Optical Disc Packaging

Basics

• This page aims to go over the various ways of packaging Optical Discs such as CDs DVDs and Blu-Rays / M-Disc

Options

Jewel Case

• A Plastic Case that is pretty rigid, and outside of potentially shattering the disc when removing it, shouldn't damage the disc

C-Shell and Similar Thin Cases

• These tend to be single piece packages with a Live Hinge
• Often Polypropylene
• Examples:
  • Innovera Slim CD Cases, Clear, 25 Pack (~14 USD) (Translucent White)
  • Innovera Slim CD Cases, Clear, 10 Pack (~9 USD) (Assorted Colors)

STiL CD Case

• Marketed for archival use
• Made of Polypropylene, but supposedly a better mechanism for releasing the disc (to prevent shatter), and larger gaps to prevent scraping
• The Website
• A Potential Source for Buying them, PrintFile Archival Storage
• Rated for up to 60 Years
  • Need to see what this is based off of, some sort of Accelerated Aging test maybe?

Ejector Case

• Haven't seen these firsthand yet, but they grab the disc by the edge, and sort of shoot it out when a button is pressed
• A B&H Photo Store Page for them (No longer available there)
• Duplication . ca supposedly still sells them
• As well as "Blank Media Printing"
• Getting one even to just reverse engineer and 3d print would be neat in of itself

Digipack

• Essentially a cardboard "book" that has either the Plastic Insert Itself from a Jewel Case, or a similar divot and spindle
• In the case of Music/Video releases it can have artwork and such
• Probably not as durable, but it depends

Sleeves

• Due to the risk of scratching the disc these aren't advisable, although for casual use of easily replaceable things it isn't a big deal
• Can be plastic, paper, or cardboard

External Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Optical Disc Packaging
• a RateYourMusic Wiki Post Titled "Package type"
  • Just found this based on the images, has a detailed guide with good photos/diagrams (although seems to be instructions on what to tag your stuff as based on desciptors)
• A Duplication Company (Duplication . ca)'s Page Showcasing their Options
• A Publishing Shop (Disc Wizards) Page Titled "CD DVD & Vinyl Design Templates - Download all CD, DVD & vinyl print packaging design templates here
  • Showcases their options and has templates for each
• Media Medley - Music CD Case Packaging Styles
• PREMIUM Super Jewel Box King Size Super Jewel Case CD DVD Super Audio Hinge Case (why does it have a punchcard in it) (May lowkey just be the DVD case type thing, which apparently HIPS ones were made of, but otherwise seemed notable, and the punchcard was just goofy enough to need to share lol)