Thermal Transfer Print

This is the simplest form of CD & DVD printing, giving clean and uncomplicated results.

What is it?

The thermal printer uses heat and pressure to decorate the disc. The thermal printhead melts wax-based ink from a transfer ribbon onto the disc surface, leaving a scratch and water resistant image.

Applications?

Thermal transfer printing is ideal...
> if your discs require a simple description of the contents (e.g. software patches & bug fixes), this provides a cost effective and time saving solution.
> if your discs need to have similar looking labels across different titles (e.g. to retain a corporate identity; see our Labelling Case Study), costs can be reduced by screen printing the generic images and text in bulk, and then thermal over-printing in smaller batches the content specific information, such as the disc title and version number.

Benefits?

> Great for simple text
Thermal transfer is perfect for printing text (size 10pt and above) directly to the disc surface.
> Very fast printing
On average, the time taken to print a disc is about 10 seconds.
> Tough finish
Scratch and water resistant finish, directly onto the mirrored disc surface.
> Overprint screen printed discs
It's possible to thermal overprint onto an already screen printed surface, provided a special 'thermal coating' has been layed down first. See our Case Study
> Evaluation discs
Sample discs can be supplied for evaluation, prior to your job being run.
> Cost on low volumes
The cheapest and simplest way to label your discs, but only in BLACK!
> Print only?
Discs can be supplied blank, but printed. Maybe you have your own duplicator or you burn 'one-offs' for distribution.
Offset Print Back to CD & DVD Printing Inkjet Print
Thermal Transfer Printing: Black text on a gold CD-R
Thermal Transfer Printing:
Black text on a gold CD-R



Need a quote, please call 0845 644 1869


We do not offer full colour thermal printing. Although the quality of detailed photographs is excellent, small text is not sharp, colour matching is almost impossible and the consumables make the cost of the finished discs dramatically higher.

Note: We only thermal print onto standard 12cm discs, and in black.


For more information about CD & DVD Thermal Transfer Printing, or to request samples, please click here or call us on 0845 644 1869

QuickLinks:
> Low Volume Disc Duplication [CD | DVD]
> Artwork Specifications [Recordable discs]
> Frequently Asked Questions [Artwork]