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 MAM CD-R Technology |
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Dimensions |
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A CD is a disc with a diameter of 120 mm a thickness of 1.2 mm. The central
hole, used to center the CD, has a diameter of 15 mm.
It consists of a disc made of polycarbonate (a
material with greater solidity and which resists better to high
temperatures than regular plastics).
A stack ring (0.27 mm high) protects the CD-Rs when they are stacked
on top of one another. The stamp holder groove has no specific function. |
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Components of a CDR |
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 Substrate
The polycarbonate disc is the basic component of a CD-R. It has a very important
role as the reader will notice when reading the section about the manufacturing
process (molding).
Dye
 The polycarbonate disc
is covered by an organic dye where the information is stored. The dye will
decompose under the effects of the heat generated by a laser beam (wavelength
of 780-790 nanometers). The dye blackens under this effect and the information
is created.
MAM-A's dye is called Phthalocyanine.
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Gold or silver |
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A gold reflective layer is applied under a vacuum. The layer reflects
the laser beam which reads the CD. For economic reasons, silver has gradually
replaced gold so as to reduce the cost of the end product as well as increase
the reflectivity.
Nevertheless, CD-Rs with silver rather than gold layers have a shorter
lifespan.
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Lacquer |
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A layer of lacquer is applied to cover the gold completely. It goes beyond
the edges and center of the disc in order to prevent any peeling (as the
layer of gold tends to peel easily and humidity might therefore infiltrate).
This layer is baked under ultra-violet light for two seconds.
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Diamond Coat |
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A highly resistant protective layer exclusive to MAM is applied to
the lacquer which makes the medium impervious to scratches.
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Printing |
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This is the final stage before the packaging. It consists of printing
graphic information onto the CD-R, such as manufacturer's name, type of
product, etc...
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