This method of producing CDs uses a desktop recorder to put a premastered image on a disc that has a polymer dye layer, using a laser to burn the data into the dye. 2x drives are the most common, requiring 39 minutes for a full 650MB disc. This is the process of making a glass master from a premastered image, creating stamplers from the master, then pressing discs with the stamper using injection molding. Once the stamper is made and the machine is set up, a disc can be produced in a matter of seconds. Duplication Duplication produces many copies of a disc at once.
Duplicators use CD-R media, and usually a bank of recorders controlled by a single processor.
The number of recorders that can be in a single array is limited by SCSI protocols, and usually cannot exceed 17 plus one reader for the source material. At least two days, usually more, up to weeks or even months is needed for creating master, stampers and scheduling press runs. Don't forget to include shipping time to and from the plant as well, and if they have to send the premaster to another facility to have the master made, that can add hours or even days to the turnaround time. Every time an injection molding machine is stopped, some materials and time are lost, so manufacturers prefer to do large runs so the unit cost for small runs will be higher. Also, during a busy season many replicators do not like to schedule small runs at all because large runs are more profitable and less trouble for them.