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.

CD Duplication

Don’t confuse this method of producing discs with CD replication. CD duplication is a method producing small runs, and is best if you want a sample print before the full run starts, or if you just don’t need very many discs. The price depends on quality and the quantity of discs you want to duplicate. It’s not a bad method to use if you’re a musician just getting started and doing promotion, or if you’re trying to do some small scale advertising. You can even get screen printed and thermally printed discs, just like the kind a big factory would produce. However, in larger runs, the lower quality and higher expense per unit of CD duplication just aren’t worth it. If you want it cheap, CD replication can provide a much better bottom line.

CD Replication

If you’re looking for large scale production of copies of just one disc on the cheap, CD replication is your best choice. This method differs from CD duplication in that a high quality master is created (thus the high initial set up cost) and at least a thousand CDs are usually made at once. Each CD will be an exact copy of the master, and there should be no degeneration in quality. These discs are constantly checked for quality and fidelity to the original master disc you provide to the factory. They’re also made in extremely large batches, with each disc taking only a couple of seconds to create before it’s ready to play.

The first few discs will be checked to make sure they can be played in just about any device, so you’ll know there won’t be problems getting your information out there. Generally, factories producing CDs will have a minimum order you need to comply with. The larger your order, however, the cheaper it’ll be per unit. That’s because most of the cost of CD replication is in the set up, not in the actual production. Making the CDs is done easily, quickly, and inexpensively. It’s creating the master that takes so much work.

What To Look For In CD Replication Services

If you’re interested in finding cheap CD replication companies, but want to make certain that you’ll end up with a high quality product and good service, you should pay attention to a few things. Find out the company’s reputation and whether or not they have a good return customer base, for instance. You’ll also want to see how you feel about their customer service. Working with a service that treats you poorly isn’t worth it in the long run, even if their prices are relatively low. It’s better to choose a company that can really do what you need them to.

Make sure you find out what’s including in the price you’re quoted. Are you just receiving bulk CD replication, or will you also be getting disc printing, printed cardboard sleeves, and insertion into the sleeves, shrink wrapping, and/or preparation for mailing. These, plus plastic jewel cases, can make a big difference in the final cost of your product if you don’t pay attention. Unless you’re planning to do all your own insertion and packaging, you’ll often find that it’s better to pay a few more cents per disc to do it at the factory, even if cheap CD replication is a priority. CD replication can be a great way to get your information and your message out there. You just need to know what you’re looking for!