Often, people get confused between the CD/DVD replication and duplication process. While both processes provide the same outcome, they involve completely different processes. In the duplication process, a master disc is used to create several copies whereas replication is the actual manufacturing process in which the information or data is embedded at the manufacturing process.In the replication process, data from your master CD is copied onto the glass substrate, popularly known as “glass master” with the help of a laser recorder. After many steps, the outcome is a nickel plated stamper which is used as an injection moulding machine that “stamps” the data image onto the melted polycarbonate plastic. This melted polycarbonate plastic is given the shape of a CD, cooled and then it receives a coating of protective lacquer with a mirror-like aluminium finish.Though preparing and making the stamper and glass master can be quite time consuming, the time required for CD manufacturing is rather quicker. Also, the average CD manufacturing time is around 3-6 seconds for a CD. For long runs or bulk quantities of discs, the production cost for CD replication is extremely cost effective.Replication is one of the standard processes used for producing many CDs for commercial sale. Also, the cost per unit advantages and longevity of replicated discs goes in its favour. Duplication is another process that proves to be ideal for creating short runs of discs. So, if you are looking to create more than 500 discs, CD replication will surely be the best method.