RFID Technology - Tag & Label Components
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders.
An RFID tag is an object that can be adhered to a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using radio waves. Some RFID tags can automatically be read from several meters away and do not have to be in the line of sight of the reader. The current thrust in RFID use is in supply chain management for large enterprises. RFID increases the speed and accuracy with which inventory can be tracked and managed thereby improving logistical effectiveness while reducing logistical cost.
Most RFID tags contain at least two main parts. One is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a (RF) signal and perhaps other specialized functions. The second is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal.
RFID labels all have the same basic components: pressure sensitive adhesive and release liner, antenna, silicon chip, printed bar codes, cushion layer, electrostatic discharge coating, face stock, and printable coating. Some will argue that an RFID label is not a label but an electronic component and it should be handled accordingly.
RFID Smart labels can also offer covert and overt features in the security label product to help protect authenticity. These include photo luminescent adhesives that shine brightly if a label is cut, torn, or replaced. The company has also launched a new product that features UV fiber that show up under black light and is chemically reactive to certain solvents. This means that a simple black light or bleach pen can be used to determine the authenticity of the label at the point of sale.
RFID labels are more delicate and often heavier than regular labels, and most have a noticeably irregular appearance because of the internal circuitry that enables them to send their signals to an RFID reader. Because of the delicate nature of the circuitry, there is a high failure rate of delivered RFID labels. This will impose serious future demands on their materials of construction and manufacturing processes. Even so, smart labels are about to be placed on a wider variety of items and surfaces, and in much higher volumes than ever before.
Typical RFID Label Construction Styles
|
Style A |
Face Sheet |
Inlay |
Adhesive |
Liner |
|
|
|
Style B |
Face Sheet |
Inlay |
Spacer |
Adhesive |
Liner |
|
|
Style C |
Face Sheet |
Protector |
Inlay |
Spacer |
Adhesive |
Liner |
|
Style D |
Face Sheet |
Inlay |
Face Sheet 2 |
Adhesive |
Liner |
|
|
Style E |
Face Sheet |
Inlay |
Face Sheet 2 |
Spacer |
Adhesive |
Liner |
|
Style F |
Face Sheet |
Inlay |
Protector |
Adhesive |
Liner |
|
The growth in RFID and Smart label technologies is being fueled on a global basis by the increasing demand for supply chain product tracking and product security tools. At the heart of this growth is the development of new RFID systems. Even more important is the development of increasing technical challenges centered on printed-on-label antennae using conductive inks, and improvements in RFID label construction, function, and adhesion to difficult substrates.
Chemsultants is involved in several important areas of research and development including the areas of conductive printing inks for printing of antennae, RFID label component design, and the issues of set-off, reflectors and bonding enhancement related to label-as-transponder performance.
The research being undertaken is expected to result in product improvements and enhancements in the areas of 1] low-cost UV cured conductive inks, 2] development of improved performance adhesives for label layer bonding, and 3] identification of thin caliper set-off materials. Through internal research efforts combined with strategic alliances Chemsultants is positioned to be a factor in developing novel and innovative solutions to existing RFID tag and label issues.
For additional information on Chemsultants International Network developments contact us at:
Email: info@chemsultants.com
Telephone: 440.974.3080 / FAX: 440.974.3081
Chemsultants International, Inc. 9079 Tyler Blvd. Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440.974.3080 Fax: 440.974.3081
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