Is the disc print resistant to water or moisture?
Thermal, offset and screen print are all resistant to water, however labels will smudge if they get wet.
If your provider use inkjet, ask them if they coat their discs with UV lacquer. This process is used properly produces a high quality gloss or satin finish which not only looks great but protects the discs from smudges or running.
Are printed paper parts trimmed with a guillotine?
Some providers use pre-perforated sheets which have a rough, unprofessional edge. Ensure your paper parts are properly guillotined for the best results.
Are paper parts professionally creased and packed?
Few things undermine the professionalism of a quality CD or DVD package than uneven or badly folded printed inserts. Ask to see some samples of jobs waiting for collection rather than handpicked samples (samples will always be chosen because they look good!)
Are proof provided free of charge?
It’s important that some proofing process is used during the print process. Find out if the supplier provided electronic or printed proofs for your approval and whether there is an additional charge for this.
Are the discs and packaging guaranteed?
It’s important that your supplier offers a replacement guarantee if something goes wrong. Things that should be covered include faults with the replication process (duplicates don’t match master, incorrectly printed paper parts, poor QC)
What is the policy regarding breakages?
If discs are being shipped, it’s quite likely you’ll experience the situation of broken cases during transit. You should be entitled to replacements if this is the case – make sure you check.
What you need to know before getting your CDs, DVDs or Blu-Ray discs duplicated
Whether you're about to put out your first ever CD, duplicate a promotional CD or DVD, or just planning, it's important to know the secrets of the industry.
Below are are list of the most important things you need to know before choosing who will duplicate, print and package your CDs, DVDs or Blu-Rays.
What does the price include?
When sourcing quotes for CD Duplication or Replication, make sure you know exactly what the price includes.
Some companies will provide a unit price for the copies however the price may not include
Artwork setup costs
Charge for overruns
Glass mastering charge
What CDs will be used?
CD, DVD and BD duplication is the process of burning data to blank media (rather than replication which involves creating a glass master and stamper and pressing the data onto the discs). If you are having your discs duplicated (usually for smaller quantities or urgent turnaround), make sure you check what brand of discs the company will be using.
Poor quality media will result in a reduced disc life, higher failure rate and often a poor disc print quality.
Are quality cases used?
One of the easiest ways of cutting corners in the duplication industry is to used cheap cases (the quality is usually directly proportionate to the weight of the case – the less polycarbonate or PC used in the case, the more susceptible it will be to breakage or damage).
The other way of reducing cost is using recycled cases. Regardless of your views on recycling, it’s important to make an informed decision on whether or not to use recycled cases.
Recycled cases are cheaper than equivalent cases made with virgin plastic, however they will have a distinctive smell and break or scratch much easier.
If the case quality is important to you, always ask to see a sample from those companies quoting on your work.
What are the charges for delivery and is the delivery guaranteed?
Whats the point paying a fortune for a quality duplication and print job if it gets lost in transit. If your finished job is being couriered by the supplier, make sure you get a tracking number and guaranteed of delivery.
What is the quality of printed parts?
Find out if larger runs of paper parts are digitally printed or offset printed. Ask to see samples of the print quality before proceeding with your job.
What stock options are provided?
Getting the results you want for your CD, DVD or BD packages sometimes rely on customising as much as possible. Ask your supplier what paper options the provide and if there is any additional cost. Some common options are recycled, gloss, satin, matt lamination, gloss lamination, stock weight options (minimum weight for paper parts is usually 128gsm with the option to go up to 250gsm). Cardboard packaging such as cardboard sleeves, gatefold sleeves, digipaks etc should be printed on a minimum of 250gsm, but 310gsm is the industry standard.
Find out up front whether these options are provided and if so, whether there is an additional cost.
What disc print process is used?
For replication the print options are screen print and offset print. Screen print should only used for spot colour print (vector graphics), while offset print is the best option for full colour graphics.
Some companies will use screen print for all their replicated discs. This will produce poor results for full colour designs – insist on offset print for full colour print.
For duplicated discs, there are many more options and a much higher variation between good and bad quality print.
The Print options include:
Printed sticky labels. The quality of the print is determined by the printer used as well as the labels used. Generally speaking labels were outdated long ago as they are prone to coming off the disc and potentially causing disc balance issues.
Thermal Printing. Thermal disc print has lost popularity in recent years due to its high cost and limitations with fine print detail. Having said this, thermal print still represents one of the best options for short runs of disc print.
Inkjet print. Probably the option with the potential to produce the best results. High end professional inkjet printers have become popular with many duplication businesses in recent years due to their incredibly high resolution and colour reproduction.
Inkjet print is heavily dependant on good quality control and processes from the operator. Print jets can block, colour variations can occur and if the operator doesn’t use strong QC processes, you may find poor consistency and colour matching.
As with the other factors, it’s wise to request print samples from those quoting on your work.