Offset Printing:

Offset printing applies 4 layers of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) onto the CD Rom or DVD surface. For each layer, a reverse image of the page is placed on a roller in the printing press. Ink is applied to the non-image areas on the roller, so that as the roller presses against paper moving through the press, the proper image is left on the paper. Offset printing is ideal for intricate full-color designs, skin tones, and crisp text.

Silkscreen Printing:

With silkscreening, ink is applied to a screen and forced through the holes in a stencil to create an image on the surface of the CD or DVD. Silkscreen printing can include up to 5 single colors, or 4 color process (CMYK). Silkscreening is appropriate for 1, 2, and 3 color jobs - especially through that require PMS colors, and for solid ink coverage.

Why We Recommend Offset Printing over Silkscreening

* 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)

Xeikon Press Used For New CD Printing System

Swiss-based  Digitran AG has developed a CD and DVD printing system using a Xeikon DCP 320 S  digital web color press. Announced at the end of July 2001, the first system was  actually installed in May. According to Xeikon, the system can print two circular CD labels  side by side on a transparent film. The press prints in five colors, CMYK with  an added white. The printed film is then coated with a water-based adhesion  promoter and transferred to the optical disc.