CD printing, CD packaging, CD labeling, DVD, offset printing, silkscreen printing, thermal printing, assembly, CD tower
A flourishing industry as of now, CD and DVD ROMs are still pushing their limits beyond the sky; what remains an oft overlooked factor is the labor that goes behind making every piece of them marketable. No, we are not talking about the marketing executives pushing their products to the market; on the contrary, it is about the wrapping that makes their job a few hundred times easier. So welcome to the realms of DVD and CD packaging, where printing technologies merge with the digital and we shall take a step a time.
• What is CD packaging?
The term CD packaging encompasses a number of processes that merge as one; that includes CD printing, CD labeling and finally, putting them together in the box. But then again, the boxes have defied the limitations of the traditional hard-plastic jewel cases; while many consider the changeover to be a direct influence of data sensitivity and handling costs, the new concern about ecology also stays a major influencing factor. Therefore, smarter, better and lighter cases are still getting evolved; from expensive and high end CD packaging to the cheap run-of-the-mill types, each comes with its own sets of pros and cons.
The jewel boxes come in single-CD/DVD or in multiple disc formats; often, they remain combned with printed, retail boxes; then there are the variations in plastic trays and paperboards and logically speaking, the changing needs for the CD or DVD ROM-s shall continue to increase in terms of variety. Right now, the standard in the DVD and CD packaging is they should be strong and durable enough to protect the virginity of the data. But what about the printing part?
• What is CD/DVD printing?
It’s nothing but putting the colors and graphics on the opposite side of the data surface of a DVD or CD. Till sometimes back, CD and DVD ROM publishers used to make use of adhesive labels that were printed using the offset printing, silkscreen printing and even thermal technologies; what caused the major trouble was a proper label placement. These processes often caused irreversible damages to both the CD/DVD drive or to the player as the labels peeled off due to heat and wear. But now, thermal printing technology blended with inkjet printers, opening the doors for a more cost-effective and durable DVD and CD labelling process. However, ordinary thermal printing is good only for applying the basic text and graphics in monotone including black. A preferred choice for those on a shoestring budget.
• What are the packaging options?
Those looking for the most basic packagingcan opt for plain CD/DVD spindles and envelopes; jewel cases come a little more pricey. Thus, printed cardboard sleeves are considered the midpoint for CDs whereas Digipaks are the best option for DVDs.
But then again, this is what that goes in the normal market; for a professional look at the minimum cost, Respond can offer hundreds of DVD and CD packaging in four colors and a branding even to those in a tight budget? Sounds incredible? Well, it sounded the same at first to the other three million customers as well.
Source Info:
• cd-info.com/CDIC/Technology/Packaging.html
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_case
Filed under: Media Duplication
