P3D Lenticular processes & materials

["kbg" <kerrybg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I spent many frustrating hours attempting to find a printer of commercial
quantities of post card size lenticular images (single view). I have
contacted a number of firms in Hong Kong, Singapore, USA, Switzerland etc.
but am confused by the apparent different processes and materials on offer
and in use, and the corresponding apparent differences in quality (give or
take the sales hype). I also do not know what camera I should be using for
a good result as there seem to be a number of models out there with a
confusing number of lenses!
The sample I have which I wish to match quality wise is a post card by
TOPPAN TOP STEREO of Oberusel-Germany & printed by CSA Printing Studio Inc.
CA/USA. It is a picture of the Eiffel Tower. I have received samples from a
Hong Kong manufacturer but of inferior quality, which alerted me to the
potential differences between printers/materials or whatever!
 Since then I have found that it appears that different materials can be
used for the printing and different processes (some seem to require
expensive set up (origination costs) while others seem to be capable of
producing relatively low cost single prints (eg. 3-D x of Duluth Georgia
USA).
I thought it might help if I educated myself re the actual printing process
but can find no technical infomation about even the basic fundamentals of
how a lenticular print is produced, much less the alternative
materials/processes!

So, I wondered if there was some kind soul out there who could enlighten me
re any of the following:
1.  How are lenticular prints produced? (Or where do I read about it?)
2. What are the alternative materials available and what are their
corresponding properties/advantages/costs.Are there also different
processes?
3. What manufacturers/printers produce what products and what should I be
looking for for my purposes (post card print to match Toppans's quality)?
4. What camera(s) should I consider using to achieve this quality (for a
scenery pix. e.g.)?
5. Is it possible to manipulate images on a computer before printing (eg.
add a foreground (layer?) of foliage or whatever? Using a photo editing
programme such as Photo Shop?

A bit of a big ask I'm afraid for a first timer in this field but any
scraps of information would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Kerry Gray
Sydney
Australia


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