Frequently Asked Questions
Duplication process
What is Duplication?
Duplication refers to the bit for bit copying or burning of data on to recordable DVDs, CDs or Blu-ray discs. The duplicated discs will be an exact copy of the master that you provide. We use duplication for smaller quantities that are needed fast.
What process is used for the on-body print?
Our duplicated discs have an inkjet printable surface on to which we print in four colour process at 4800 DPI. Colour layering technology produces photo-quality printing with smooth graduations in toning that eliminates any grain from the printed image.
The natural finish is matt but we can apply an ultraviolet gloss coating if you require.
What kind of discs are used for Duplication?
We use Sony recordable media which we find to be the best in terms of reliability and compatibility for Blu-ray, DVD and CD.
What process is used for the print and packaging?
Digital print accompanies our duplicated discs as it can be produced quickly and the results are excellent for shorter runs. We print on a state of the art Xerox printers using Xerox papers. The print is guillotined and machine folded, your discs are then hand packed with great care.
Also check out the Artwork FAQs.
Replication process
What is Replication?
Replication involves creating a glass master which is used in the manufacturing process to embed your data into the DVD/CD/Blu-ray disc. Glass mastering is included in the price of the replication and glass masters can typically be transferred between manufacturers.
The face of the disc is printed during the manufacturing process with either a four colour offset or silkscreen print.
Should I choose an Offset or a Silkscreen print?
On sight of your artwork we can advise you whether an offset or silkscreen print will provide the best results. Both are professional printing processes that are suitable for different designs. Silkscreen prints are ideal for large blocks of colour and can be printed in your firm’s Pantone colours. Offset printing provides excellent results for images that contain a lot of detail such as photographs.
What process is used for the print and packaging?
Printed parts for replicated discs are printed on an offset printing press. The economies of scale provided by larger runs make this cost effective and the results are excellent. Replicated print is machine cut, folded and machine packed and shrink wrapped at you request.
Also check out the Artwork FAQs.
Artwork
Do you provide artwork templates?
Artwork templates are available for download; they are in Photoshop and Illustrator format as well as in PDF. Using the templates will ensure that your artwork is set up to meet the specifications of our machines - speeding up the production process guaranteeing a fast turnaround time.
How should I submit the files?
We accept artwork in the following formats:
- Illustrator (.ai)
- Photoshop (.psd)
- High resolution PDF files (.pdf)
Please supply the files as vector graphics with the fonts converted to outlines.
What is the minimum font size that I should use?
If less than 5pt font size is used there is a danger that it will be difficult to read.
Which resolution will provide the best results?
Please ensure that the resolution of the files is at least 300 DPI. Images or text at a lower resolution to this could appear blurred. Bear in mind that screen resolution is lower than the resolution required for print.
Which colour matching system should I use?
Artwork should be designed in CMYK or PMS colours. Text and images from screen grabs is often be in RGB and will not generate a true colour in the printing process.
Can you match the discs to the paper parts?
The surface of a disc face and paper parts are different and absorb and reflect colours in slightly different ways even when a colour matching system is used. Pantone CMYK references minimize the differences and all jobs are matched by eye.
Will you send me proofs prior to printing?
We will send you PDF proofs prior to printing for you to sign of the artwork layout. We can also provide printed proofs - these will incur a small extra charge.
How should I send my artwork to you?
You can upload your artwork online or send it to us on a disc. If you would like us to colour match your artwork you can send us a colour reference with the artwork.
Can you design the artwork for us?
Our graphic designers are highly skilled with creating all types of packaged media and will be happy to help you with any design work you require. Contact us to discuss your needs.