Vinyl records are pressed by introducing the raw material, (PVC), into a press, where temperature and hydraulic pressure squeeze the raw vinyl into the shape of the stampers, to leave the imprint of the original master lacquer.

The stampers are fixed to 'moulds' in the press, one for each side of the record. These steel moulds contain a labyrinth of tunnels inside them, where steam or cold water can be introduced under high pressure, to control the temperature exactly during the pressing procedure.

Firstly, the raw vinyl is heated and formed into a 'puck'. This is a hot, soft slab of raw material, with a weight/ content a little more than that in the finished record. This is introduced into the middle of the press. The record labels are introduced above and below this puck on a 'label arm', and then 'centre pins', top and bottom, come through the centre of the moulds, to hold the labels in the centre, and stop vinyl filling the centre hole. The moulds are heated with steam to around 140 degrees, the press closes utilising a hydraulics system, to around one ton of pressure.

Under this pressure and heat, the puck is squeezed out and fills the space exactly between the stampers. After a few seconds, the steam is replaced with cold water. This allows the record to become firm enough to be removed from the press.

This record is then placed on the 'trimming turntable', where excess vinyl is cut away to leave a 12” disc. This, once cooled, is ready to play.

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