ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the process of manufacturing vinyl records, starting from the moment metal stampers are received. The first step is to warm up the vinyl pellets in a hopper, which are then melted and extruded into a disc shape, called a “puck“ or “biscuit.” The metal stampers are affixed into a hydraulic record press, along with the center labels, closed down under extreme pressure squashing the puck between them. This action presses the grooves of the record into the hot plastic. Then the record is removed from the press, and trimming the edges creates a smooth, round vinyl record. Then it is carefully set aside to cool, ready for quality control. Once cooled and inspected for defects, the final step is the packaging. The final steps involve placing the records in protective sleeves and then into their final packaging, such as a jacket, with finishing touches like shrink-wrap or marketing stickers. The finished records are then ready to ship to distributors and retailers.
