CD transit protection -Reply

[Gerald D Gibson <ggib@xxxxxxx>]

I don't have a specific answer for your inquiry on sources for CD transport cases, but I do refer you to the ANSI
standard on storage (including packaging and labeling) of all optical discs (including CD-ROM, CD-R, and
CD-MO, as well as various video disc formats). It should help clarify what you would want such a transport case
to do, if you haven't decided already.


 ANSI IT9.25-1997 (Optical Disc Media - Storage) was 1997, but I have not yet seen a published copy. You can
inquire of ANSI to get it.  

To quote from the standard on points that might be of interest in your decision:

"5 Materials

"The materials used for storage housings and enclosures shall be chemically stable and non-debris producing.
They shall be free from warpage and distortion.

"6.1 Containers

"Containers shall be resistant to impact, moisture and dust intrusion. Containers made of paper or cardboard
shall not be used. Containers shall be designed in such a way that neither the disc data or label surface is in
contact with the container when the container is stored in its proper and vertical position. Containers shall not
be able to be deformed, or mechanically compromised, in the defined storage conditions. The container lid
shall be capable of being latched, attached, or locked to prevent accidental opening. Plastics such as
polystyrene, polypropylene and polycarbonate are suitable for storage housing applications. Prolonged
exposure to strong light, including florescent and incandescent lighting, causes yellowing of polystyrene
plastics, sometimes accompanied by crazing. Polystyrene and polypropylene break down in sunlight or
ultraviolet (U.V.) (Morgan)(see clause 2). Foam rubber and plastics such cellulosics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
and highly plasticized materials shall be avoided.

"6.2 Labeling

"Containers shall provide a means for labeling which allows identification of the recorded information
contained within. The labeling shall be non-acid, non-debris, and non-oxidant producing and shall be attached
to or affixed in such a manner that it will remain for the life expectancy of the discs. Multiple labels on the
container shall be avoided and the number of labels shall be kept to a minimum to avoid the possibility of
adhesive migration.

"'Stick-on' labels shall not be applied to the disc for long term storage [this is defined in IT9.25 as being "...
recorded material having permanent value." Not very good in my opinion, but....]. They [sic} labels may cause
mechanical imbalance of the disc and mechanical deformation. When 'stick-on' labels are misapplied any
effort to remove or reposition the label may damage the disc. Furthermore, it is possible that chemical
reactions may occur between the label adhesives and the disc surface, Other marking systems have their own
unique problems. The disc manufacturer should be consulted when selecting marker pens. Some solvents in
the ink may damage the disc. Thermal printing techniques have been known to damage the information on the
disc if the applied thermal energy is too great. The disc manufacturer should be consulted prior to the use of
thermal printing on any specific disc surface."

The standard also includes sections on Introduction, Scope (it applies to all optical discs), Normative
references, Definitions, Environmental conditions, Preparation (environment and acclimatization are the only
two sub-sections here), Storage housing (meaning furniture and weight load, etc.), Storage rooms (cleanliness,
other uses, etc.), Fire protection storage, and Identification, insepction and cleaning.


Sorry to be so long winded. Hope this is helpful in finding an answer. 

Gerry
Audio and Moving-image Peservation Specialist
Preservation Research and Testing Division
Library of Congress
Washington, D.C. 20540-4560