CD & DVD DUPLICATION
Disc duplication is the process of burning information onto a CD or DVD. (see below for the difference between duplication and replication).
The process is similar to what can be done with a cd burner in a PC. The difference is the capacity we have with our automated CD burners, we can produce hundreds in a couple of hours as apposed to tens.
High Quality Media
We only use Grade A CD-Rs and DVD-Rs. These are more expensive than some you may find, but are made to last longer and a lower faliure rate than cheaper discs.
Media Types
For thermal disc printing we use discs specifically designed for our thermal printers. These come with a white base or a silver base. Both end up with a glossy waterproof finish.
For inkjet printing, discs can have either a white base or a silver base. As standard these do not have a waterproof finish. To obtain this, CDRs with Aqua-Sheild must be used, these are currently only available with a white base.
The process is similar to what can be done with a cd burner in a PC. The difference is the capacity we have with our automated CD burners, we can produce hundreds in a couple of hours as apposed to tens.
High Quality Media
We only use Grade A CD-Rs and DVD-Rs. These are more expensive than some you may find, but are made to last longer and a lower faliure rate than cheaper discs.
Media Types
For thermal disc printing we use discs specifically designed for our thermal printers. These come with a white base or a silver base. Both end up with a glossy waterproof finish.
For inkjet printing, discs can have either a white base or a silver base. As standard these do not have a waterproof finish. To obtain this, CDRs with Aqua-Sheild must be used, these are currently only available with a white base.
THERMAL DISC PRINTING
Full-Colour Thermal Disc printing has a glossy, waterproof finish with vivid colours, it is also UV resistant and scratch proof.
High Quality with NO Minimum Quantity
It looks as good as a shop bought cd, and there is no minimum quantity - this quality is normally only available when pressing over 500 discs and having them screen printed.
What Looks Good? What Doesn't
Most deisgns will look stunning, even if complex photographs are used. Small font will still be readable. Large areas of solid colour will come up really well without any lines or dots.
Sometimes a gradient will not maintain its smoothness, this is because when a gradient is performed with ink, the dye can merge to soften the gradient. This does not happen in the same way with the thermal ribbons. If in doubt, contact us with the artwork and we can print up a disc to see how the gradients are working...
Options
Discs can be white topped or silver. Print can be full colour or black and white. Designs do not have to cover the whole disc, if you just have a logo and some text, the silver or white background is visible.
Because of how the thermal transfer process works, there is no difference in price for a disc with only 5% coverage and a disc with 100% coverage.
High Quality with NO Minimum Quantity
It looks as good as a shop bought cd, and there is no minimum quantity - this quality is normally only available when pressing over 500 discs and having them screen printed.
What Looks Good? What Doesn't
Most deisgns will look stunning, even if complex photographs are used. Small font will still be readable. Large areas of solid colour will come up really well without any lines or dots.
Sometimes a gradient will not maintain its smoothness, this is because when a gradient is performed with ink, the dye can merge to soften the gradient. This does not happen in the same way with the thermal ribbons. If in doubt, contact us with the artwork and we can print up a disc to see how the gradients are working...
Options
Discs can be white topped or silver. Print can be full colour or black and white. Designs do not have to cover the whole disc, if you just have a logo and some text, the silver or white background is visible.
Because of how the thermal transfer process works, there is no difference in price for a disc with only 5% coverage and a disc with 100% coverage.
INKJET DISC PRINTING
We also offer inkjet disc printing. Unlike thermal print, it has more of a matt finish. It is not waterproof as standard, but Aqua-Shield discs can be used which make the finish waterproof.
If its not as good, why do you offer it?
It is cheaper. If you need to send out some discs for PR, or want to quickly get your album pressed up for pre-release without the full artwork on the disc, this may be a good cheaper option. If it doesn't need to be waterproof, it can be even cheaper!
10% Coverage
Inkjet printing is NOT recommended for full disc coverage, its is best for text and logos with no more that about 10% coverage of the disc.
If full coverage is needed, Thermal disc printing provides far superior results.
If its not as good, why do you offer it?
It is cheaper. If you need to send out some discs for PR, or want to quickly get your album pressed up for pre-release without the full artwork on the disc, this may be a good cheaper option. If it doesn't need to be waterproof, it can be even cheaper!
10% Coverage
Inkjet printing is NOT recommended for full disc coverage, its is best for text and logos with no more that about 10% coverage of the disc.
If full coverage is needed, Thermal disc printing provides far superior results.
DUPLICATION OR REPLICATION?
Replication involves manufacturing discs from a Glass Master. Discs are then pressed rather than burnt and screen printed. Paper parts have plates set up, and these parts are then litho printed.Replication runs normally have a minimum run of 500. A usual turn-around time would be 10-14 working days.
Duplication uses CD-R/DVD-R media. No glass master disc is involved, the master can be on a CD-R. Our automated machines then burn copies of the discs from a verified disc image of the master.
We then print on the discs using Thermal or Inkjet disc printers (based on your requirements). No plates need setting up for this.
Paper parts are then printed digitally, guillotined and packaged to complete the product.
Duplication can start with just 1 disc, and is cost effective up to about 500 units. Turn-around can be as quick as next day! Larger runs (500+) can be done but this is probably only best if you are in a rush and need the project finishing in less time than a replication job takes.
Our service is fast because unlike CD replication, no glass masters or litho plates need manufacturing to start the process. Once the artwork has been setup we are ready to start duplicating and printing.
- Duplication has no minimum order quantity - Replication usually starts at 500
- Replication will end up cheaper per unit, but you have to order at least 500
- Duplication turn around time can be anything from 1-3 days depending on order size - Replication is usually 10-14 days
©
2012 Zang Productions12 Binton Croft, Moseley
Birmingham, West Midlands
B13 9RS
T: 07786 115 610
E: info@zangduplication.co.uk