Sony MINIDISC - Manual (Page 13)

Pit
Protective
layer
Reflective
layer
Polycarbonate 1.2mm
MD Components
A A D D C C D D
A U S T R I A
11
1. Upper Cartridge
The upper cartridge is made of grey plastics (e.g. polycarbonate). Its purpose is to protect the MD
against mechanical damage or dust. The upper cartridge also forms the spine on which the disc ID
information will be printed in white ink.
2. Label
The paper label is glued onto the upper cartridge.
3. Disc
The disc is manufactured in the same way as CDs are. It has a polycarbonate layer which contains
the data. A thin layer of aluminum is used as reflective media, which is protected by a protective
layer against destruction.
4. Clamping Plate
The clamping plate is made of magnetic stainless steel. This steel plate allows to stabilize the MD
from the bottom side with a magnetic chuck. Therefore the MD does not require a hole in the upper
cartridge and so almost the complete surface of the upper cartridge can be used for the label.
5. Shutter Lock:
It is made of plastics (e.g. POM) and locks the shutter in the close position.
6. Shutter:
The shutter is made of plastics (e.g. POM). It closes the opening in the lower cartridge through which
the data is read and it protects the MD against dust and damage.
7. Lower Cartridge:
Also the lower cartridge is made of grey plastics (e.g. Polycarbonate). It contains openings for the
disc-drive and the laser that reads out the data. On the backside, information like artist, titles,
playing time, etc. as well as the catalogue number is printed directly on the cartridge in white ink.
8. MD Jewel Case:
The MD is packaged in a 3-piece Jewel Case, consisting of clear bottom and lid parts and a grey tray.
It contains a booklet and a backline card similar as CD package. The MD Jewel case dimensions are
110 x 91 x 15 mm.
Disc: