1. What alternatives are available to label CD/DVD discs?
2. Use marker pen or label to identify my CD/DVD?
3. How to prepare labels, inserts, etc.?
1. What alternatives are available to label CD/DVD discs?
There are several
different labeling methods available for CD/DVD discs ranging from hand
writing, to adhesive labels, specialized devices that print directly onto
the disc surface and ultimately the various commercial printing solutions.
Each option is distinguished by cost, speed and convenience as well as
by durability and the visual quality of the result. But keep in mind that
applying any kind of label modifies the disc in a significant way. Thus,
product warranties can be affected and unforeseen consequences may arise.
It is, therefore, advisable to always follow manufacturer directions.
Hand
Writing
By far the quickest and least expensive way to label a disc is
to simply write on its top surface. Using a soft fiber or felt-tipped
permanent marker is preferable but be aware that the solvents in some
types of inks can migrate through the disc surface and potentially damage
the reflective and dye layers beneath. The part of the disc least vulnerable
to injury is the center clamping or hub area. Beware ballpoint pens or
other sharp writing instruments as they may deform the disc substrate
and delaminate the disc layers thereby causing information to become unreadable.
Some discs are specially coated to accommodate handwritten labels and
even some special markers are available and intended for such use.
Adhesive
Labels
A more attractive way to label a disc is to apply an adhesive label. Several
manufacturers offer inkjet and laser printer compatible products specifically
designed for labeling discs as well as positioning devices to help with
centering. Full surface or “donut-style” labels are preferable
to partial stickers but be aware that any adhesive label can potentially
upset the balance of a disc when playing back, especially at high speeds,
causing excessive noise, vibration and data retrieval problems. Heat,
humidity, handling and the passage of time can also compromise the stability
of adhesive labels causing separation from the disc surface and even interfere
with the drive. Sticky labels may not be the best choice when archiving
important data as some types of label adhesives can react with and compromise
the disc over time. Remember too that, once applied, labels should never
be removed or repositioned. Even smoothing air bubbles can concentrate
physical stresses in a small area and delaminate the disc.
Specialized
Disc Printers
A range of specialized disc printing devices is also available to label
discs in larger numbers and for imparting a more polished appearance.
Currently, desktop products employing inkjet, thermal transfer and re-transfer
technologies are available for directly labeling on the disc surface.
Inkjet
Inkjet printing
technology has been available for many years and has proven extremely
popular with consumers due to its high quality and cost effectiveness.
Inkjet printers function by ejecting liquid ink from a print head onto
the surface of a specially coated “inkjet-printable” disc.
These special discs have an extra coating, called an Ink Absorption Layer
(IAL), which receives the ink from the printer and allows it to stay in
place long enough to dissipate its solvents and properly dry. Inkjet printers
produce high-resolution full color images but there is a downside in that
resulting labels can be smudged by high humidity or damp fingers. Inkjet
printed discs should not be stored or shipped in form-fitting soft plastic
envelopes as the chemicals used to keep the package materials supple can
soften the inks causing the label to stick to the sleeve and potentially
delaminate the disc when removed. Using jewelcases or other containers
that do not come into direct contact with the printed surface is best.
Thermal
Transfer
Unlike inkjet
printers which spray liquid ink, thermal transfer printers convey solid
pigment from a coated ribbon onto the surface of a disc through a combination
of heat and pressure. Typically used to produce monochrome and spot color
labels, thermal transfer printing does not require specially coated discs
to accept the ink from the printing process. The results are, as well,
reasonably durable. However, some disc surfaces give better results than
others and offer more protection from potential damage during the printing
process. Consequently, discs are available which feature special coatings
optimized for thermal transfer printing. For labeling situations where
discs share a largely common background appearance but vary slightly from
disc to disc or among groups of discs some thermal transfer solutions
can align and overprint their output onto partial images already screen
printed onto the surface of the disc.
Retransfer
More recently,
re-transfer printers have come to market and function by applying heat
and pressure to convey solid resins from an ink ribbon to a compliant
intermediate film and then to the surface of the disc. Typically re-transfer
systems produce photo-realistic color labels which are smooth and highly
durable. Only certain types of disc surfaces are suitable for re-transfer
printing including those optimized for thermal transfer use as well as
some inkjet-printable surfaces and “crystal” protective coatings.
Commercial
Printing
Various methods
are used to commercially decorate discs including screen, offset, pad
and flexographic printing. These are large-scale industrial processes
typically used to label large numbers of discs with the same pattern or
in situations when precise color matching is required for critical items
such as company logos. In addition to desktop disc labeling, many duplication
companies and replicators offer commercial printing services.
2.
Use marker pen or label to identify my CD/DVD?
A few manufacturers
offer a "special pen" for writing on DVD/CDs. I know from experience
that many "special" products are little more than marketing
hype (i.e. "camera lens cleaner" @$2.99 a bottle vs. "glasses
lens cleaner" @$.99 a bottle)-- so is there any real issue with the
type of pen used?
I'm presently using a Sharpie fine-point permanent marker, and indeed
the Sharpie website says that while they've not done any long-term studies,
that they have marked CDs with their markers for years and never had a
problem, and all the CD manufacturers that they contacted also said that
they used Sharpie permanent markers and also have never had a problem.
Obviously, it's nice to be able to mark the DVD somehow, and I've heard
horror stories about using adhesive labels that A) can damage the media
because of chemicals in the glue, and B) can cause damage to drives if
the label isn't perfectly placed as the CD/DVD spins at high speed and
an imbalanced CD/DVD can really damage a drive. But, I’ve used labels
for years without a problem. The Geek says: Mark ‘em up, but not
excessively. Check out the Media Accessories for your preferences.
3.
How to prepare labels, inserts, etc.?
•CD
Insert Cards:
A printed 'insert card' is placed inside the lid of the jewel case. Insert
cards are folded and come in a variety of sizes and with different print
options.
• CD Booklets:
Similar to an insert card, a 'booklet' is comprised of separate pages
being assembled and stapled much like a book or magazine. There are a
variety of sizes with different print options.
• Pages & Panels:
There is a way to describe the size of insert card or booklet that fits
into a Jewel Case or Amaray Case. Each print panel has two sides (ie:
the front and the back) which we refer to as 'pages'. We call a simple
insert card with no folds a 1 panel (2 page). For the type of insert card
that is folded in half, we call that 2 panel (4 page), etc.
• Tray Cards:
The 'tray card' is the insert that is visible from the back/bottom of
the CD jewel case and includes the print that is visible on the ends/spines
of the case. Tray Cards can also have a back print when used with 'clear'
jewel case trays.
• Trapsheets:
The printed paper insert that wraps around the outside of the DVD library
cases is called a Trapsheet. There are many companies that offer software,
sticker sheets and whole kits for various kinds of printers for the home
user to create professional-looking, no-worries media projects. Avery,
Memorex and Neat-O are just a few.
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