Perfect for point-of-sale and luxury products, the patented system facilitates unique, attractive 3D photographic displays

Marly, Switzerland, October 11th, 2010 – ILFORD, long recognised for combining quality and tradition with the latest imaging techniques, has just launched the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System, creating the first 3D photographic displays.
Thanks to the cutting-edge ILFOSEAL 3D, combined with standard ILFOVINYL product processed through RA4 equipment, which is then vacuum formed, an innovative and unique high end photo quality point of sale display is possible for the first time.

Production houses wishing to create and offer outstanding platforms for their customers now have an alluring, new display option: ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System. With point-of-sale recognised as one of the strongest factors influencing customer decisions, retail displays are an essential investment. The new ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System, created in conjunction with Photoplast, the owner of the system patents, offers production houses a unique way to remain competitive, with vibrant 3D displays.

The smooth satin finish, the traditional photographic look, and the robustness of the premium quality ILFOVINYL makes it an attractive media for short term outdoor or long-term indoor displays. ILFOVINYL is a cost effective choice, allowing labs to utilise existing RA4, digital or analogue enlarger systems. Processed at paper speed, ILFOVINYL offers an efficient production route enabling labs to meet demanding timescales.

ILFOSEAL, is a breakthrough new coating developed exclusively for ILFOVINYL. When ILFOSEAL is applied to the media, moulding and forming is possible without any detriment to the image. The ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System is a four step process:

The first step in the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System is to transform a 2D picture into a 3D image. Using commercially available software dedicated to this process, the image is quickly converted and ready for print.

The second step of the process is printing the 3D image. Thanks to the versatility of ILFOVINYL, printing is fast and straightforward using digital or analogue enlargers and standard RA4 processing equipment. The vinyl base shows off images beautifully, while the media conceals fingerprints and prevents tears or rips, making it easy to work with. Recognised as offering a broad colour gamut, ILFOVINYL images are both bold and breathtaking.

Once the image is printed, the unique ILFOSEAL is added. This exclusive coating differentiates the 3D Colour System from anything available on the market today. Easy to work with, ILFOSEAL is heated to bond the coating to the media using a standard hot laminator.

The final step in the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System is to vacuum form the ILFOVINYL 3D image. Foam or resin moulds are used in this process, depending on the number of impressions called for. Deformations of up to four centimetres are easily possible. The photograph is aligned over the mould in the vacuum forming equipment, heated and deformed, creating the first 3D photographic display.

“We are always looking for cutting-edge retail solutions that attract and retain customer attention,” begins Tony Dennington, Managing Director of Colouration. “With the new ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System, we are able to combine superb print results with a brand new display technique, and that is something we are excited about. We have selected the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System for the Davidoff retail displays as an outstanding way to showcase and build brand awareness for Champion. And we have already received enthusiastic customer feedback on our unique, customised approach.”

“Combining the high-end look and feel of ILFOVINYL with the new ILFOSEAL, the media is magically transformed into an entirely unique product, which can be moulded and formed into the first ever 3D photographic point of sale displays,” shares Jane Dixon, Head of Global Marketing, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH. “Fashion, beauty and perfume brands will appreciate the high-end look and feel the ILFOVINYL gives, while ILFOSEAL creates an entirely new offering allowing these brands to stand out and attract customer attention.”

ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System samples will be available from October 2010.

For more information on ILFORD, please visit www.ilford.com