CD printing equipment allows you to print a graphic design, logo or other image directly onto a CD or DVD. There are several types of CD printers, and the one that will work best for you will depend on the type of images you want to produce.

Most suppliers of CD printers provide a user's manual with their products to help you learn how to use the product. Aside from this, you may want to expand your CD printers education and training with the following options.

1. Learn the basic types of machines used in CD printing and determine the differences between them.

2. Use online resources to help you understand the printing process for CDs and DVDs.

3. Consider getting training for speciality types of CD printers like pad printers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with the basics for CD printing equipment

Even before you buy your equipment, you may want to start your education with the basics of this type of printing. Get an overview of the types of printers available and determine the best one for your needs. Also make sure you understand the basics of printing a CD so you don't ruin your products.

I recommend: CD Dimensions provides and overview of the three main types of CD printers in use today. You can also chat with a product specialist, if you have any questions about the company's products. SuperMediaStore.com offers a guide on inkjet CD printers, which includes the steps to use to print a CD.

Take advantage of online CD printers education and training

The Internet provides a variety of resources for use with CD printers from tutorials teaching how to design the artwork to ones showing how to use the printers. The more information you have, the better your image will turn out.

I recommend: PhotoshopSupport.com offers tutorials on how to CD label templates for use with your CD printers. It takes you step by step through the creation process. YouTube offers a video tutorial that teaches how you can print a DVD or CD with an Epson printer.

Specialize your training for CD printing machines

Basic CD label printers or CD duplicator printers may not provide you with the quality you need for your printing. Speciality printers offer multi-function printing with a professional quality. Many manufacturers offer training when they sell you a machine, so be sure to ask about this when you shop around for a printer.

I recommend: Pad Print Machinery of Vermont provides a technical article on pad printers and their use to print CDs. The company also offers training at its facility for people who want to learn to use a pad printer. ThomasNet offers "5 Keys to Successful Pad Printing," which explains how to run a successful pad printing business.

More and more companies these days are switching from manually applying CD labels to CD printers. This CD printing equipment cuts down on the time needed to create and duplicate CDs. Many models offer automation, allowing you to set up the creation of one copy, and letting the machine do the rest.

Switching to CD label printers that apply the image directly to the disk without the need to attach a separate label will save your company time and money. Follow these steps to ensure you find the right CD printer for your needs:

1. Know your company’s CD printing needs.

2. Figure out the type and amount of CDs you will be making.

3. Decide on a vendor that sells CD duplicators and printers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look into the type of CD printing equipment that your company requires

Some machines print only the labels, while others are both CD duplicators and printers. Some CD printers can print in a multitude of colors, while others print in just black and white. It is important to know what your CD printing needs are now and to predict your usage in the future.

I recommend: US Digital Media Inc. has a great web page that explains the various types of CD printers available. CD Dimensions Inc. offers a free online buying guide to give you recommendations of the kind of CD printers that would be the best fit for your company.

Consider the types of CDs you will making with your CD printer station as well as the volume

If your company will only reproduce a few CDs a day with no need for color, then you can probably get away with one of the low-end CD printing machines that have fewer features. If your organization will be mass-producing CDs with full color and highly detailed labels, then you should start your search at the higher-end models that offer features such as automation and a high DPI number to ensure graphics come out nicely.

I recommend: PC Universe has a search tool that lets you hone in on exactly what type of CD printer you are looking for. You can narrow down the search results by volume, speed and quality to show you only products that give you the output you will need. Diskmakers.com features a number of automated CD printers with detailed explanations on the benefits of using an automated system.

Find CD duplicator printers online

The Internet is a great resource for gathering information about CD duplicators and printers as well as finding a vendor that sells one that meets all of your specifications.

I recommend: Microboards Technology offers many types of Inkjet and Thermal CD printers such as CD/printer combination equipment or solely disk duplicators. Primera Technology, Inc. has many CD printing equipment options in a full range of prices. Summation Technology, LLC specializes in CD printing and duplication technology. ProDuplicator.com offers a number of CD printers from many different manufacturers. You are sure to find the right printer to meet all of your needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Tracking the time your employees currently spend creating CDs will give a great starting point when you begin your search.
• •  Utilizing a CD printer will help lengthen the lives of your company's and your customers' disk players as CD labels tend to wear out and start to peel over time, often coming off inside the machine. This may lead to the need for disk drive repairs or replacement.