Differences In Disk Printing Materials

The first thing that anyone will see when looking at your CD is in the print. Because of this, you want to make sure that your duplication capabilities will use the right settings and materials to put the best presentation forward of your printing. Knowing the differences between each and how it affects your end presentation is one that will help you to determine the best way to get your CD printed.

Digital Laser

One of the growing popular disk printing options is with digital laser. This particular duplicating machine will use a light beam in order to present the graphics in a high resolution. It uses pixels as the main way of burning the images into the CD. This means that squares will be divided into small areas, each of which will contain certain colors.

The use of digital laser first is printed with the laser alone. This is then applied to a blank CD by using adhesive. The result is the ability to create a full image that moves into the disk and creates an image and color that projects high quality and detail of your disk image.

Thermal Transfer

Thermal transfer is an option that is typically used for short runs and in which can offer high quality of color printing options. The thermal transfer is a direct evolution from the ink jet, replacing duplication with this process because of it's ability to create higher resolution options.

Thermal transfer is done by taking the print design images of your CD and placing the image like a regular print onto the CD. Many of the options not only come with this image, but also have capabilities to add glossy finishes or other coats so that the ink lasts longer, is protected and gives a little extra to the look. These are known not only for the quality of printing, but also with capabilities such as edge to edge printing, which allows you to get all of the graphics and details of your CD images in the right place.

Silk Screen

This third option is silk screening. This is a popular option for large runs because it uses less ink and printing capacity and allows for a professional look to disks. Silk screening works by beginning with the six primary colors. These are divided according to what fits into the graphic that is being used. This is combined with silver lining and white backgrounds, as is used in the disks.

When beginning to print on silk screen, the graphic will be divided into six files, one for each of the colors. Each of these files will create a film, which becomes the blue print for that color. These are burned into the CD by line, allowing for the combination of the six primary colors, as well as overlapping of other colors to be used. This is also combined with moving quickly across the CD in order to burn the correct colors into the right places.

On – Disk

This option is one that is relatively new in the market, but is quickly growing in popularity. When you receive on-disk printing for your graphic, you have the capacity to take a photograph or image and place it directly on the CD. This is then combined with the silk screening process in order to burn the image into the CD. This is combined with adding an adhesive layer over the top of the image in order to completely keep the image on the CD. The difference between this and other options is in the high resolution of the photo image that is placed on the CD.

Each of the options that are provided for imaging and duplication are defined by clarity of the images and pictures as well as the tone that is used. Depending on the number of disks that are being used and the type of presentation that you are creating with your CD, you can use any of the options above in order to create the best look for your CD.