Which RFID labels to select for metal surfaces, plastics, glass, and liquid?

One of the determining factor in RFID performance is the surface material of the asset or packaging. Optimal performance will be achieved with RFID labels adapted to each material, which can adhere properly and maintain consistent contact with the surface. Guidance and best practices are available from the Xerafy engineering team.

Specialized labeling solutions are available that respond differently around specific materials:

1. Metal: Industrial equipment, machinery Metal surfaces can reflect RFID signals, causing interference and reducing read range.Specialized on-metal RFID labels are designed to overcome this issue by adding a spacer that creates a gap to shield the RF antenna from the metal.

2. Plastics: Pallets, containers, returnable packaging Standard RFID labels perform well on most types of plastics and can be read through plastic materials, such as when embedded in a PET container.However, specialized RFID labeling solutions are required for certain plastic materials, such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) materials used to protect electrostatic-sensitive devices.

3. Cardboard: Packaging RFID labels perform reliably on this material as well as through it.However, metal, liquid, and high-water contents will impact the performance. This can be mitigated by adjusting the positioning of the label or by separating items with bubble wrap or styrofoam.

4. Glass: Vials, vehicle windshield Glass can cause signal distortion, affecting the performance of RFID labels.Specific RFID labels are designed to adhere well and function properly on glass surfaces.

5. Liquids: Lab samples, fresh produce, bottles Liquid and items with high water content can absorb RFID signals, reducing the label’s read range and accuracy.Specialized on-liquid labels feature a spacer, similar to on-metal labels. Alternatively, placing the items into a container with separations is a common workaround that works particularly well for small items.Also, most RFID labels will not work when they are wet, waterproof options are available.

6. Composite materials: Aircraft components, composite manufacturing RFID works well on fiber glass but carbon fiber will block part or all of the RF signal (in proportion to carbon fiber content and composite material thickness).

Understanding how RFID labels interact with different materials, label placement, and orientation will help enhance reading accuracy and reliability.

It is also important to consider the impact of surface curvature on label performance: When an RFID sticker is bent, it can close its RF loop, resulting in a shortened read distance. As a guideline, a horizontally oriented label achieves 50% of its reference read-range performance with a minimum bending radius of 40mm (1.6in). For a vertically oriented label, the minimum bending radius is 25mm (1in).

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