Mass producing vinyl records is quite a complicated process.
In the process called ‘Direct Metal Mastering’ (DMM), a cutting lathe is used to cut a master recording on a copper disc. This is like the reverse process of playing a record as a diamond cutter vibrates against the copper to cut the track.
The copper DMM is then electroplated with nickel to create a metal stamper. These negatives of the original recording are used to press the vinyl positives by mounting them on a hydraulic press.
Melted vinyl pellets are introduced between the stampers which are then pressed together to make the disc. The edges are trimmed with a blade.
This method is used to create up to 2000 vinyl records at a time.