Print shops can really set themselves apart from the competition by printing striking lenticular images. However, high-quality lenticular prints are virtually impossible to achieve without the right tools and the necessary know-how. Even the smallest inaccuracies during print preparation can destroy the desired effect. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is now making it easier for users of its print shop workflow Prinect and CtP Suprasetter technology to carry out top-class lenticular printing.

With the new Prinect Screening Editor, users can create lens-accurate screens for printing moiré-free lenticular images. An innovative algorithm ensures that the screen lines always coincide exactly with the lenses of the film, thus preventing moiré effects. At the same time, a new Suprasetter function (not available in the U.S.) enables the platesetter resolution to be selected automatically for the lenticular film used - this prevents both images being made visible at the same time during a flip, for example. In addition, the Prinect Signa Station allows for lens-accurate assembly of the repeats on the sheet, ensuring each repeat looks exactly the same. As a result, full use is made of the expensive lenticular films.

The software creates a fully defined workflow without any need for "trial and error". All the key settings are clearly specified in the fully automatic Prinect workflow, thus eliminating any potential sources of error.

This results in lenticular prints of a consistently high quality, short makeready times, and minimal paper waste. Last-minute changes are also possible. Correction values are generated automatically and can be saved for follow-up jobs.

"Thanks to the lenticular workflow from Heidelberg, print shops enjoy very reliable production," explains Mark Ihlenfeldt, Product Manager in Computer-to-Plate at Heidelberg. "Our customers no longer have to spend time on laborious tests and trial runs. Instead, they can be confident that precision in prepress will result in an equally high-quality end product. With training and support from Heidelberg, entry-level users and experts alike will soon be enjoying excellent results."