Inks and varnishes can be deposited onto a substrate in layers, so as to create a 3-D ‘lens’ effect without requiring a special lenticular material.
Achieving new dimensions
With today’s advances in digital inkjet printing, the addition of varnishes, primers and white inks can enable a wide range of multi-layer and textural effects. Unique, eye-catching output can be achieved by layering and isolating these inks and varnishes at various points throughout an image.
By way of example, ultraviolet-curable (UV-curable) inks and varnishes can be deposited onto a substrate in layers, so as to create a three-dimensional (3-D) ‘lens’ effect without requiring a lenticular material. Essentially, this process involves printing a series of transparent lenses.
With traditional lenticular printing, a precise multi-step process is required to create a 3-D motion effect by combining at least two images. The resulting graphic seems to move when it is viewed from different angles.
For the varnish-based lens effect, on the other hand, the chosen substrate no longer dictates the animation effect. Instead, depth is added to the substrate by tuning the size of the lenses and the array in which they are printed. With this concept, the varnish is layered to help build sufficient height for the 3-D effect.
Software is used to create the pattern. Then the printer outputs the imagery in multiple steps. First, the image is output with a white background on a transparent substrate, such as polycarbonate or acrylic, that is 3, 5 or 9 mm (0.12, 0.2 or 0.35 in.) thick. Next, the sheet is flipped and registered. Finally, the pattern of tiny lenses is printed in layers with clear varnish.
This process provides an easier way to add a lenticular effect to many different applications at many different sizes, including POP displays, posters, trade show graphics, decorative prints and packaging. For PSPs, it could well be a key to greater profits and market differentiation.
This is just one example of how multi-dimensional printing can create unusual graphics that leave a lasting impression of passersby. There are many creative possibilities for using inks and varnishes on both sides of a substrate and combining ‘static’ and ‘moving’ images with depth. Whether used for advertising and promotional messaging or for architectural effect in decor applications, digital inkjet technology is versatile and effective not only at producing high-quality output, but also at making a client’s project stand out from the crowd.
Reinhilde Alaert is a marketing manager for Agfa Graphics’ high-end sign and display products. This article is based on a seminar she presented at the 2017 Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) Expo in New Orleans, La. For more information, visit www.agfagraphics.com and www.sgia.org.
