Inkjet, silkscreen, thermal, oh my! Printing options in CD/DVD labels

This white paper highlights the various printing options for CD/DVD labels. Of note, there are two ways to make multiple copies of CDs/DVDs: duplication and replication. Duplication is used for short-run quantities: anywhere from 2 to 2,000 and replication is used for large-run quantities: anywhere from 1,000 up! The information below will explain the multiple ways of printing images, text or artwork
on discs.

Due to the quick and low cost set-up, direct-to-disc Thermal and Inkjet printing are the kings of short-run disc labeling.

Thermal:

The Thermal re-transfer printer uses heat transfer technology. What this means is that there are two ribbons in the thermal printer. A CMY ribbon and a Transfer ribbon. Using a heated bar, the CMY ribbon transfers layers of color to the Transfer ribbon. Using another heated bar, the Transfer ribbon puts the image from the Transfer ribbon to the thermal CD or DVD.

• Pros:
• Hub Printable
• Durable / Water Resistant
• Photographs pop
• Disc has a natural gloss finish
• Much faster than inkjet
• Produce physical proofs

• Cons:
• Disc wide gradients or solids do not print as well as photo type images
• Small text may look choppy

Inkjet:

The Inkjet printer uses Hewlett-Packard Printhead Technology. Two printheads are used. It utilizes one black head, one color head, much like many home printers, except it is completely automated with a robotic arm and designed specifically for printing on specially coated plastic discs. Okay, it’s not much like your home printer.

• Pros:
• High color gamut
• Photos, solids, gradients all print well.
• Small text prints clear
• Low set-up time/cost
• Can print on white or silver satin finish discs
• Produce physical proofs

• Cons:
• 40% slower than thermal printing
• Ink can be scratched or smeared
• Not Waterproof

Packaging options:

When working in short-run time frames, the following packaging options are standard: Jewel case or slim line jewel case with inserts, paper or Tyvek^® sleeve, clam shells, vinyl with adhesive back or 3-ring binder edge sleeve, and DVD case. Custom sleeves may be available but will increase the turnaround time.

Silk-screening or Off-set:

Silk-screening is the industry standard for large quantity runs. For silk-screening, color separated films are made from your digital files. Screens are then made from these films for each individual color, which allow the colored ink to pass onto the disc.

• Pros:
• Durable/Water Resistant
• Better financial option for large runs
• Hi set-up cost but low per-piece cost
• Can use specific Pantone inks
• Hub Printable

• Cons:
• Not flexible for color-work/adjustments
• Hi set-up costs and time negate it as an option for short runs, or quick turnarounds
• One-off proofs often not an option

Packaging options:

When working in large-run time frames, any packaging can be completed, including the short-run packaging options as well as custom sleeves and mailers.

About Creative MediaWorks, Inc.
Creative MediaWorks is committed to being a full service graphics provider—offering creative design, digital imaging and multimedia services. The goal of each project is to achieve the highest levels of client satisfaction while producing excellent quality graphic media on-time.

For over 20 years we’ve built a solid reputation as a trusted multimedia partner in the healthcare community. Creative MediaWorks specializes in the development and production of compelling visual graphics for healthcare meetings, which include: interactive CD/DVD-ROM programs, website development, mechanism of action animation, animated directional signage, multimedia presentations, scientific poster layout, large-format digital printing, dynamic PowerPoint presentations and more.

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