costs for high volumes |
• |
Silk screen or offset lithographic printing
for top quality results |
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Disadvantages: |
• |
Longer turnaround times (typically 10-12
working days) |
• |
Cannot be left blank for you to burn
your own content onto |
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The other main
type of CD or DVD production is referred to as CD
duplication or DVD
duplication and is suitable for smaller
production runs with quicker turnaround times. CD
and DVD duplication involves burning blank CD and
DVD media with a laser to add the file contents onto
the discs.
View other CD
and DVD production FAQs.
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