You need to know the some important things before you would want to repair digital discs. The important things to know are how they are produced and what type of damages can be repaired. It is very important to know everything about CD's if you want to repair it. When you know the fundamental of CD's, repairing will be much easier.

How to Make A CD

First, understand that we keep all the data at one side of the plastic disc. So, the data needs to be stamped on the disc to create many zeros and ones on this side. If it is a recordable disc, there are different levels of burning a CD depending on the type of recording.

Moving on, a layer of reflective foil that is thin will be applied on top of the CD. This will cover up the data. The most important feature about this layer it light reflective feature so that the data can be read.

Do not be surprised that lacquer is involved in the process. It is dripped on to the disc and then the disc must be spun at high speed. This will create a seal on the disc although it has no protection or whatsoever on the data and the foil.

This is where the graphic comes in. A layer of ink is printed on the lacquer layer so that the disc is more appealing for sales. Please note that the foil, lacquer and graphic offer no protection to the data. It means if you scratch on the data layer, there would be no use anymore.

How a CD is Read

You might have seen different types of discs in the market. However, the working all is the same. Files such as songs and pictures are being stored in a digital form. Therefore, there will be millions of zeros and ones on the disc.

The information is being read with the help of infrared laser that projects through the disc. There will be reflection or no reflection to the laser reader, which will then process the information. The process is also known as decoding. Laser reader will decode the zeros and ones being reflected.

So, it is really important to make sure there is no scratch on the disc. A scratch will cause defect to the disc. As such, the laser will be off the track and no data will be readable. Protect your disc with a shield to avoid loss of data.

How a CD Can Be Damaged

The easiest and also the worst way a CD can get damaged is through scratches. To repair a disc, the location of the scratch will determine if the CD can be repaired or not.

Keep in mind that the important part of the disc you must protect is the side of polycarbonate disc. However, not many people know how to protect a disc, not even the manufacturer who leaves the CD exposed. Whether there is data or not in a disc, a scratch will damage the whole thing.

If the scratch is on the other side, then it is possible to repair through polish. It is crucial to be watchful when you use the disc and notice any scratches so that you can repair them as soon as possible before further damage.

An easy way to check for scratches is to hold the disc 24" from a light bulb with the label facing the bulb. You will see light coming through if there are scratches and the bad news if you cannot repair this disc.

Whether a disc can be repaired many times or not depending on how deep the scratches are on the disc especially when you polish the disc.