RFID-tagged materials are sometimes stored outside in harsh conditions, enduring intense UV rays, rain, and snow. Warehouses, supply chain, construction, mining, manufacturing, and similar industries need robust RFID labels and durable hard tags for these demanding environments.
UV-resistant RFID tags are designed for this very purpose as these tags use durable materials around the inlay to withstand exposure to ultraviolet light from UV lamps or the sun. These tags can withstand intense sunlight largely due to the UV-stable materials they are composed of, such as UV-stable polymers, coatings, or casings that prevent discolouration, material deterioration, or data loss over time. In terms of working, these labels usually use familiar RFID chip and antenna design as seen in many types of cost-effective RFID labels.
Many RFID tags that are resistant to UV light come with an IP65/68 rating, which means they are protected from exposure to both dust and water as well. These UV-resistant RFID tags have an outdoor reading range of approximately 10 to 30 feet and operate within a frequency range of 860 to 960 MHz. Some other names for UV-resistant RFID tags include UV-proof RFID chips, UV shielded markers, and sunlight-durable RFID labels.
Material Used for a UV-resistant RFID Tag
As mentioned above, the UV-resistant or sunlight durable RFID labels work similar to an RAIN RFID label, however, the choice of substrate material around the inlay is selected based on their ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, like the high sunlight in this case.
The substrate material serves as the structural support for the chip and antenna. Some durable options for UV-resistant tags include:
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
A type of plastic known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, used in applications like logistics and retail.
2. Polyimide (PI)
Offers high heat resistance, suitable for extreme environments like automotive or industrial settings.
Ceramic RFID tags are another robust choice, offering resilience for harsh environments.
For encapsulation/packaging, some UV-resistant tags are encased in hard plastic or polymer to enhance durability and provide additional protection against harsh elements. Materials used for encapsulation include PET, polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC).
Some advanced materials like graphene may be incorporated for improved conductivity and flexibility, potentially extending read ranges. Some manufacturers also use biodegradable materials for substrates to reduce environmental impact.
However, the choice of materials for UV-shielded RFID tags depends on the specific requirements of the application, balancing durability, performance, cost, and environmental considerations.
UV-Resistant RFID Tags: Applications in Various Industries
UV-shielded tags are durable and mostly used by the following Industries:
1.Construction: Helpful for monitoring tools, machinery, and supplies kept outdoors, enabling real-time asset management on construction sites exposed to sunlight.
2. Agriculture: Helping to confirm inventory and plan maintenance while maintaining tracking of farm equipment, livestock, and crops exposed to continuously sunny growing conditions. Tool tracking in agriculture often requires durable RFID tags such as UV-proof labels and hard tags.
3. Marine and shipping: In the marine and shipping sector, UV-resistant tags and labels are used to track cargo and equipment that is sitting in sunny or saltwater conditions. These materials are often stored on the ship, open to harsh sunny environments.
4. Oil and gas and manufacturing: Sunlight-proof RFID tags can be used in oil and gas factories, manufacturing firms as well. These labels are exposed to high temperature for asset tracking, tool tracking, and inventory tracking applications in extremely hot or cold temperatures.
5. Logistics and transportation: Vehicle tracking, parking, fleet management applications require UV-resistant tags, often applied to the windshield (tags) to reduce fading and UV impact.
Benefits of UV-resistant RFID tags over other tags/labels
1. Increased durability: These outlast regular tags in outdoor settings because they are resistant to UV deterioration. Long-term exposure to the sun can cause standard RFID tags to malfunction, degrade quickly, whereas the PET and polyimide materials in these tags ensure durability.
2. Improved Overall Performance: In sun-exposed applications, replacement costs can be cut by 25% while usability and data readability are maintained, eliminating the possibility of data errors.
3. Improved performance in harsh conditions: These tags (Zebra ZBR4000 labels) can withstand higher temperatures and are frequently waterproof and chemical-resistant. These outperform simple RFID tags in a variety of conditions, such as heat, humidity, and multiple stresses.
4. Reduced Costs: Better management of large asset tracking is made possible by fewer maintenance requirements, a longer useful lifespan, and lower labour costs and costly downtime projects.
Where to Buy UV-resistant RFID Tags?
EnCstore is a leading manufacturer and supplier of UV-resistant, sunlight proof, high-quality RFID tags in India. We also offer RFID hard tags for metal surfaces, tamper-proof windshield tags for cars, and easily printable, highly customizable PET, polyester labels for outdoor or industrial use, available in distinct sizes, such as 45x18mm, 54x34mm, 74x18mm, etc. These tags function in the UHF frequency range (865-867 MHz) and comply with EPCglobal gen2 v2 and ISO 18000-63 RFID standards.
To summarize, for industries that must track assets for extended periods and are exposed to the sun, UV-resistant RFID tags are the best option. These RFID tags combine functionality with a unique, advanced material like PET, polyimide, etc., offering durability and performance in harsh outdoor environments. These sunlight-proof labels are more versatile, cost-effective, and reliable than the typical RFID tag.
Frequently Asked Questions on UV-resistant RFID Tags
Q1. Why are RFID tags resistant to UV light?
Unlike regular tags, these tags have unique coatings or materials, such as UV-absorbing polymers, which completely block UV rays that would otherwise deteriorate the tag.
Q2. Are RFID tags that are resistant to UV light waterproof?
Yes, UV-protected RFID tags are often waterproof as well. The majority of UV-resistant tags are for any application requiring combined environmental exposure, heat, water, and snow, as used in marines, logistics and cargo shipping.
Q3. How long is the tag good for outside?
UV-proof RFID tags can withstand years of exposure to UV light without breaking, depending on the model. Depending on the material, environment, etc., the tag may last for more than 5 years.
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