Expand print possibilities into a new dimension

Touchstone enables graphics producers, sign-makers and décor service providers to use an Arizona flatbed printer to print multiple layers easily, resulting in printed effects that mimic textured surfaces, embossing, metallic accents and raised lettering.

Touchstone is part of an end-to-end solution comprising four individual components: a plug-in design tool for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator; the ONYX Thrive workflow solution; the Touchstone software using an ALPS (Advanced Layer Printing System) technology; and an Arizona wide format flatbed printer. Touchstone makes both the file creation and the printing of high value textured applications exceptionally easy. A 3D preview enables users to pre-emptively identify potential adjustments that need to be made to the design and the level of elevation. Once finalized, the design is transferred to a standard PDF file, making it easy to share for production.

The workflow consists of both a designers’ and print providers’ component. The designers’ component consists of Adobe CC extensions for Photoshop and Illustrator that designers can utilize in an environment they are already familiar with. Designers determine which image areas they want elevated by implementing an additional greyscale layer in their file where black represents the highest point and white the lowest point. To preview their work, the Touchstone extensions also include a viewer that renders the file in 3D complete with lighting effects. Once happy with the file, the designer saves it as a pdf and sends it to the print provider.