Types of lenticular plastics

Lenticular plastics vary primarily by two factors: the number of lenses per inch (LPI) and the viewing angle. Understanding how these characteristics affect print size, resolution, and visual effects is crucial in selecting the right plastic for each project.

LPI (Lenses per Inch)

Low LPI (10–20 LPI)

• Typical Uses: Large-format applications, such as billboards, bus shelter graphics, wide panels, décor, and signage.
• Printing Methods: Often printed directly onto the lenticular plastic with UV flatbed printers or via cold lamination (e.g., inkjet prints mounted onto the back of the lenticular sheet).
• Advantages:
• Larger lenses accommodate bigger viewing distances and bold visual effects.
• Ideal for high-impact outdoor or indoor displays.

Mid-Range LPI (40 LPI)

• Typical Image Sizes: Usually ideal for mid-sized prints in the range of roughly 40–80 cm (16–31 inches).
• Recommended Printing:
• High-volume advertising campaigns often use direct flatbed printing.
• Smaller runs or fine-art prints (e.g., gallery 3D artwork) can be produced with inkjet printers (like Epson) and then cold-laminated.
• Why 40 LPI: Strikes a balance between lens visibility and clarity, making it versatile for both 3D and flip effects without being too coarse.

High LPI (60, 62, 75 LPI and above)

• Usage in Digital: Smaller-format digital inkjet printers with higher resolution and finer droplet sizes excel here, allowing highly detailed, customized lenticular prints in short runs.
• Common Formats: Business cards, notebook covers, brochure inserts, magnets, packaging elements, and other smaller promotional items.
• Offset / Litho Printing:
• 75, 100, or 150 LPI sheets are typically bought in larger pallets (e.g., 1,000+ sheets) for high-volume offset or litho production.
• UV technology is strongly recommended for direct printing, though specialized inks can enable offset lenticular printing without UV in some cases.
• Key Benefits: Finer lenses are ideal for close-up viewing, high-resolution imagery, and more intricate effects.

Additional Considerations

• Thickness: Different LPIs often come in various thicknesses (e.g., 0.45 mm, 0.75 mm, or thicker), impacting compatibility with certain printers and lamination methods.
• Print Resolution: Higher LPI demands higher printer resolution for optimal image clarity.
• Project Scale: Always match LPI to viewing distance, image size, and design complexity (e.g., a large flip or 3D piece might need a coarser lens for easier visibility at a distance).

Viewing angle

Alongside LPI, viewing angle is a key factor in determining the type of effect you can achieve:

• Large Viewing Angle
• Best For: Dynamic motion or “image change” effects such as flipping, zooming, morphing, animation, and multi-phase sequences.
• Why: A wider angle allows the viewer to see multiple images as they move from side to side.
• Small Viewing Angle
• Best For: 3D depth effects and precise layering.
• Why: A narrower angle helps maintain crisp 3D illusions without blurring between viewpoints.
• Intermediate Viewing Angles
• Versatile: Lenses with mid-range viewing angles can often handle both motion effects and moderate 3D.
• Manufacturer Guidance: Most lenticular plastics come with datasheets indicating recommended applications (3D, flip, animation, etc.). Always check these specifications to match your design goals.

Pro Tip:

When selecting lenticular plastics, consider both LPI (to align with your print size, desired resolution, and budget) and viewing angle (based on the effect you wish to create). A large-scale 3D billboard, for instance, may require lower LPI and a moderate viewing angle, whereas intricate, smaller pieces benefit from higher LPI and a potentially wider angle for multiple flips.

By examining these two core factors—LPI and viewing angle—you can determine which lenticular plastic is best suited for your project, whether it’s a massive outdoor advertisement or a detailed, small-run promotional item.

How to buy lenticular plastics safely

Not all lenticular plastic manufacturers offer the same quality, reliability, or customer service. With over 20 years of industry experience working alongside lenticular print providers in more than 65 countries, Imagiam has developed a global network of trusted manufacturers. Our team of independent experts tests each supplier’s materials rigorously to ensure they meet the highest standards of clarity, durability, and print compatibility.

Why This Matters

• Consistent Quality: Inferior or inconsistent plastics can ruin an otherwise perfect print—leading to wasted ink, time, and money.
• Expertly Vetted: Our thorough technical evaluations help you avoid trial-and-error with unknown suppliers.
• Global Sourcing: Whether you’re based in Europe, the Americas, Asia, or elsewhere, we can recommend reputable manufacturers in your region.
  

Exclusive Benefits for Imagiam Software Customers

When you invest in our Imagiam lenticular printing software, you’re not just getting top-tier imaging tools; you also gain free access to our curated list of recommended suppliers. We’ll connect you directly—no middleman—so you benefit from:

1. Cost Savings: Access wholesale pricing without markups.
2. Reliable Stock: Minimize production delays caused by out-of-stock materials.
3. Quality Assurance: Each manufacturer is personally verified and continuously monitored by our experts.