The Lenticular Lens and how it works!

One side of an extruded plastic sheet is embossed with columns of tiny corrugations called lenticules, hence the name "lenticular" in lenticular extruded lens. The lenticules are all the same size and are spaced equally across the sheet. The other side of the sheet remains smooth in order to be printed upon.

The frequency of lenticules is called lines-per-inch or LPI, and can vary from 10 to 200. Just as no one eyeglass prescription works for everyone, no single LPI works best for all project effects.

The curvature or angle of the lenticule is important to keep in mind when selecting the proper lens. For an optimal 3D effect, a narrow-angle lenticular lens with a viewing angle between 15 to 44 degrees works best. When working to achieve a good animation effect, a wide-angle lenticular lens with a viewing angle between 44 to 65 degrees works best. These variances will help to determine which lens works best for your project.

Lenticular Lens Dimensions

Lenticular sheets range in thickness from 0.008 to 0.385 of an inch. What you choose is determined by the desired effect your looking to accomplish and how your project will ultimately be used. Sheets come in a number of sizes, with 20"x 28" and 28"x 40" being two of the most commonly used in offset printing. Roll lenticular is also available for the flexo and web printing markets. Ultimately—whatever dimensions being used—it's the clarity of the lenticular sheet that plays a huge role in the quality of the product.

Lenticular Lens Options

There are so many variables involved in putting together a great lenticular piece. Selecting the correct lens is ultimately one of the most important decisions to make.

* This print process requires an optically clear adhesive to laminate the lens to the print (increasing the distance between the print and the lens, thereby, changing the focal point.) It is suggested that the lens gage or thickness be adjusted by the manufacturer to allow for the thickness of the adhesive.