Zebra Imaging creates state of the art holographic images using customer-supplied 3D digital files. Holographic printing uses precision mechanical, optical, software and film technology.
We strives to provide the highest quality product possible. However, due to the nature of these technologies, some dissimilarity in the replication of a film based, holographic image from your digital image information is normal and expected. It won’t necessarily be an exact copy.
The information contained in the following disclaimers is provided to convey information on Zebra Imaging’s product capabilities and limitations. Please read and understand the following disclaimers carefully.
Hologram Characteristics & Limitations
A.) 3D Image Design Considerations:
Please be aware of certain limitations in successfully printing various designs using Zebra Imaging’s holographic imaging process. Some designs replicate better than others. Certain designs or elements of designs will not work well in our process and should be avoided or minimized. Some design considerations are as follows:
- Depth Of Image – The farther something is away from the image plane (in either direction), the blurrier it will be. For a 290x290mm (11.4”x 11.4") hologram, the recommended depth for data is about 100mm (4”) above and 100mm (4”) below the image surface. The sharpest location will be within 25mm (1”) of the image plane. You can probably go as far as 150mm (6”) to 200mm (8”) above and below, but know there is increased risk of blurring.
- Color Selection As It Affects Hologram Brightness – It is best to use bright saturated colors with a high degree of contrast values, whenever possible. Subtle colors and pastels have a tendency to dim in the final image. White and gray will have a tendency to have a “tint” color, often green. A solid white background will actually end up looking dull, and show surface imperfections of the film. Areas of large, flat color will exhibit artifacts, and appear more "dull" than normal.
- Font Style And Size – Text should be 15mm (.5”) high to be legible. Keep the text close to the image plane for optimal clarity. Large block sans-serif type works best. If possible avoid thin serif and script type styles.
- Image Sharpness and Resolution – The hologram is divided into units called hogels. Think of hogels as three dimensional pixels. In a color holograph image, each hogel is fixed at .71mm in each dimension (height, width, and depth). That means that a 600x600mm image (23.62” x 23.62”) has a resolution of 845 x 845 hogels. Generally speaking, the larger the physical size of the hologram, the more hogels there will be, and the sharper the image will appear. You can simulate the sharpness of your hologram by viewing your file on your pc monitor with our ZScape® Preview software at the appropriate resolution for the hologram size you are ordering.
- File Size ––Although there are no definitive file sizes determined for ZScape® Preview, there are some good rule of thumb size limits to use. Try to keep your individual model files between 500 and 800 MB. Also, try to keep the total size of data files imported into the tool under 4 GB. Four GB is at the upper limit and you will notice considerable lag times in both loading the files and manipulating the data in the file. Keeping the total file size closer to 2GB is preferred.
- Texture Map File Sizes -- Extremely large texture files can slow the program down considerably and in some cases the program won’t see the texture at all, if it is too large. Usually textures that are 2048x2048 pixels maximum, are sufficient for the resolution of the finished hologram. Remember these are rule of thumb suggestions. The speed of your CPU, level of graphics card, and amount of RAM on your machine will have an effect on what ZScape® Preview can handle.
B.) Hologram Product Limitations:
Hologram Printing uses technology and processes much different than traditional ink based printers. As such, the volumetric light field that is created in the hologram process has very different characteristics than a color, two dimensional, flat ink image. Zebra Imaging considers the following characteristics as normal in our hologram printing process.
- Accuracy of Color Reproduction and Matching – Zebra Imaging does not provide any color matching guarantee as pertains to screen-viewable, electronic (online) proofs approved by you and the printed holographic matter produced, thereafter. If close color matching is an essential requirement of the job, then your must let us know, prior to placing your order and provide us with an image and color information. Zebra Imaging will then perform an evaluation and assessment of the likely hood of a close match.
- Visible Viewing Angle – 0 to 45 degrees from central axis (looking directly at the center of the hologram from above) in all directions. Outside of this angle, the viewer will see a distorted or blank version of the holographic image.
- Variation In Color Hue Based On Viewing Angle – In some cases, a slight variation in overall color hue will be noticed based on the viewing angle of the observer. This is normal.
- Ambient Lighting Conditions – Holograms look best when displayed in ambient light conditions that aren't overly bright, and that don't contain numerous strong, point light sources. Use of Zebra supplied lighting source is highly recommended.
- Grid Effect – The hologram is made up of thousands of pixel-like “hogels” etched into film in a grid pattern. Even thought the hogels are spaced very closely together, in some cases, the spaces between the hogels are visible as very small grid-like lines. This effect can be more apparent in areas of large, light colors in the hologram image.
- Film Bubbles/Scratches – As with any film based process, there can be minor resulting air or dust particles visible in the image. The subtle imperfections are entirely due to the film fabrication and post production processes. These imperfections can be more noticeable with certain colors and positions in the image than in others. Imperfections smaller than 12.6mm2 and /or if they are in a position to not obstruct the subject matter of the hologram are considered acceptable by our quality standards and “sellable.”
Artwork Approval Responsibility
Zebra Imaging produces holograms for you per your files, specifications and instructions. While we will bring to your attention any errors that we notice, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVAL OF PROOFS, PROOF READING AND ERRORS. If we produce work that contains errors not caused by Zebra Imaging, then you are responsible for full productions costs, as well as for the cost of producing the work a second time, if you request us to do so.
Please see our Terms and Conditions of Sale
Online Proofing
Prior to printing, you will receive an electronic preview proof to verify the accuracy of all art file elements, including but not limited to, positioning, text, image proportion and placement. It is your responsibility to ensure that the proof is correct in all areas. Please be sure to double-check spelling, grammar, layout and design before approving electronic proofs.
Hologram print production will proceed only after a proof has been approved by you - either by electronic or written signature- with full acceptance of all disclaimers herein. Your approval is contractually binding for payment of all services rendered.
You are 100% responsible for compliance with Copyright, Trademark and Licensing Agreements of all images.