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Lenticular (3D) Imaging & Printing

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How Lenticular (holographic-like) Images Work

Remember those great eye-winking trinkets you'd get from the Cracker Jack box as a kid? Those were very rudimentary forms of lenticular imagery. Lenticular technology, often confused with holograms, has come a long way since those days. We now find lenticular images integrated into packaging, drinkware, movie posters, book, CD and DVD covers, to name a few. You don't have to look very far to find an example. But, would you recognize it as lenticular? Probably not! So, we've assembled this Squidoo lens to educate the world on lenticular.

Image use compliments of National Graphics, Inc.

Lenticular Image Interlacing 

Multiple image (frame) files are interlaced (interweaved) into a single lenticular image using specialized software. The interlaced image is finely-tuned (resolution) to the specific characteristics of the lenticular lens, as well as the desired viewing distance.

how lenticular works

Lenticular Lens 

A lenticular lens is comprised of extruded clear plastic lenticules ("ribs"). Each lenticule works as a magnifying glass, revealing only portions of an interlaced image at a time. The frames of the interlaced image change as the viewer changes viewing angle of the lens.

how lenticular works

Three-Dimension (3D) Image Effect 

The Three-Dimension effect positions visual elements on different spacial planes. The interaction of these elements create the illusion of depth. The Three-Dimension effect can be used in combination with other effects.

Lenticular Lens Orientation: Vertical lens orientation (side-to-side/walk-by motion) is required for the Three-Dimension effect.

Motion Image Effect 

The Motion effect plays image frames like a motion picture projector. These short movie clips can be comprised of computer-generated animation, video, time-lapsed photography, and even motion picture film. The Motion effect can be used in combination with other effects.

Lenticular Lens Orientation: Horizontal lens orientation (top-to-bottom motion) will provide the best Motion result; however, a vertical lens (side-to-side/walk-by motion) will produce very good Motion results.

Morph Image Effect 

The Morph effect dynamically transforms one visual element into another. This effect is a great tool for a retroactive comparison of a new product, logo, or technology. The Morph effect can be used in combination with other effects.

Lenticular Lens Orientation: Horizontal lens orientation (top-to-bottom motion) will provide the best Morph result; however, a vertical lens (side-to-side/walk-by motion) will produce very good Morph results.

Flip Image Effect 

The Flip effect turns visual elements of an image on and off. One image can completely change to another. This effect is a great tool for "before-and-after" and "cause-and-effect" demonstrations. The Flip effect can be used in combination with other effects.

Lenticular Lens Orientation: Horizontal lens orientation (top-to-bottom motion) will provide the best Flip result; however, a vertical lens (side-to-side/walk-by motion) will produce very good Flip results.

Zoom Image Effect 

The Zoom effect forces visual elements, or even an entire image, to be propelled forward. This effect is a great tool for focusing attention on a featured product, logo, or marketing message to be conveyed. The Zoom effect can be used in combination with other effects.

Lenticular Lens Orientation: Horizontal lens orientation (top-to-bottom motion) will provide the best Zoom result; however, a vertical lens (side-to-side/walk-by motion) will produce very good Zoom results.

Effects Combination 

Three-Dimension, Motion, Morph, Flip and Zoom effects can be combined into a single lenticular piece. Effects selection should be based on the specific result to be achieved.

Lenticular Lens Orientation: Lens orientation should be based on the specific application of a lenticular piece. A vertical lens is always required for the Three-Dimension effect.

Lenticular Terms 

Common terms used in lenticular production.

3D
Lenticular image effect that creates a three-dimensional illusion using multiple images (same as depth).

Alignment
The parallel positioning of a lenticular image to the lenticules (ribs) of the lens.

Animation
Lenticular image effect using multiple images to create the illusion of motion (same as motion).

Banding
Unwanted pattern caused by a resolution mismatch of the image, output device, or lenticular lens.

Depth
Lenticular image effect that creates a three-dimensional illusion using multiple images (same as 3D).

Flip
Lenticular image effect when switching from one image to another.

Frame
One of the multiple image files interlaced to create a lenticular image.

Gauge
The thickness of a lenticular lens (same as thickness).

Ghosting
Unwanted visual artifact that does not completely turn off during an image transition.

Interlacing
The process of interweaving multiple frame (image) files into a single lenticular image.

Lens Count
The number of lenticules (ribs) counted per inch of a lenticular lens (same as LPI).

Lenticule
Single magnifying rib of a lenticular lens.

Lenticular Lens
Extruded clear plastic comprised of lenticules (ribs).

LPI
The number of lenticules (ribs) counted per inch of a lenticular lens (same as lens count).

Morph
Lenticular image effect that smoothly transitions from one image to another.

Motion
Lenticular image effect using multiple images to create the illusion of motion (same as animation).

Orientation
The reference to lens direction. Vertical lens orientation provides a side-to-side or walk-by motion. Horizontal lens orientation provided top-to-bottom motion and will provide the best motion and flip result. Note: A three-dimension effect requires a vertical lens.

Parrallax
The offsetting of visual planes to create the illusion of three-dimension.

Refresh
The jump a lenticular image makes while transitioning to the beginning frame image.

Thickness
The thickness of a lenticular lens (same as gauge).

View Distance
The distance the lenticular image will be viewed at. Hand-held and poster are the most common references.

Zoom
Lenticular image effect when enlarging a portion of an image.

Lenticular Product Links 

Custom 3D Lenticular (holographic like) Business Cards and Postcards with Dynamic Animated Effects
Online system allows you to automatically create lenticular (holographic like) business cards and postcards. Use your very own images, apply dynamic visual effects (ie 3D, Flip and Zoom).

Lenticular Imaging & Printing Links 

National Graphics
Extreme Vision is the world's premier printed lenticular product providing 3D, motion, morph, flip, and zoom effects.

Lenticular Lens Producer Links 

Spartech Plastics
Plastic lenticular sheet manufacturer.
Jacobsen Lenticular Tool & Cylinder Engraving Technologies Co.
Producer of the LentiClear lenticular lens.
PACUR
Polyester and lenticular plastic extruder.
GOEX
Plastic lenticular sheet manufacturer.

Lenticular Cylinder Engraving Links 

JacoTech
Custom or conventional lenticular cylinder engraving services.

Lenticular Software Links 

Power Illusion
Professional and entry level lenticular software. Available for Mac and Windows.
IMAGIAM Lenticular Effects
Lenticular software fpr professional printers. Available for Mac and Windows.
ProMagic Software
Professional interlacing and 3D software. Available for Windows.
HumanEyes
3D software fro lenticular printing and photography. Available for Mac.
LCK Virtua 3D
Lenticular printing software for 3D holograms. Available for Mac and Windows.

Lenticular Articles Links 

American Printer
Made you look!
HighBeam Encyclopedia
With a wink of an eye. (lenticular photography)
SignIndustry.com
Lenticular imaging: differentiating printing to another dimension.

Lenticular Resources Links 

Lenticular Products Guide
A Concise Directory of Lenticular Products and Services
LENSTAR
Innovative lenticular resource for advertisers, designers, and their clients.
Wikipedia
Lenticular lens description.

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