Currently there are three different types of print technologies for printing directly on CD/DVD media.
- Thermal CD Printers – Thermal CD printers use a special ribbon to transfer a waxed based resin to the disc. The transfer process uses heat to release the “ink” from the ribbon. Thermal CD printers are excellent for monochromatic font type and graphics. They do not reproduce pictures well because they rely on a dither process to achieve coloration. Speed and economy are the strengths of thermal CD printers. Printable CDs for this range of CD printers is the least expensive of the other technologies: Inkjet CD printers and thermal re-transfer CD printers.
- Inkjet CD Printers – Inkjet CD printers use the same technology as document inkjet printers. Inkjet printing provides excellent color reproduction and a wide range of printable CD surfaces. Inkjet printers also offer high resolution and ease of use. Inkjet printable CDs are more expensive then thermal printable CDs and the ink cartridges can add up depending on the CD printer system. Single ink systems are the most expensive to operate and are designed around very low volume use. Multi cartrige printers are more cost effective because you don’t end up throwing away ink when you run out of just one color within a single multi-color cartirige. Ink cartridges that you can purchase anywhere have a greater economy of scale in that they are made for the masses and not specialized. This process is not waterproof so there has been some concern about the label surface being damaged if the disc gets wet, however, CD/DVD-Rs can be purchased with a water-resistant surface.
- Thermal Re-transfer CD Printers – Thermal re-transfer is a relatively new technology. Unlike thermal CD printers, which do not mix colors well, thermal retransfer CD printers use two ribbons, the first one is a multi-color ribbon of cyan, yellow and magenta and the second ribbon is a transfer ribbon. Essentially the transfer ribbon is used to mix the heated resin from the color ribbon and then is applied to a special CD printer compatible disc. The resulting effect is amazing color and excellent durability. Thermal re-transfer is a slow process compared to thermal CD printing and inkjet CD printing.
Source: CD Dimensions Inc.
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