RFID and NFC Technologies for Industrial Applications

Yes. Metal affects the electromagnetic field and therefore the performance of conventional RFID transponders. Specially optimized on-metal solutions, such as the DistaFerr family from Schreiner ProTech, enable reliable identification even on metallic surfaces. Key selection criteria include read range, available space and installation conditions.

Liquids, particularly those containing water, can attenuate RFID signals and reduce the read range in UHF applications. The extent of this effect depends on factors such as frequency, antenna design, and the position and distance of the label relative to the liquid.

Yes. In ESD-sensitive areas, RFID labels and materials must be tailored to the specific electrostatic requirements of the application. Specially designed RFID solutions enable reliable identification even on ESD materials without compromising their dissipative properties beyond permissible limits.

For high-temperature applications, the entire label construction must be designed to withstand the thermal stress involved. The maximum temperature is not the only factor: exposure duration and frequency also matter. A brief temperature peak places different demands on RFID components, materials and adhesives than continuous or cyclic exposure.

Suitable films, adhesives, protective laminates and design features allow RFID labels to be adapted to mechanical, chemical or climatic stresses. For applications involving high impact and pressure loads, for example, Robust RFID technology developed by Schreiner Group uses a special protective structure to safeguard the integrated chip against damage.

The usable read range depends not only on the RFID label, but also on the substrate, installation conditions, reader and reader antenna. For passive RFID systems, Schreiner ProTech therefore considers both the forward link—the transfer of energy from the reader to the tag—and the backward link, which determines whether the response signal can be reliably detected. Only by considering both can the usable read range be assessed realistically.

Yes. However, the available area affects the size and geometry of the RFID antenna and thus the achievable performance. Where space is limited, the installation position, antenna design and required read range must therefore be coordinated.

The choice depends on the specific application and process. Important criteria include RFID technology, required read range, substrate, available space, installation position and environmental conditions, as well as requirements for the chip, materials and adhesive. Schreiner ProTech provides advice from the beginning, helping to define the requirements and identify the appropriate RFID solution.

If a standard RFID label meets the technical requirements, custom development is not necessary. For special requirements, adaptations can initially be made to the materials, adhesive, label construction or RFID inlay, for example. Beyond this, customized developments are also possible, including a dedicated antenna design.

UHF, also known as RAIN RFID, is suitable for longer read ranges, automated processes and the simultaneous reading of multiple tags. HF enables targeted identification over short distances, while NFC additionally supports communication with NFC-enabled smartphones.

RFID can be combined with additional identification and security features in a single label, such as human-readable text, barcodes, serialization or tamper evidence. Depending on the design, subsequent variable data printing, for example by thermal transfer, is also possible.

Item Match Control (IMC) is an RFID-based lock-and-key solution that enables machines or devices to automatically identify consumables, tools or components and check whether they are approved for use. This allows suitable process parameters to be assigned or unapproved components to be detected, for example. Cryptographic authentication functions are also available for applications with higher security requirements.