| With the advent of compact disc technology came the | | | | This ensures the transfer of information from glass |
| need to replicate information from one compact disc | | | | master into an electronic form as an electric circuit. |
| to the other. Courtesy of this process one can get all | | | | This circuit is placed onto another metallic surface |
| the information they need even from the smallest of | | | | which is used in the subsequent production of compact |
| compact discs thus easing the worries of mini CD | | | | discs. In all these process of CD replication, care must |
| users. The process of replicating a CD involves three | | | | be taken to store all the material in the right |
| main stages; mastering, electroforming and replication. | | | | environment since they are normally charged |
| One can easily access these services in the Toronto | | | | substances. The information is also available on |
| and Greater Toronto Area. Any successful CD | | | | different surfaces including the previous glass master |
| replication process requires that the surface on which | | | | as well as stampers which are formed by |
| the information is to be stored be cleaned before | | | | electroplating the metal masters. They are cleaned |
| anything else can happen on it. The contents of the | | | | with water that is free of any ions as well as sodium |
| CD to be produced are normally presented on the | | | | hydroxide to remove any substances that may |
| master. | | | | contaminate these surfaces. They are also reduced to |
| Mastering also involves glass used to store the master | | | | appropriate size leaving only enough space that is |
| image during its creation. Such surfaces are usually | | | | carrying information. |
| round in shape measuring around two hundred and | | | | In this final process of CD replication, compact discs go |
| forty millimeters in diameter and six millimeters thick. | | | | through a long process of moulding whereby machines |
| They are also coated with steel on the sides for ease | | | | are used to produce the discs through different |
| of handling. The side on which information is put is | | | | stages. Such moulding machines are very fast and |
| usually polished to ensure a smooth surface. It is then | | | | have a very high output with some producing as many |
| cleaned using various detergents to remove any | | | | as six hundred to nine hundred discs per hour. All the |
| traces of material that could affect the recording of | | | | information is ingrained in each disc as the materials |
| information. The mastering process then proceeds by | | | | are treated at very high temperatures and eventually |
| the use of two techniques to record information. Both | | | | cooled by water. Finally a metal surface is added onto |
| of these techniques at this stage of the CD replication | | | | CDs by the introduction of an alloy between aluminum |
| process involve laser technology. Electroforming | | | | and other metals and other metals in small amounts. |
| involves the transfer of information in terms of music, | | | | The discs are then covered with a spin coater that |
| computer records from the glass master to a tougher | | | | serves to protect the surface from damage. The disc |
| form where their susceptibility to damage is greatly | | | | then proceeds onto the testing phase where if no |
| reduced. The master is normally treated to a nickel | | | | defects are detected, the label is printed and they are |
| concentration at different surface tensions and ph | | | | packed for sale thus ending the CD replication process. |
| figures. | | | | |