General RFID Information

Converting Capabilities

In order to maximize efficiency and lower costs, Metalcraft’s state-of-the-art converting equipment uses a front-end process designed to inspect raw inlays and eliminate non-readable inlays prior to converting into a substrate, meaning no bad inlays will go through the actual converting process.

A variety of materials including polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene and polycarbonate may be used to create a durable, reusable RFID tag. The machinery encapsulates the inlay between layers of adhesive and die cuts to a custom size depending on the inlay needed for the specific inlay.

Product Constructions

Metalcraft offers several different alternatives for RFID tag constructions and attachment methods. Each method offers a subsurface printed top layer that protects the bar code and/or human readable from harsh environments. As with other forms of identification products, application and environmental conditions must be considered to ensure a long term solution has been found.

Prototypes

Due to the complexities of the technology as well as the environmental factors involved, prototypes are critical for the end user to test in real-life conditions. Metalcraft’s engineers will work with your staff on pilot runs to develop a product that will work for your specific application.

Durability - Beyond Slap and Ship

Unlike “slap and ship” thermal transfer paper RFID labels, Metalcraft RFID labels are durable enough to be used and reused in demanding environments. Subsurface printing protects the logo, copy and bar code against chemicals and mild abrasion while the encapsulation process protects the RFID inlay against exposure to chemicals and reduces the effects of electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Read/Write Capabilities

Our custom-built programming stations are roll-to-roll systems for writing to finished labels. This allows us to preprogram the RFID chip with specified content such as custom serial numbers or EPC code. We support all major linear bar code symbologies and can read a bar code from the label and then write the number to that specific RFID tag allowing users to utilize bar code and/or RFID technology. We also have the ability to write ID and data fields to the tags from a database in cases where bar code images are not required.