CDs: duplication vs. replication You probably haven’t put too much thought into what is the difference between these two different things. Although very similar, CD duplication and CD replication have some very large differences. In this article, some of those differences will be laid out so that you can know more about them. Not only will the differences be known, but you can also learn about some of the Pros and Cons for when you need to choose one of them for the job.
CD duplication: the facts First and foremost, CD duplication is something that you can do yourself in your home. With the rise of computer technology, chances are, you can even duplicate a CD right from your laptop. This is a really easy process that consists of you buying some blank CDs, putting the CD into your computer, and then simply pressing the right button to have your CD in no time. At this point, you have four options to label your CD. Those options are marking it by hand, printing out a label, printing on the CD, or printing using thermal transfer. Mark it yourself – This is the easiest option. Simply take a permanent marker and write on the CD. This is the easiest and cheapest way but it can look sloppy and poor. Print out a label – This option is great for those looking for a cleaner look a cheaper budget. Simply go buy the right labels at an office supply store, and run it through your printer with the right setting. This will give you a nice look but adds to the thickness of the CD and can get stuck in certain devices. Print on the CD – Some printers can print onto CD with affordable ink. This is a great option for those trying to avoid the thickness problem but still want a nice looking CD. This type of print though can wear off and this process can take some time to complete. Print using thermal transfer – This is a more permanent option for your CDs and will not have the thickness problem but you deal with expensive printers that are able to use thermal transfer. Unless you have lots of CDs to duplicate, this is an expensive option.
CD replication: the truth CD replication refers to professional high quantity disc copying. CD replication undergoes a much more complicated process. A piece of glass if made specifically to act as the replica to make the CDs. This glass master is then used to make an aluminum version, which will be used for the replication. The aluminum stamper, which was just made, is used to aid in the process of injection molding to create the CD itself in the shape of the glass master. A reflective covering is then put on the CD to help aid in being read and artwork is printed onto the CD.
The bottom line It really depends on the quantity that you are looking for whether you want to duplicate or replicate. CD duplication can be a great alternative to CD replication because it is cheaper and quicker. But if you are doing quantities of 1000 or more, CD replication is something that you should consider in your CD making needs. Photo Credit: foxumon