CD Replication – Printing Processes And How They Work
Ever since the introduction of the CD, it’s been a great medium for storing and distributing data in digital form, from audio and video to big files and other information. CDs are the standard format for a number of things, including commercial audio, and they’re popular because they’re fast, easy to use, versatile and inexpensive to make in large qualities. CD replication – printing many CDs from a single master, is a simple and easy way to distribute information for just about anyone. You don’t have to be a big recording company to use it, either. Marketing agencies, individual artists, and all kinds of other companies are using CD replication to get their information out there. Here’s how CD replication processes work.
CD replication isn’t like CD duplication. Duplication is more like what you do on your home computer when you make an exact copy of a disk. CD replication, printing a large number of CDs from a specific master disk, creates an exact copy of the original every time. That allows fewer margins for error and results in a superior product that can be created quickly and efficiently in a factory type setting.
However, that also means that setup fees are too high for you to make just a few disks as part of a CD replication process. In fact, most business offering replication services for CDs will require a minimum order of at least a thousand CDs before they’re willing to start work. People who want a smaller order won’t be able to use CD replication companies for this purpose.
However, the high quality, high volume results of a CD replication process are worth it if that’s what you’re looking for. CD replication has three basic steps. The first one is mastering – creating an original disk from which all the copies are going to be made. All finishing touches have to be in place before replication can happen. Then the original master is used to make a new master out of glass.
This exact copy of the original master is carefully laser etched to hold the information needed for transfer onto the disk – usually music, but other things are possible, too. After this has been finished, a stamp or metal master is created to make the actual CDs. CD replication printing can happen once this master has been minutely compared to the originals.
The next step uses high tech injection molding in conjunction with these stamps to make a number of identical copies of the original master. These copies must be finalized – coated with reflective materials like aluminum, then coated in a protective material to keep the data intact. Once this is done, a good CD replication printing company will thoroughly test the first few disks to make sure that they match the original master, as well as making certain that they can be played in any machine or player with equal effectiveness.
Once this has been tested, the disks can be printed, and additional CD copies can be made. The machinery used to replicate CDs is extremely high tech, and very fast. It runs at high temperatures and can produce CDs at a rate of six hundred to a thousand per hour! That means that a single batch of CDs can be made extremely quickly. CDs go through a water bath to reduce their temperature before they go to printing.
Your CD replication printing company may also be willing to provide you with other services, such as sleeve and label printing, insertion, and shrink wrapping of the final product. Some of these processes may be included in the basic fee that you pay for your printing, while others may cost extra. Find out in advance what you’ll be getting and what you’ll need to pay so that you aren’t hit with any unpleasant surprises. Be sure to work out all the terms of your contract in advance, and be up front with the company about what you’re trying to get. You may be surprise by how helpful they are and how willing to work with you they are.