The Difference Between Offset & Silkscreen Printing on CDs and DVDs
There are many different methods for printing onto the surface of CDs and DVDs: offset printing, silkscreen printing, digital printing, thermal printing, inkject printing, and paper labels. CWS offers offset and silkscreen printing on CD Rom and DVD surfaces.Offset vs. Silkscreen Printing on CDs & DVDs
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)
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Please contact CWS for more information!
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