Technology's Edge

Lenticular Flexographic Printing

CHASKA, Minn.—Printing and converting companies now have the ability to manufacture 3D and motion images with flexographic lenticular, reports Lenstar.org, an industry organization providing information on lenticular technology. This can be accomplished by using lenticular roll stock from Pacur and interlacing technology with Kodak's new Flexcel-NX plates provided by Pixalen Studio.

Printing lenticular effects on flexographic presses has faced issues concerning print resolution, dot size, and press registration. The introduction of higher resolution imaging devices such as Kodak's Flexcel-NX Imagine System, combined with prepress and interlacing technology from Pixalen Studio, and rolled lens stock from Pacur, has overcome these barriers to "direct-to-lens" lenticular flexographic printing.

"The Flexcel-NX System is amazing. The dot size is extremely precise, and combined with our Chromalen interlacing technology, it's what you need to produce great looking flexographic lenticular," remarks Tim Goggins, director of Pixalen Studio.

The Chromalen technology developed by Pixalen Studio is key to the process. Chromalen eliminates the registration problems of conventional lenticular flexographic printing, while simultaneously eliminating "refresh" or "parallax shift" in images.

Pacur is currently stocking four standard roll widths from 10˝ to 20˝, and can manufacture custom roll widths based on order volume. Pacur and Pixalen have also established a starter package including roll stock, art files, Flexcel-NX plates, and press-side support.

"Adding motion or 3D effects to a label is going to be a great way to give a package design added value—just imagine walking in front of a store isle and having all the packages move as you are passing by! There is no doubt brand owners will see the value of motion graphics for higher-end packaging options, new product introductions, or a stealth tool to deal with a crowded category space," comments Bruce Hammerbeck, vice president of marketing for Pacur.