Enough metal is put on the back of the silver surface to support it
rigidly, and with a quick blow of a hammer and with a shaking of the
inserting tool, the entire silver-copper mold breaks free from the lacquer,
and we have a negative in metal.
We now have a source of negative offspring stampers, each of which can press
out as many as a thousand or so finished records. Another punch knocks out a
larger area, usually a couple of inches in circumference from the middle to
fit the centre of the press.
After the previous steps that occur between the original recording and the
final metal negative stamper disk, comes the final operation of making of
the record. The basic press structure is precisely what is needed for record
making. Using super heated steam at 300 degrees, then quick cooling by cold
water, all of which must be controlled by the opening and shutting of
appropriate valves automatically.
After coming out of the hot press the newly made record has its ragged edge
neatly trimmed by a circular cutting device and then passed on for
inspection. Records are rejected by visual inspection and by playing checks.
Any rejects are then recycled and the material used again.
