This article concerns lenticular printing, its types, effects, uses, and services. Everything you need to know about lenticular printing is here.
Lenticular printing is a method that uses lenticular lenses (also used in 3D displays) to create printed pictures that have the appearance of depth or the capacity to shift or move when seen from different angles. 3D lenticular print service creates printed pictures with the appearance of depth or motion by combining properly prepared graphics and lenticular lenses. Lenticular lenses are made up of a front surface with repeated rows of convex lenses (lenticules) and a backside with a flat surface that may be directly printed on or has a pre-printed design adhered to it.
It is a technique/process that requires multi-steps, and it produces a lenticular picture from at least two photos and then positions it behind a lenticular lens. It can be said that the pictures created by lenticular printing create an illusion in the eyes of the viewers. The picture may look 3D, morphed, or flipped when looked at from various angles. However, in reality, they are just 2D pictures that are not changing or moving.
Types of Lenticular Prints
Lenticular prints can be classified into three types. The basis for this classification is simply how much of a shift in the angle of view is required to modify or change the image.
- Animated-
When it comes to laminated prints, the distance between distinct perspectives is “medium.” Both eyes view the same picture normally, but if you turn your head slightly, it will switch to the next photo in the sequence. This may be used to make a moving picture, zoom, or morph effect, where a section of the image expands or changes shape as the angle of view changes.
- Stereoscopic-
In this scenario, the variation in viewing angle necessary to shift visuals is minor, resulting in each eye seeing things from a slightly different viewpoint. Two or more are utilized to create a 3D illusion that does not require the usage of special glasses.
- Transforming-
The lenses, in this case, are intended to need a somewhat considerable shift in the angle of view to transition from one image to another. The picture flips from one image to another as the viewer or print moves further. This is called the flip effect.
Effects
Lenticular printing can create the illusion of the appearance of various effects. This can include morphed, zoom, or animated. Let us look at these effects in a little more detail.
- Morphing–
Lenticular morphing technique progressively transforms one element into another. You will see the faces/objects changing as the angle is changed. Although any two pieces may be morphed, it works best when two photos have similar shapes and are on the same backdrop.
- 3D-
The illusion of dimension on a typically flat surface is created by a 3D lenticular. The object seems as if it is on the surface when it is actually a 2D image. Layering art or pictures beneath a lens creates 3D lenticular printing.
- Flip-
Flip is the most basic of animation effects, then as well it is frequently the most effective. When seen from different angles, the lenticular flip effect allows up to three unique pictures to be assembled and seen separately.
Other effects include zoom, which is concerned with the change of size and visibility of the article. And at last, there can be combinations of these effects. Combinations enable one to combine two prints into one.
Uses of Lenticular Printing
Lenticular printing can be used to create various commercial products. The types and effects of this printing can great a greater impact in terms of visualization. Commercial uses of lenticular printing include 3D lenticular posters,3D lenticular postcards, large format lenticular posters, 3D lenticular book covers and stickers, DVD inserts, lenticular fridge magnets, clothes, business cards, and more.
These products are used for advertisement purposes, daily uses, aesthetic reasons, or business-related operations.
Lenticular Printing Services
When looking for lenticular printing services, there are some things one should consider. These things you need to consider before opting for these services are as follows:
- Experience-
Experience can be checked by the number of customers and the time the service provider has been in the field.
- Samples-
Samples are mostly provided by providers. If not, make sure to ask for them.
- Reliability-
The reliability of a provider, can be ensured by looking at their websites. A well-built website can tell you everything you need to know about a service provider.
Conclusion
Lenticular printing has been in demand because of its visual appeal.3D lenticular print service providers are available easily. However, you must select the best for you after taking the above-mentioned factors and affordability and customer reviews into consideration.
