How are CD-R Discs Different from CD-ROM Discs?

CD-R discs are quite different from conventional CD-ROM discs. CD-ROM discs are mass produced using specialized equipment and are projected to last for about 20 years. CD-R discs can be written at your desktop using an inexpensive CD recorder and, in the case of MAM Gold media, are projected to last for well over 100 years. The layering structure of a CD-ROM is shown below:

The polycarbonate serves as the base of the disc and is physically stamped with the appropriate pits and lands to convert the required information. A layer of aluminium is added for reflectivity.

The lacquer coating is applied as a protectant. In comparison, CD-R discs are more sophisticated and robustly constructed. The information on a MAM Gold disc is projected to last for well over 100 years. The layering structure of a Mittsui Gold CD-R is diagrammed below:

MAM Gold CD-R

As in a conventional CD-ROM, polycarbonate is used as the foundation. However, CD-R uses a special dye which is etched by laser to create the pits and lands. This dye will be covered in the next section. A layer of lacquer is then applied, followed by MAM's patented Data Shield Surface which provides additional protection against environmental hazards and rough handling.

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