HOW DISCS ARE MADE

1) POLYCARBONATE 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.

2) REFLECTIVE 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.

3) LACQUER 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.

4) GRAPHIC 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.)