The key difference between acetate dubplates (also known as lacquers) and PVC lathe cuts lies in the materials used. Despite the name, acetate is actually a metal disc coated with nitrocellulose lacquer. The music is etched into this lacquer on a lathe using a sapphire cutting head. Due to the softness of the lacquer, acetate dubplates typically have a short lifespan. On the other hand, lathe cut vinyl records are not the same as pressed vinyl records. They are made from a highly durable plastic compound, offering a lifespan comparable to that of pressed records. The music is engraved into the plastic on a lathe using a diamond cutting head. With proper care, they can last as long as a pressed record.