RFID technology is responsible for creating leaps in terms of improving productivity and automating industries. When it comes to industries that primarily use metal objects, items, or machinery, we face the problem of signal distortion. This is why they use specially designed metal mount RFID tags for industrial automation and tool tracking.
So, let’s discuss in some detail these tags and how they benefit us.
Introduction to Metal Mount RFID Tags
Radio Frequency Identification is very popular amongst businesses for asset tracking & inventory management. RFID uses radio waves to communicate essential information like product name, group, and location, between the tags & the reader. Mostly, RFID technology seems to be foolproof and impervious to operational issues. However, there is one big issue, that is, signal distortion & disruption from metal surfaces.
To solve this problem, manufacturers have developed special RFID tags, designed to function on metal surfaces. These are known as Metal Mount/Mount On-Metal RFID Tags. These tags overcome the problem of detuning and signal distortion that occurs due to the induction of eddy currents. Metal mount RFID tags work by forming a separating barrier between the metal surface & the RFID inlay.
There are three types of metal mount RFID tags available in the market for use:
Hard Tags
These tags provide maximum durability, they have a hard shell covering on the outside. These are made to protect against physical damage, high temperature, and chemical damage. You can mount these tags using a variety of methods like screws, welding, and adhesive.
Embeddable Tags
As the name suggests, these RFID tags are meant to be embedded inside an item. You can also use epoxy to firmly secure the tag inside the item. They are generally very small in size and are perfect to mount on tools.
Printable & Flexible Tags
Unlike the previous two, these tags do not have added protective coating or go inside an object. But, due to their flexibility, you can put them on curved metal surfaces.
How to Use Metal Mount RFID Tags in Industries
Metal mount RFID Tags are perfect for businesses that deal with metallic items like automobile manufacturing, tools manufacturing, medical equipment, etc. These tags allow the RFID system to work without any disturbance from the metal surface. Radio Frequency Identification is a great tool to better manage your business’s day-to-day function.
By successfully implementing an RFID system, you can automate essential time-consuming functions like inventory management. An RFID reader can scan & identify any tag in its read range and update the system about it automatically. This enables asset tracking throughout your facility. It can also prevent tool theft & loss by keeping a regular eye on their location.
Since RFID readers update the system in real-time, it automates several key functions like inventory control and replenishment, database handling, etc.
Benefits of Implementing Metal Mount RFID Tags
By far the biggest benefit of using mental mount RFID tags is their ability to prevent signal disruptions. As we discussed above, when a metal object moves inside an electromagnetic field, it causes the induction of eddy currents. These eddy currents can lead to distortion, and detuning or may even prevent the RFID tag from working at all. Some metal surfaces also reflect radio waves coming from the reader, preventing communication with the RFID tag.
Conclusion:
Metal Mount RFID Tags are an excellent choice for implementing automation and tool tracking in industries with metal equipment & items. Manufacturers produce all kinds of tags suitable for different kinds of applications. If you’re ready to boost your business’s productivity, then metal mount RFID tags are just the thing for you.
Metal Mount RFID Tags FAQs:
Q1. Can RFID be used for tracking?
Ans: Yes, you can use RFID tags for asset tracking. Depending on the type of tag, you can also have the ability to live to track your items throughout your premises.
Q2. What three types of RFID tags are available for use?
Ans: One of the factors that you can use to classify RFID tags is their operational frequency ranges. These tags can operate in three types of frequency, namely-
(A). Low Frequency
(B). High Frequency
(C). Ultra-High Frequency
Q3. Does RFID work through metal?
Ans: Most tags have trouble working alongside metal surfaces, due to signal distortion or detuning. However, low-frequency tags or mount on-metal RFID tags can be used on metal surfaces, and work remarkably well.
Q4. How RFID tags are used in asset tracking?
Ans: Due to the ability of an RFID system to communicate with any tag within its broadcast range, RFID tags are a great tool for asset tracking. By strategically placing RFID readers inside your premises, the system can log in to the last know location of any item with a tag on it.
Q5. How far can you track RFID?
Ans: The range of an RFID tag depends on two factors, namely – Operating Frequency & Active/Passive Tags. Tags that operate on higher frequencies will have a better-read range. For example, a low-frequency tag generally has a range of a couple of inches, while ultra-high frequency tags can be read up to 12 meters.
On the other hand, passive tags have a far smaller range than active tags. As passive tags simply communicate by using signal backscatter (reflecting the signal from the reader), so their signals have less energy to propagate. An active tag uses an internal power supply to broadcast signals and can be read from more than 100 meters away.
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