Intelligence is around

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a wireless technology that allows for the automatic identification and tracking of objects using radio waves. At its core, RFID involves a tag and a reader. The tag, which can be attached to an object, stores information that is transmitted wirelessly to the reader through electromagnetic signals. This system typically consists of two main components: the interrogator (or reader) and the transponder (or tag). It’s a simple yet powerful system used to monitor, control, and track items efficiently.

RFID tags are a crucial part of this technology, offering advantages over traditional barcodes such as faster read/write speeds, longer reading distances, higher data storage capacity, and reusability. These features have led to widespread adoption across various industries, earning RFID tags the nickname “smart labels.”

(1) Structure and Manufacturing of RFID Tags

An RFID tag is made up of three key components: a chip, an antenna, and a substrate. The antenna plays a vital role by both transmitting and receiving signals from the reader. It also captures energy from the reader’s electromagnetic field to power the chip.

The manufacturing of RFID antennas includes several methods, such as etching, coil winding, direct printing, and electroless plating. Each has its own benefits and limitations.

(1) Etching Method – This traditional technique offers high precision and good signal performance but is environmentally harmful, costly, and inefficient in material usage.

(2) Coil Winding – While simpler and suitable for low-frequency applications, it's more expensive and less efficient in mass production.

(3) Direct Printing – Methods like screen printing or inkjet allow for flexible designs and adjustable electrical properties. However, they may not offer the same level of accuracy as other techniques.

(4) Electroless Plating – This method provides uniform metal coatings on non-conductive materials at a lower cost, though it requires additional processing steps and maintenance.

(2) Everyday Use of RFID Tags

As RFID tag costs decrease and their applications expand, they are becoming more common in daily life. From airports to retail, RFID is transforming how businesses operate and manage inventory.

1. Enhancing Air Travel with RFID

In the aviation industry, RFID helps reduce baggage loss and improves efficiency. For example, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport reported significant savings from using RFID baggage tags, cutting losses by nearly 40% and improving flight on-time performance. Hong Kong International Airport also saw reduced handling costs and higher scanning success rates with RFID compared to traditional barcodes.

2. Fighting Counterfeiting in Fashion

With counterfeit goods costing billions annually, RFID is a strong tool against fraud. Apparel brands use RFID tags to ensure authenticity and track products throughout the supply chain. Each tag contains a unique code that can be verified at every stage, helping prevent theft and counterfeiting.

3. Revolutionizing the Wine Industry

The wine market has shown great interest in RFID due to its high-value nature. High-priced wines benefit most from RFID, offering better security, traceability, and brand protection. This technology helps winemakers maintain control over their products and enhance customer trust.

4. Promoting Sustainability with RFID

Companies like Kraft Foods use RFID to encourage recycling. Their program uses RFID-enabled bins to track and reward consumers who recycle. Participants receive discounts or lottery entries based on the amount of waste they recycle, promoting environmental awareness and engagement.

　　 The content above is excerpted from the 6th issue of "Printing Technology" published by Keyin Media in 2013. For more articles, please visit the journal section.