Fathom in Color: Expansion of Reproduceable Color in Interference Pattern-Based Printed Motion and Depth Effects

Author

Dovie JeffcoatFollow

Date of Award

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Graphic Communications

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. Liam O'Hara

Committee Member

Dr. Nona Woolbright

Committee Member

Kern Cox

Committee Member

Anne Barr

Abstract

Value-added printed embellishments are increasingly sought after as brands compete for consumer attention. Fathom Optics’ method for printing motion and depth effects provides a cost-efficient, reduced waste embellishment option. One of Fathom’s current limitations is producing effects with vibrant color. The current standard practice for producing color Fathom Effects tends to darken and desaturate the final embellishment’s color. This study endeavors to determine how an ink color's components (hue, value and chroma) may determine a Fathom Effect’s contrast or intensity. To achieve this, fifteen color inks were selected to flexographically print the effect patterns. Samples were taken from each color effect, and their luminance data was evaluated to determine the effects’ contrast. The results showed that an ink’s lightness tends to have a direct impact on effect contrast, and chroma may have a lesser, yet still consequential influence. Whether an ink’s hue impacts the effect contrast was inconclusive, and further research is suggested.

Recommended Citation

Jeffcoat, Dovie, "Fathom in Color: Expansion of Reproduceable Color in Interference Pattern-Based Printed Motion and Depth Effects" (2022). All Theses. 3778.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/3778