CD Duplication FAQs

Q: How much data can fit on a standard CD Rom, Mini CD, Business Card CD, and DVD?

A: Please see below:

Q: What is the difference between CD Duplication and Replication?

A: Duplication and replication are simply two different methods of reproducing a CD. Duplication is the method most often used for smaller quantities (under 500) and replication is the method used for quantities over 500.

With Duplication, the CDs are reproduced by individually "burning" each CDR. Replication is a manufacturing process whereby a mold of the data, called a Glass Master, is made and then "stamped" onto blank media. It's a much faster process, but isn't cost effective on runs under 500.

Q: How do I submit the content for the CD Rom?

A: Two (2) Master CD's that contain the information that you'd like to duplicate will be required from you in order for CWS to begin the duplication or replication process. It is important that each Master CD be closed.

Please be sure to TEST TEST TEST! all CD Masters before submitting to CWS!

If you need assistance with the development of the content for your CD Rom project, contact us! Our CD design and development staff will be glad to send you a quote to develop the content of your CD project.

Q: What are my printing options for CDs?

A: For duplication (quantities under 500), we offer full color offset printing onto CDRs.

For quantities over 500 (replication), you may choose from full color offset printing or up to 4 color silkscreen printing directly onto the CDs.

Q: What is the difference between silkscreen & offset printing on the CDs?

A: Offset printing on CDs and DVDs is the same method as offset printing onto paper. Four ink colors (CMYK - cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are transferred onto plates and rollers & then onto the CD/DVD surface. Offset printing onto CDs and DVDs is a newer process than silkscreen. The resolution is 175 lines per inch (lpi) and the surface is smooth and even. Offset printing is good for all types of CDs/DVDs, especially those containing photographic and detailed artwork. The overall quality of offset printing is much better than silkscreen.

Silkscreen printing is a process whereby the artwork is converted to screens & then the ink is pressed through the screens onto the CD or DVD. The average resolution of silkscreen printing is 85-135 lines per inch (lpi).

Q: Why does CWS Recommend Offset Printing onto CDs?

A: Simply put, Offset Printing looks better!

• Offset printing is 175 lines per inch (vs. 85-135 lines per inch for silkscreen). The more lines per inch, the better (smoother & clearer) the printing looks!
  
• There is no "knock-out ring" cutting into your image (it's truly "edge to edge" print coverage).
  
• Because offset printing uses plates and rollers to transfer the ink to the CD or DVD surface, the coverage is smooth and even. (there are no "screen marks" on the CD surface).

Q: I want to record the CD myself, but I want high end printing directly onto the CDs. Do you offer high end printing onto blank CDRs?

A: YES! CWS offers full color Offset Printing onto Blank CDRs. Get professionally printed blank CDRs and burn the content yourself! Click here for prices...

Q: How do I submit the artwork for the CD printing?

A: We would be glad to help with the creation of the artwork for your CD project! Please contact us for more information and/or a design quote!

When setting up your artwork, please use our templates (be sure to download the template specific for the printing process you select). Submit all final artwork to CWS on a separate CD Rom along with your (2) Master CD copies. A printed copy of all artwork is also required.

Artwork Specifications:
CWS offers both offset and silkscreen printing. Be sure to download the correct template for your project! (If you need assistance, or are unsure which template you need, please contact CWS & a representative will be glad to assist you!)

When using 4 color process, all files should be CMYK (not RGB). When using Pantone spot colors, all files should have the Pantone coded colors rather than CMYK or RGB.

Line art or text created or scanned in Photoshop should be 1200 dpi or higher for high-quality output. All other artwork should be 300 dpi or higher.

All fonts should be included with your artwork, or turned to outlines. If you have very small text, it is recommended that you typeset or vectorize (convert to outlines) the text, rather than have bitmapped text (Photoshop).

For artwork other than silkscreen or offset printing onto the CD/DVDs, (i.e. CD Labels, printed jewel case inserts, printed cardboard sleeves, etc), be sure to leave a 1/8" bleed in the artwork.

Q: What formats do you accept for the artwork?

A: EPS, Illustrator, Quark, Photoshop, or TIF. (see artwork specifications (above) for details)

Q: Do you have templates that I can use for the artwork?

A: Yes, you can download templates from our website OR contact CWS and a representative will be glad to send the specific templates you need for your project via email.

Q: Do I have to use CWS templates for my artwork?

A: Yes, we require that you use our templates for your CD or DVD artwork. Our templates are correctly sized for production; using our templates results in less problems with the artwork.

You can download templates from our website OR contact CWS and a representative will be glad to send the specific templates you need for your project via email.

Q: What copyright issues are involved with CD Duplication or Replication?

A: CWS will only duplicate or replicate your CDs when you own or have a license (copyright) to reproduce the information on the CD.

As part of the ordering process, you will be required to submit any /all copyright or license documentation, & a form stating that you have the right to reproduce the information on the CDs and that you indemnify CWS from any copyright issues with the CDs.

Q: What proofs are included with an order?

A: Clients receive PDF proof(s) of all artwork (CD label/art, printed sleeves, etc). We will not start printing an order until we receive your approval of all artwork proofs.

For clients who require a printed sample disk, We offer a "one-off" printed (no data) sample for $225.00 (includes overnight shipping) OR a "one-off" pressed and printed sample disc for $625.00 (includes overnight shipping).

Q: What final quantity of CDs will I receive?

A: All orders are considered complete at +/- 10% of order quantity.

Q: What are your set up and/or film charges?

A: CWS does not charge any additional set up fees or film charges for our CD duplication or CD replication projects.

Many vendors charge set up fees and/or film charges in addition to their per CD charges. These additional fees can range from $25-150 for set up fees and $20-50 per color for films. When factored into the final cost, this can add up to $0.15 or more to the Per CD costs.

When comparing CWS prices to other vendors, be sure to compare Total Costs (including all set up and film charges), rather than per CD costs.

Q: Do you offer RUSH rates & faster turnaround times?

A: No. All projects under 10,000 quantity have an estimated 14 business day turnaround (upon client approval of artwork proofs).

Q: How do you ship the finished CDs?

A: Our preferred shipper is United Parcel Service. Our default shipping method is UPS Ground. If you prefer a different shipper or a different timeframe for shipping, please let us know when requesting a quote & before placing an order.

Please note that, for larger quantities (5000 or more bulk CDs or 3000 or more CDs with Jewel Cases), it is often more economical to ship freight rather than through UPS. Please contact us if you would like a quote for freight shipping. Also, if you would like to ship the CDs using your company's shipping account, please contact CWS.

Q: How much does it cost to ship CDs?

A: Shipping costs depend on the size & weight of the shipment and your ship to address. For a shipping quote, please contact CWS.