Alignment and Application

Lens Alignment

Lens alignment is the process of positioning the lens rows to activate Active Image prints (either on the Active Image Print Paper or stamped with the AZ stamp). Alignment determines the final appearance (linear, "shimmer", appear and disappear, aka "come & go" or "flip").

Lens application

Place the lens on top of the Active Image print. Rotate the lens and enjoy all of the possible activated images. Select the image or "look" that you like.

"Pencil Line" Technique

Once you have selected an alignment, draw a line on the paper at the top or bottom edge of the lens. Now lift the lens, remove (and save - see below) the clear release film from the back of the lens to expose the adhesive. Carefully place the lens edge on the lines drawn on the printed paper and press the lens down to remove air and bond the adhesive. Use a bone folder, plastic squeegee or brayer on the paper side to remove any remaining trapped air. See the "Pencil Line" Technique drawing.

"Release Assist" Technique

The "pencil line" technique described above is quick and works well for many non-critical alignments. A more precise lens application technique is needed to optimize certain images. We call this the "Release Assist" technique. For this technique, you will need a sheet of release film (a good source is to save the release film after using the "pencil line" technique). The release film that protects the adhesive on the lens sheet has two sides. The side next to the adhesive is coated to release easily from the adhesive. The exposed side is not coated and will deface the adhesive if placed in contact with the adhesive. You may be able to feel the difference between the two sides, but a more fool proof method is to mark on the film with a pen or marker. The "release" coated side will not mark while the non-coated side will mark easily. Now refer to the "Release Assist" technique drawing.

Step 1. Fold and crease a piece of "release assist" film with the release surface facing out [B].

Step 2. Peel the release film on the lens back about 1 to 1-½ inches and fold down [D].

Step 3. Place the lens sheet on the release assist film so that the exposed adhesive is in contact with the release assist film.

Step 4. Place the lens and release assist film on top of the stamped image. Move the lens around until you have the "look" of choice. (For a "flip" image, alignment is critical. Press down firmly and rotate the lens slowly. Start with lens positioned to show small color lines in the image. Rotate the lens to make the lines larger. Critical alignment occurs when the lines totally disappear.)

Step 5. Apply pressure at point "A", pull out the release assist film at point "B" and apply pressure at point "C". Now the lens is "locked" in alignment on the stamped image. Reach in and pull put the release film on the adhesive at point "D". Turn the work over and press out the air.

Step 6. ENJOY THE RESULT!