At The Carvery we offer a number of vinyl pressing services and customisable
options. Any run, large or small, we're happy to help. Options include full colour printed
centre labels, a number of sleeve options from plain to reverse board, to full colour printed.
We now have the option of producing smaller minimum runs upwards of 100. Perfect for
promoting a new release or when you don't want to commit to a larger one. The pressing
plant will keep the "stamper" of the record for a limited time if more copies are desired later.
If you would like something a bit special, for example coloured vinyl, picture discos, bespoke
packaging, laser etched vinyl, stickers or custom sleeve printing, we will be happy to work out
a quote or advise of the best options to fit your budget.

The Process

A record press machine is essentially a hydraulic press with a closing force of 100 tons and is fitted
with moulds. Labels and a vinyl pattie (pre-heated vinyl blob) are placed in the mould cavity while the
moulds are being steam-heated with an ideal steam pressure of 140-170psi. Stampers (metal plates, one
for each of Side A and Side B) for each title to be pressed are fitted to the moulds. The "stamper" contains a
negative image of the grooves. The moulds close and through the process of compression moulding the
vinyl fills the cavity and takes the form of the finished record, complete with grooves courtesy of the thin
metal "stamper".
Water at a pressure equal to the steam pressure is then admitted to the moulds to expel the steam
and cool down the moulds. The press opens and the record is removed from the moulds. The overflow vinyl at
the edges is trimmed and the records are stacked and allowed to cool. Cycle time for a 7" record is about 15 seconds
and for a 12" record about 25 seconds.