CD Replication Process

All audio CDs are manufactured to CD replication specifications known as red book. CDROMs are also manufactured in a similar way but to a CD replication technical specification known as yellow book.

A PMCD pre master CD is required for the CD replication process. The PMCD is loaded onto an Eclipse system where the master is analyzed to check for correct book specification and to check for errors such as E32. A report produced by Eclipse will determine whether a master is suitable to proceed to glass mastering.

During the glass mastering stage a high voltage laser beam cuts a series of pits into the glass. The depth of these pits relates to a 1 or 0 and is actually how the digital information is added to the glass master. The glass master is then sputtered with a fine layer of nickel.

The nickel coated glass master is then used as a cathode during an electrolysis process to form a metalised "father" or positive

From the father a negative "mother" stamper is created again using electrolysis. A mother can also be used to make back up copies of the father. These back up copies are usually referred to as "sons". We kid you not.

The metal stamper is then fitted to the press. Using a form of plastic injection molding, granulated plastic is added to the mold and under extreme temperature the metal stamper is used to press the discs. The pits of the stamper are pressed into the plastic of the disc which is how the digital information is carried.

After pressing, a very fine layer of aluminum is added the plastic disc in order to reflect the laser beam of a CD player and enable the pits to be read.

Finally the disc on body artwork is printed using either screenprint or offset litho print. Hey presto the CD is manufactured.