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CD ROM packaging is printed through direct printing. The Direct Imaging Press is based on a typical ‘offset press except that it is computer controlled. All the imaging plates are pressed onto the paper/card precisely through the control of a computer system. Usually an offset press operates using one imaging plate at a time. This means that the paper / card has to be sent through the offset press at least four times until the application of colour is complete. With the Direct Imaging Press the card / paper is sent through once.

The entire operation, including quality control is computer controlled. Direct Imaging Presses are very fast and suitable for the printing of high numbers of packages. This form of printing is suitable for Batch Production and Continuous Production, where high volumes of prints are required.

Some Direct Imaging Presses use five colour ink rollers. The first four apply the graphics whilst the fifth ink roller applies the text. In the case of postage stamp manufacture, this is used to apply self adhesive.

Direct imaging presses are not as economical as digital copiers, digital desktop printers, and digital presses which can be used for small print runs. They are, however, more economical than digital presses or desktop printers for producing large press runs of static documents due to the higher printing speed they are able to attain.

Direct Printing uses technology called CMYK colour - known also as four-colour printing, full-colour printing, or process colour printing. Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are printed on the paper as small dots. This process is used when printing the full range of colour is required, such as photography or stamps.

When a batch of CD ROM packaging has been printed, the batch is sent for UV Varnishing. When dry this gives a gloss finish and helps protect the printing/graphics underneath.

VARNISHING:
When the printing of the card CD ROM sleeve is completed fine varnish is then sprayed on to the surface . When dry this gives a gloss finish and helps protect the printing underneath. The printing and colour work must be completed before this process takes place. Also, folding a package takes place after the varnish has been applied.
Different types of varnish are available. The most popular are oil and water based varnishes. In either case, the varnish takes at least two hours to dry. This may be a disadvantage especially if the card is being used for a package - as it means it can not be folded straight away.

ULTRA VIOLET VARNISHES:
Special varnishes dry almost straight away if they are exposed to ultra violet light. (UV light). The varnish is sprayed on to the paper / card in the same way as other varnishes. However, after spraying the card passes underneath UV lights which dries the varnish almost instantaneously.
One disadvantage is that this type of machinery is expensive to purchase. However, it produces an excellent gloss finish to the card / paper.

Varnish is applied to the CD ROM card sleeve in order to give it a gloss finish. It offers little protecting to the package and usually applied to give a ‘shine’ to the card. Varnish is also applied to pages of magazines so that they also have a gloss finish and gives the paper a quality feel.