Forum CDRinfo.pl - 12 cm 200 MB CD-R with partial metallization

Optiarc DVD RW AD-5200A 1.09, 17:15 min burned at 16x speed

sold as "12 cm 200 MB CD-R with partial metallization"
ATIP: 97m27s00f
manufactured by an unknown Swiss or German manufacturer using a 4M Technologies stamper with generic ATIP code

This is the strangest CD-R - and probably the strangest optical disc overall - in my collection. It comes from old stock of now-defunct Slovak online store selling optical media, and there are many mysteries surrounding it, chief among them its purpose. Twenty-five years ago, the first mini CD-Rs began to come into fashion, and shortly thereafter (and for a very short time), variously shaped CD-Rs as well, mostly in the form of business cards or hearts. But why was this medium created with the size of a standard 12 cm CD-R and the capacity of an 8 cm CD-R (200 MB)? The CD-R is only coated up to the 200 MB mark; the rest of the disc's surface is blank, creating a very unconventional and intriguing visual effect. Was this absolutely unique appearance the main goal of this strange design? Or - was this disc intended to be cut into various shapes later, such as hearts or visit cards?
How old is the disc? It was definitely manufactured between 1999 and 2002. It still uses a gold reflective layer, early phthalocyanine dye, and the stamper comes from the Swiss company 4M Technologies (or, in other words, Multi Media Masters & Machinery). The ATIP is an illegal and generic code 97m27s00f, widely used by small and fledgling manufacturers; the disc has no serial numbers or printing, and minor signs of corrosion are beginning to appear. Who made it? I'd guess some completely obscure and forgotten small Swiss or German manufacturer - a few of them ventured into producing specialty and shaped CD-Rs at the turn of the millennium, only to quickly realize it wasn't worth their while due to lack lack of customer interest.

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