The 500µm thick 3D Film Pure has an in-built 3D pattern created through a special extrusion process that gives the percetion of depth when viewed from any angle.

This allows standard graphics, whether printed on the front or reverse of the film, to visually "pop out" from the surface.

An Océ spokesman described the unprinted film as looking like it had a layer of bubbles inside it and said that it was these that gave the perception of depth.

"It's an optical illusion," he added. "We're predominantly pushing it onto the Arizona because it's designed for UV cured print, but we've had people trialing it for all sorts of applications, from business cards to backlit to POS."

The substrate, which is recommended for posters, signs, point of sale displays and packaging, is compatible with a range of Océ wide-format machines including the Arizona 350, 360 and 550 GT/XT as well as the Arizona 318 GL when using its IJC256 inkset.

To achieve the desired 3D effect, Océ recommends using the machine's Quality Layered mode and printing on the reverse and backing up with white ink. However, a spokesman added that the film could be used without a white ink, but that this resulted in a "loss of sharpness".

Océ's 3D Film Pure is available in packs of 25 sheets, sized 635x915mm at a cost of around £100 a pack.

Océ UK director of display graphics and imaging supplies Dominic Fahy said the new substrate was another way for Arizona users to "add value" to their product offering.

"3D film pure is ideal for campaigns and promotions. You can also cut or score and fold the film to create stunning packaging," he added.