Hal Hinderliter

Learning About Lenticular, part 1
November 12, 2007

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Question: I’d like to know how to print 3-D and/or flip-flop images. Can you recommend a good (not too expensive) software and a supplier of the lenticular?

Leo (Vermeulen)

For an expert view on this topic, I spoke with Jeff Miller, Sales Director, Americas for HumanEyes Technologies Ltd.:

“Incredible 3D applications are being created by some of the world’s most important print companies,” said Miller, “These lenticular projects can be seen in airports, train stations and tradeshows.  Additionally, 3D effects are now showing up as POP, direct mail, packaging, greeting and postcards, business cards, puzzles, cups, key chains and even t-shirts.”  Until recently, this process has been shrouded in mystery, but our expert revealed that it’s not as complex as you might think… “Lenticular technology can be used to create beautiful images and seductive motion graphics, leading most printers to assume this tantalizing medium is too tedious and expensive,” noted Miller. “Thanks to the innovative and affordable software applications developed by HumanEyes, this assumption is no longer true; the unique and profitable field of lenticular printing is now available to all.”

A (very) brief history of lenticular technology
Miller explained that the process of capturing and producing lenticular images has traditionally been cumbersome and time-consuming, involving multiple specially equipped cameras and endless hours of manual interlacing – but not anymore. “Today, producing lenticular is no longer the province of a select few,” declared Miller. “Modern software that’s easy to install and learn makes it possible for more printers to produce lenticular work than ever before.”
 
How it’s done
Lenticular printing is made possible by thin plastic sheeting known as a lenticular screen. Each sheet contains dozens of tiny convex lenses per inch, which will greatly magnify any image placed behind it. The magic of lenticular printing is in the preparation of an interlaced image, featuring two or more images that are combined into thin slices (three-dimensional effects work best with vertical slices, while zooms and other motion effects work best with horizontal slices).

The choice of effect (3-D, flip, morph, zoom) is completely up to the artist’s choice of image slices. In the past, these slices had to be prepared manually, but faster and more accurate results are assured through the use of a specialized application created just for this purpose. The HumanEyes software divides the lenticular printing process into two programs, the authoring application (Creative 3D) and an output application (PrintPro). HumanEyes offers exclusive easy 2D to 3D conversion, which maximizes use of existing image assets; and an interactive Timeline workflow feature giving the user precise creative control of animation effects and flips.

Printing in 3-D
Each slice of the interlaced image must align perfectly with the lenticular lenses in the plastic screen, so the screen’s precise number of lenses per inch must be known prior to preparation of the interlaced image. Once the interlaced image has been created, it can be printed with offset lithography or high-resolution inkjet. Best results are obtained by printing directly to the back of the lenticular screen, but it’s also possible to print onto paper then cold laminate the substrate to the plastic screen. For a deeper explanation of this process and troubleshooting tips, visit the HumanEyes website’s Tech Support pages.
 

Posted by Hal Hinderliter on November 12, 2007 | Comments (1)