The engineering logic behind the CD's 15-millimeter center hole
In short: That small opening is more than a design quirk; it is a functional necessity for optical playback. This video explores how that tiny detail ensures your music stays centered and readable.
The center hole allows a spindle to keep the disc perfectly balanced during rotation, which is essential for the laser-reading system to function accurately. The diameter of the hole is standardized at exactly 15 millimeters.
The video reveals how this specific measurement was reportedly inspired by an ordinary object and explains why this small feature became a global standard for all optical discs.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why Do CDs Have a Hole in the Middle?
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