3D Prints on a Wide-Format Printer? Thanks to Lumii, Now You Can

In anticipation of the impending 3D content that’s sure to hit our smart phones, cameras and web browsers in the coming years, the clever minds at the Boston-based start-up, Lumii, have developed a way to print 3D photos on films using a standard aqueous wide-format printer.

“When we look at the next generation of content, we believe it’s going to be 3D content,” says Lumii CEO and founder Tom Baran. “When we talk to printers about it, they get very excited about the prospect of using the equipment they’ve already invested in.”

Baran, along with Matt Hirsch, Lumii CTO and founder, collaborated while pursuing their Ph.D.s at MIT to develop the technology that makes the 3D prints possible. Using light field technology, Lumii creates unique patterns from 3D scans or photos and then prints those patterns on two films — one clear and one translucent — to create the 3D effect once the layers are joined. When those prints are lit from behind, the 3D image pops out even more.

The key, Hirsch and Baran say, is using very high-resolution printers and the right materials. When searching for their translucent film for the rear layer of the 3D prints, they inquired at a local print shop, which is where they discovered LexJet 8 Mil Absolute Backlit film.

“We did a very unconventional analysis in that we looked at [the backlit film] under a microscope,” Hirsh says. “We looked at: How well does it hold ink; does it have the right opacity; did it bleed, etc. We tried a variety of things, and we really like the way this backlit performs.”

Although Lumii is still in its early stages, the plan is to offer their 3D prints to customers who upload their own 3D files to an ecommerce site. Lumii will then manage the fulfillment of those orders by working with print shops that have the right type of printer and use Absolute Backlit and other qualified products.

Possible applications for the technology could be endless — bus stop signage, movie theater posters and promotional graphics, to name a few. Hirsch and Baran certainly see digital décor, interior design and art installations as big potential, as well.

“It’s interesting how there’s a lot of room to add value in the print world that’s yet to be tapped,” Baran says. “Especially when you couple that with this massive 3D content that’s going to grow exponentially over the next five years.”

Check out another recent example in this video:

Buzzer Beater Savings: 30% Off Select LexJet Media

Don’t let the clock wind down without taking advantage of some special savings on select LexJet media — this week only. You’ll find products for nearly any project, compatible with aqueous, solvent and latex inks.

Monday through Friday, you can save 30%* on the following items:

LexJet Photo Papers. Choose from a variety of paper options and finishes, like eSatin, matte, metallic, gloss and more. SHOP PAPERS HERE

LexJet Polypropylene Films. You’ll find self-adhesives for outdoor graphics, clings for windows, lay-flat films for banners and backlits and more. SHOP POLYPROPYLENE HERE

LexJet Polyester Films. Enjoy the ease of use of more than 20 popular polyester films for backlits, banner stands, trade show graphics, POP displays and more. SHOP POLYESTER HERE

LexJet Canvases. We know you’ve got your favorites when it comes to our wide array of canvas options. But if you’re in the mood to give a new LexJet canvas a try, call your LexJet rep at 800-453-9538 for qualifying products.

*30% savings off MSRP

March Offer: Pick 3 HP Media Rolls & Get 1 of Them Free

Starting this Wednesday, choose three rolls from a select list of eligible HP large format media products, and you’ll get a check by mail for the price of the least expensive roll.

You’ll find a wide variety of products that you use every day, including:

Stock up now and be ready for your next retail, event, decor or trade show project. Limit two rebates per customer/address. To get all the details and terms and conditions, and to request your rebate, go HERE.

To be eligible, all products must be purchased together on one receipt. Allow six to eight weeks for delivery of your rebate check.

4 Step Guide to Installing LexJet Simple Grip Backlit

Our award-winning LexJet Simple Grip Backlit has been recognized in the industry for the excellent results it delivers with artificial or natural light, but it also scores big for its easy installation process.

Check out the LexJet Simple Grip Backlit – Installation Guide to see the four easy steps to creating excellent window and backlit displays that will stand out from the rest.

For this installation, we recommend these supplies: warm, soapy water, a microfiber cloth, Marabu Window Juice and a felt-covered squeegee.

Have you had good results with LexJet Simple Grip Backlit? Tell us in the comments below. And if you’d like installation guides for any of our other products, let us know!

No Bull: Big Sale on Select LexJet Inkjet Films Ends Tomorrow

LexJet Inkjet Films SaleLexJet’s no-bull, no-fine-print sales on select inkjet display and backlit films ends tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4.

Be sure to pull the lever in the next 24 hours or so you get the best possible price on the following products:

To take advantage of these savings before they end tomorrow, give a LexJet printing specialist a call at 800-453-9538. You can also order these products at the sale price online; just click on the product links above.

The next big sale of The 5 starts on Wednesday, so check back here or at www.lexjet.com to find out what’s coming up next on November 5.

The Ultimate Film Sale at LexJet: No Bull, No Fine Print

From now until November 4, save up to 40% on the following LexJet backlit and display films:

  • Display and Backlit Film Sale at LexJetLexJet 6.5 Mil Gloss Opaque Display Film: 40% off this instant-dry, production-friendly film for aqueous inkjet printers. The polyester film features an instant-dry coating for quick and easy production and produces vibrant, super-sharp images
  • LexJet 8 Mil Absolute Backlit: 35% off what is absolutely the best backlit for aqueous printers. It features a matte finish, an instant-dry coating, and produces brilliant colors and sharp details
  • LexJet 12 Mil Gloss Opaque Display Film: 30% off this bright-white, high-impact film for aqueous printers. Perfect for banner stands and pop-up displays, it also comes with a Lifetime Warranty when combined with a 10-mil LexJet Elite Laminate
  • LexJet 11 Mil Blockout Water-Resistant Polypropylene: 30% off this lay-flat, already-economical choice for displays compatible with aqueous and latex printers. This is a versatile, cost-effective alternative for trade show and retail graphics
  • LexJet 11 Mil Blockout PolyGloss: 30% off this versatile glossy polypropylene film compatible with aqueous printers. The bright-white surface provides additional color fidelity and contrast

This is a no-bull sale with no fine print, other than it ends on Tuesday, November 4. Call us at 800-453-9538 or click on any of the product links above to order online.