Additional Articles
Understanding Disc Layers
Although compact discs are extremely durable and convenient to use, they can be damaged through use and abuse. CD's and DVD's are constructed in layers. To fully undertand the manufacturing process we have broken down each layer of the disc.1Polycarbonate Plastic Disc (first layer)
First, data is stamped on the top side of a plastic disc creating millions of ons and offs or zeros and ones. On recordable CDs*, data can be burned in at different levels within the plastic disc for multi-session recording.
2Reflective Foil Layer** (second layer)
Second, a micro thin layer of aluminum (copper, silver or gold on higher quality CDs) is applied to the top of the CD covering the data. This layer reflects the laser beam back through the plastic disc, allowing the stamped data to be read.
3Lacquer Layer** (third layer)
Third, lacquer is dripped onto the disc and spun at a high speed to create a thin layer of sealant for the foil layer. This seals in the foil layer, but offers little or no protection for the foil or the data beneath.
4Graphic Layer** (last layer)
Finally, a layer of ink is screened onto the lacquer layer for dynamic graphic and/or sales impact. (Recordable CDs don't have this layer.)
*Recordable CDs have a much thinner layer due to the manufacturers name printed on this layer.
**The reflective foil, lacquer, and graphic layers combined are only as thin as a human hair and offer little to no protection of the data beneath them.
**The reflective foil, lacquer, and graphic layers combined are only as thin as a human hair and offer little to no protection of the data beneath them.