Although you may not recognize the term 3D lenticular printing by name, you would surely recognize an example of it when you saw it.

The end product can take many forms, and be used in many situations from giant billboards, to standard movie posters, calendars, trading cards, kitschy bracelets, pens, mugs, and virtually anything. However, whatever form it is, it always stands out and makes an impression.

The result of 3D lenticular printing is an apparently flat surface. This surface depicts a two dimensional image that appears to change as the eye hits the surface at different angles. For a big movie poster, this change of viewing angle happens as you walk by, or with a small 3D card, it happens as you tilt the card in your hand. The image can change in a couple different ways. First, it can change drastically, or transform, so you see only one large change in a flash. Second, it can change gradually so you see what appears to be convincing motion (such as a person running) or a transformation like a person’s face changing little by little, as your point of view changes. Last, an image can stereoscope and appear to pop out, giving the illusion that you are looking at a “magic eye” book, or seeing an image with 3D glasses.

The technology behind 3D printing involves printing strips of different images next to each other on plastic. The plastic is clear lenticular lenses, which look like very thin ridges. They are rounded at the edge, thus focusing your eyes on different picture strips.

Many advertising departments have taken notice of these effective eye-catching products and have invested in companies that offer 3D lenticular printing services. This technology has been around since the 1940s and still fascinates people, demonstrating that 3D printing is an effective and memorable technique, appealing both to our senses and sense of wonder. East coast businesses hire Performance East for their plastic printing requirements. www.PlasticPrintingNY.com Call: 800-221-9670