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To
press, or not to press?
...many clients ask when it comes to doing a production
run of CD's. There are two main ways of reproducing
CD's, duplication and pressing (sometimes referred
to as 'replication'). Each has it's own advantages
and disadvantages.
When your CD's have been duplicated, they have been
recorded individually onto pre-manufactured CD-R's,
in a similar way to how you would 'burn' your own
CD's. This method is best suited when the number
of copies is less than about 750 or when turnaround
times are very tight (typically less than 8 working
days). Depending on quantity, print requirements
and the size of the master, a 500 CD-R duplication
run can take 24 hours from the time that a master
is received.
CD's that are pressed have to go through a different
manufacturing process. To give a simple description
a glass master is made, from this a stamper is produced
which is fitted into a press. Liquid polycarbonate
is then fed into the press, the image is then stamped
into the polycarbonate as it cools. After that the
reflective, silver layer is applied and the disc
is then sealed. Once that process is completed the
CD goes to be screen printed. As you can probably
appreciate this process can take anything between
7 and 10 working days depending on the production
schedules at that time.
So which one is the best?
The simple answer is neither, it depends on your
requirements. CD-R duplication has speed and flexibility,
however on quantities over 750 units is typically
more expensive. CD Pressing is slower but generally
cheaper on higher volumes.
Contrary to popular belief there is now no difference
in the quality of the recording, reputable companies
providing pressing and/or CD duplication should
offer guarantees
regardless of your chosen method.
In conclusion you really need to decide on what
is important. Are you working to tight schedules?
How many CD's are you looking for? Is cost a decisive
factor? With correct consultation you should be
able to make an informed decision that best suits
your needs.
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