RFID Labels

Knobloch A. (2005) Printed RFID labels based on polymer electronics. Digital Fabrication 121-123. 

An RFID label has a similar functionality as an RFID tag. However it can be stuck on like a label. The RFID label can be printed using RFID printers. Hence if you are planning to use RFID labels, the cost of the RFID printer should be considered. In some applications RFID labels are much more preferred because of the environment and the products. For example applications like express parcel delivery, library book/video checkout, sensitive document tracking, ticketing (sports, concerts, ski lifts, etc.), and pharmaceuticals prefer RFID labels (Zebra, 2006). 

Oprea A, Btu an N, Weimar U, Bauersfeld ML, Ebling D, W llenstein J (2008) Capacitive hnmidity sensors on flexible RFID labels. Sens Actuators B 132 404-410... 

Oprea, A., Barsan, N., Weimar, U., et al., 2007. Capacitive humidity sensors on flexible RFID labels. IEEE Transducers 2007, 2039-2042. 

Eliminate the requirement that the SSR has the ability to select, identify and accept through its input gateway appropriate raw materials. All raw materials will be supplied as stock materials to the artificial SSR. An additional, optional simplification could be that all stock materials are labeled appropriately (e.g., with bar codes or RFIDs labels). However, as an illustration, the SSR will still need to use stock copper fed through the input gateways to fabricate copper wires of certain gauges or to use copper in the fabrication of electrical motor parts. 

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels are manufactured with a technology that uses radio waves to communicate information regarding the product on which it is applied. The label Is a multi-layer laminate construction (see Figure 8.9). 

Figure 8.9 RFID label component adhesion zones...

RFID labels are manufactured using a variety of common label substrates. The inlays, for example, are sometimes encapsulated within a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid enclosure. Materials such as polyester, polypropylene, polyacetate, polycarbonate, ABS, nylon 66 (polyamide 66), or an elastomer are used to protect them from harsh environments or abusive transportation channels within the supply chain. Pressure-sensitive adhesives are typically used within the construction of the RFID label to seal or encapsulate the entire RFID inlay (there are also adhesiveless constructions). 

Early generation RFID antennas were produced by chemically etching aluminum or copper foils and laminating them with polymer films ranging in thickness from 18-35 microns. However, today antennas are typically printed on polymer base substrates using conductive inks, an inexpensive and cost-effective way for different radio frequency waves to be received. Since the label typically requires opacity, a white carrier and facestock material, such as a paper stock, are used. An adhesive is applied to the carrier with a formulation designed to provide transportation-secure adhesion to the surface to which the RFID label is to be mounted. 

Labels indicating correct disposal may also be helpful, but are very often ignored if there is no obvious danger for the waste producer in case of acting against the label s advice. In the future, invisible identification tags like the RFID technique could help to sort out the devices in question from the waste stream. 

Several tools capable of carrying such information can be used, such as alphanumeric descriptions, bar codes, labels, RFID tags or the freight documentation that accompanies the shipped goods. The use of these tools depends on cost and on the further use of the material. 

Each product can be tracked and identified anywhere it goes, applied for instance in luggage labelling on airports. The Dutch Schiphol airport, in cooperation with KLM, has tested the use of RFID-tags to minimize luggage loss, and decided to extend the RFID-tag use because of satisfying results [7]. 

Smart cards are among the fastest growing applications for electrically conductive adhesives. Smart cards are pocket-size plastic cards with thin embedded ICs that store, process and transfer data much in the manner of a mini-computer. Smart labels are also being developed where the substrate is paper instead of plastic. Flip-chip transponder chips and flexible antenna are incorporated producing, for example, low-cost radiofrequency identification (RFID) units. 

Pfizer began RFID tagging of Viagra bottles with two-dimensional Data Matrix codes on each label for redundancy and the Department of Defense began the RFID tagging initiative. Amgen publically questions... 

The chapter introduces the main components of RFID technology that includes transponders, readers, middleware, and labels. The authors discuss applications and benefits of RFID and its adoption challenges such as security, privacy, cost, scalability, and deplo5mient. Some successful RFID deployment case studies are described. A comprehensive list of RFID vendors and in-depth technical details of RFID technologies are also provided. 

One of the latest appUcations for the technology is in hospital where the system enables clinicians to access information about patients from the RFID enabled wristbands. These are fitted to patients when they are admitted to hospital. Clothing suppliers can now offer garments with a uniquely numbered RFID inlay embedded in the label of each individual garment. Some of the latest products to carry a RFID tag are the casino chips at new Wynn Casino in Las Vegas and tickets for the 2006 World Cup football matches in Germany ... 

Consumer education about RFID and the labelling of RFID tagged products. 

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