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What exactly is a Compact Disc made of? Before we discuss preventing damage to the compact discs, we must exactly know what a compact disc is. A Compact Disc is a molded plastic disc containing digital data. It is composed of : i) A clear poly carbonate plastic substrate ii) A reflective metallic layer, iii) And a clear protective coating of acrylic plastic. The reflective metallic layer is where from data is read in the form of minuscule depressions (pits) and contrasting flat regions (lands) that are arranged in a spiral track (groove) winding from the disc's inner hole to its outer edge.
How to know if a disc is damaged: You would know that a disc is damaged if: i) The disc begins to skip, ii) Stops playing.
What are the vulnerable areas: The clear protective coating of acrylic plastic, which covers the poly carbonate substrate and the reflective metallic layer is most suceptible to damage. It is also important to know that the top surface of the CD or the side which bears the label of the company/artist is the safe surface. This surface remains on the top when the CD is inserted into the CD player. The under surface or the shiny surface, (called readout side/unlabeled side) is the surface, which can suffer damage. If the acrylic coating on this surface is disrupted, CD is damaged.
What causes the damage? Dust and rough surfaces are the biggest causes of damage. The readout surface of the disc can quickly gather dirt and is very easily scratched. Similarly if it is kept on a rough surface it can be scratched. Fingerprints and smears can cause scratches.
How to prevent scratches: i) To protect the data from scratches, fingerprints, dust particles, and smears, do not touch the readable/unlabelled surface of the disc. ii) Never place it face down (on the readable surface) on a hard surface. iii) Hold the CD from edges, with four fingers, to avoid touching the reading surface. iv) If you really want to guard against scratches, keep your compact disc in its case while not in use. v) Before keeping CD ensure that the case is clean from inside. vi) Keep the CD with the readable surface facing downwards.
How to clean the surface i) Should the CD become dirty, clean it with a soft cloth lightly moistened with CD cleaning fluid or ethyl alcohol. ii) While cleaning work from the center to the edge. iii) Do not use any type of solvent, such as Benzene, Lacquer thinner, Antistatic Agents, LP record cleaners as they may damage the surface by reacting with acrylic coating. iv) You can also use Pro Wipes, available in the market. These are round cloths made for CD cleaning. v) Always wipe the CD from the center hole to the outer edge. vi) Never wipe in a circle, this will leave marks.
Other things to protect the CD from: Prevent the CD from strong magnetic fields, extremes of temperature and humidity.
Strong Magnetic Fields :The Monitor of your Computer, Television set, VCD/ LCD player, Microwave Oven are some of the common domestic appliances which generate strong magnetic fields. These interfere with the stored magnetic data. So avoid keeping CDs on or near these. Temperature: Never leave the disc in a place which is subject to direct sunlight, high temperature. Recommended temperature: 10°C to 50°C (50°F to 122°F)
Humidity: Never leave the disc in high humidity. Recommended humidity :10 percent to 80 percent
If the disc is damaged, there are repair kits in the market. Repair kits don't work very well, so the best thing to do is to take good care of CDs in the first place
CD Player is also important. Don't forget about cleaning your CD player, too. A CD Lens cleaner will keep dust down from your player and keep your CD's playing at their best.
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