RFID: Eyes to the future

9 April 2008



Discussing the dynamics of RFID utilization, Tony Bell, sales director of AB Graphic International, provides an update on the current RFID landscape


We are now seeing two means of RFID attachment to labels: on-line label production and off-line insertion. The limiting factor to the former is the reduction in productivity. When affixing the RFID device in-line, the converting speed is significantly lowered due to the limiting effect of insertion, verification and removal of out of specification RFID’s.

Consequently, AB Graphic International’s range of Omega RFID converting products are all currently off-line converting platforms designed for specific tasks. These tasks vary from simple wet inlay RFID integration through to finished label rolls with verification and removal of defective inlays and automated replacement of verified functional inlays for 100 per cent reliability. This is particularity important when supplying labels and packaging for the pharma and food packaging markets.

We are also seeing RFID attached products being applied on large format converting presses with multiple lane insertion, relamination, re-register and die cutting as well as other available modules such as flexographic printing stations.

In the recent past, typical label printers offering RFID were large companies with ties to leading supermarkets. Recently, smaller label printers have entered the fold supplying much lower volumes to niche markets. Typically, these smaller opportunistic label manufacturers require economical integrating machines. One such machine is the Omega Ti 150, which is not dependent on frequency and is capable of integrating RFID and EAS tags and other types of inserts or labels from pre-printed, die cut rolls.

On the other hand, some converters are looking for a much larger, faster and a more sophisticated system, capable of multiple processes, several lanes across in one pass. One of the machines in the market that addresses this need is the Omega 410mm RFID/EAS. It takes rolls of pre-printed self-adhesive labels and integrates almost any type of electronic inlay in a sandwich between the label substrate and its backing paper. It is then die cut and rewound to finished rolls or individual pieces.

The system comprises 700mm diameter unwind and de-lamination and re-lamination unit with a liner compensation system capable of accepting RFID, EAS and similar inlays. The lamination unit with carrier rewind configured for unwinding of RFID tags and rewinding of the static liner can also be used as a standard lamination module. A second lamination unit with carrier rewind provides for over-lamination of the web. Die cutting is provided through a single rotary die base that includes matrix stripping and two die positions. The second die position can be supplied to provide for sheet delivery. The line is completed by an Omega rewind module with nip roller drive, scissor slitting, cross web adjustment and independently driven, pneumatic rewind mandrel that includes labels in, labels out selection and web advance arm for accurate placement of rewind cores.

The volume of RFID labels produced is truly a moving target. One of the label manufacturers using Omega converting systems reported sales of RFID labels to be typically 500,000 per week. The same manufacturer stated that this was twice the amount produced 12 months earlier and volume is continuing to rise steadily.

I believe most label printers, large or small, know a great deal about RFID science. Most are not strangers to adapting their abilities to whatever opportunities present and RFID being no exception. In terms of the current landscape for RFID adoption in the global market, the end users of the label and packaging materials will demand further usage. This will be driven by continuing product improvements such as reliability, supply and, of course, unit cost. This trend will trigger more opportunities and the need for converting machinery to satisfy demand.

Typically, we are approached by customers with ideas or requirements for their future business needs or to improve current operations. In most cases a solution exists. If not, we create a solution that will meet or surpass their requirements. n


Related Articles
Viewpoint on RFID: Bar coded benefits
Brand protection: United we stand

Contacts

A B Graphic International Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1262 671138





External weblinks
Converting Today is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

A B Graphic International Ltd

AB Graphic International's Omega AB Graphic International's Omega


Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.