donut maker : Computer Hardware Buyers’ Glossary

A small plastic device for applying circular labels to CD-ROM (Compact Disc — Read Only Memory) disks. It centers the label perfectly, and makes sure the center of the label comes in contact before the edges to help prevent bubbles. Circular labels usually come two to a sheet. Print the bottom one first so you can then come back later and print the top one without the missing label interfering with print. CD (Compact Disk) labels are quite expensive, $0.40 to $2.00 CAD each. Ink-jet labels allow rich colour on high gloss paper. Laser labels use a more porous paper. Make sure you get the right kind. Some ink-jets let you print directly onto the CD, saving a fortune in labels. The sticky label completely covers any advertising the CD maker has put there. When you print directly, you must arrange your printing to dodge the advertising. The circular CD labels are called donuts. The rectangular labels for the plastic case are called ;jewel case labels. The machine to apply the label to the disc should have two rods, one to fit the small hole in the CD and one to big the big hole in the label, like the discontinued Avery CD Stomper. These do the centering before you press them together. If it does not have that, don’t buy it. It won’t be able to center the label.

Acoustica makes some comptent, reasonably priced software for creating sticky donut labels on your printer. It works with a ton of different formats. I can hardly believe the sticky label industry could find so many different ways to place two donut-shaped labels on letter sized piece of paper. It comes with an array of backgrounds to choose from. It also handles LightScribe.

I am all thumbs when it come to sticky labels. The label sticks to me. It rips. It folds over on itself. It won’t go on centered. I have pretty much given up on sticky labels. To avoid glue and paper altogether, use LightScribe CDs (Compact Disks) and DVDs (Digital Video Discs) and a burner than supports the LightScribe software to etch directly onto the back of the CD/DVD (Compact Disc/Digital Video Disc).