CD Manufacturing > Replication > Lacquering


Lacquering

The aluminum layer is protected by a lacquer which is spread as a liquid evenly across the surface of the disc by spin coating. The centrifugal force created by spinning the disc ensures that the lacquer covers the whole disc in an even layer.
It is important that the lacquer overlaps the aluminum therefore sealing it from the elements. If left exposed, aluminum will start to oxidise within a few days.

The lacquer is cured by ultra-violet (UV) light producing a hard protective surface. The discs are then ready for printing.

Lacquering involves two steps in the spin-coating process, lacquer deposition and spin-off. Cycle times of under 2 seconds are normally achieved by either splitting the two steps into two stations or using two spin coating stations.



- posted by J @ 12:54 PM