With Brady’s reliable and passive, battery-free RFID labels, every asset can be given a unique digital identity. This unique identity can be read automatically, from a distance, no line of sight required.
RFID-labelled assets, products, components, cables will become legible instantly for automated Internet of Things or Industry 4.0 applications. Inventory management, inventory audits, cargo checks, production status, supply chain visibility: all can be automated easily by equipping your items with the right RFID label, fit for your business context.
Customisable RFID labels give every asset and product a unique digital identity, allowing you to track and manage assets and products more effectively in many different industrial environments. At Brady, we design the RFID labelling solution best suited to your needs, with a customised antenna, chip, label material, adhesive and printing. Let's take a look at our custom RFID labels to find the right solution for your business.
Why Brady?
With Brady as a partner, any item in almost every context can be identified reliably with RFID labels. We leverage over a century of label material expertise and worldwide experience in challenging industrial sectors to provide you with the most reliable RFID label for your application.
Reliable RFID labels
Our passive RFID labels are made with the most reliable, field-tested label materials.
An RFID label (Radio Frequency Identification label) uses radiowaves to wirelessly communicate information with other devices.
Information can include item name, type, price, location or just the label’s unique EPC code, linking any asset to relevant information in your databases. To do this, RFID labels include a tiny computer chip and a small antenna, both fully embedded in the label.
RFID labels can be printed, just like traditional barcoded labels, and provide interesting additional benefits. They can be read wirelessly, from a distance, without requiring line of sight. Thousands of RFID labels can be read at once, every second, by a single RFID reader. The information RFID labels store and/or transmit, can be updated in real-time. This makes RFID labels ideal for inventory management, asset tracking, production visibility, anti-theft and safety applications.
RFID label frequencies
Like any system that uses radiowaves, RFID labels operate on specific radio frequencies. In general, lower frequency RFID labels have slower data read rates and less range, while higher frequency RFID labels can be read faster at longer distances.
Radiowave interference from metals and liquids on the other hand is higher with high frequency RFID labels, and lower with low frequency RFID labels.
Low frequency RFID labels
Low frequency RFID labels (LF) work in the low frequency electromagnetic spectrum from 30 to 300 KHz. Usually, low frequency RFID labels cover 125 to 134 KHz. This means the tags are read at 125 000 to 134 000 radiowaves per second. Often used for access control, low frequency RFID labels provide the shortest read range, usually within 10 cm, and the slowest read rate. At the same time, low frequency RFID labels offer minimal interference from metals and liquids.
High frequency RFID labels
High frequency RFID labels (HF) work in the high frequency electromagnetic spectrum from 3 to 30 MHz, usually at 13.56 MHz. They are read at 13,56 million radiowaves per second. High frequency RFID labels generally provide a read range between 3 to 10 cm and are used in data transfer, including payment terminals with near-field communication (NFC).
Ultra high frequency RFID labels
Ultra-high frequency RFID labels (UHF) are in the ultra high frequency electromagnetic spectrum, between 300 MHz and 3 GHz. They work at 433 MHz (Active, battery-powered RFID labels) or 860 - 960 MHz (Passive, battery-free RFID labels). UHF RFID labels provide the fastest data transfer and the longest reading distances.
Active - passive RFID labels
Ultra high frequency RFID labels (UHF RFID labels) can be split in 2 main categories: active RFID labels which are battery-powered, and passive RFID labels that are battery-free.
In general, active or battery-powered RFID labels have a larger reading distance and constantly broadcast a signal. Because they include a battery, they are bulkier and more maintenance-intensive. Passive or battery-free RFID labels are smaller, more affordable and can bounce back signals from RFID readers every second.
Passive RFID labels
Passive RFID labels do not have an internal power source. Instead they receive electromagnetic power from RFID readers at customisable intervals. Their lower price point and longer lifespan make them useful in a wide range of applications, including access control, asset tracking, inventory management, supply chain visibility and safety applications. They usually include an adhesive layer and can be placed easily on a wide range of items.
Passive, battery-free RFID labels
mostly use the 865 - 868 MHz frequency range (ETSI - European Telecommunications Standards Institute - European Union) or the 902 - 928 MHz frequency range (FCC - Federal Communications Commission - United States)
have a read range between 0 and 25 metres
have a lower label cost, and a higher infrastructure cost (more RFID readers)
Active RFID labels
Active, battery-powered RFID labels act as a beacon and use an internal power source to continuously broadcast a signal. Active RFID labels are usually replaced every 3-4 years when their battery runs out. They are used in environments where it is more difficult to place RFID readers, for example to help track transports.
Active, battery-powered RFID labels
use the 433 MHz frequency range
have a read range of 30 to 100 metres
have a higher label cost, and a lower infrastructure cost (fewer RFID readers)
may face shipping restrictions because of their batteries
RFID label compliance
RFID labels need to comply with a number of regulations. These can vary per region or country and govern radiowave frequency and certification of produced or imported equipment. Some countries also regulate where RFID can be used, or how fast RFID applications should hop frequencies within their allocated frequency range.
RFID label frequency
Radio frequencies are regulated to limit interference between radio applications, including aviation transmissions, satellite and first responder communications. In the European Union, compliant frequencies are governed by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), in the United States by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). ETSI and FCC standards have been implemented by other countries, at times with modifications.
RFID label certification
Many countries require certification of used, produced and imported RFID systems, including RFID labels. Even passive RFID labels can be subject to certification, in most cases before they can be used in specific applications or environments. Common certifications include ISO, GS1, ARC, ATEX, IECEx, UL, IP, IK and industry-specific standards in automotive and aerospace sectors for example.
RFID label components
Each RFID label combines several components that enable it to receive and send radiosignals, process information, stay attached to an object and stay functional.
RFID label topcoat
The printable surface of our RFID labels can receive highly resistant thermal transfer prints, including tiny and highly legible 2D codes. Topcoats modify label substrate properties such as outdoor, fire, heat and chemical resistance. In addition, the topcoat also enables matte or glossy label finishes.
RFID label substrate
The RFID label substrate material defines the label’s resilience to a variety of application context factors. It protects the RFID label antenna and chip. While paper labels are very common, they do not perform well outdoors, on curved surfaces or when exposed to abrasion, chemicals and temperatures used in many industrial processes.
RFID label antenna
The RFID label antenna receives RFID reader signals and sends back data. Optimal RFID label antennas vary in size, shape and design depending on the environment they will be used in, the RFID label substrate and the RFID label chip. Together the RFID label antenna and RFID label chip form the RFID label inlay.
RFID label chip
The RFID label chip or integrated circuit usually includes 4 memory banks that include information on the labelled item or the RFID label itself. The EPC (Electronic Product Code) and User memory bank can be programmed with a unique number and information on the labelled asset. The TID (Tag Identifier) includes the label’s unique number assigned by its manufacturer, and the Reserved memory bank can be used for special RFID label applications.
RFID label sensor
An RFID label sensor can optionally be included in battery-free UHF RFID labels. These specialised sensors are powered by RFID readers at customisable intervals, just like the RFID label chip and RFID label antenna. Various sensors can be integrated to capture asset environmental data like temperature, moisture, pressure and others.
RFID label custom layer
Radio frequencies are regulated to limit interference between radio applications, including aviation transmissions, satellite and first responder communications. In the European Union, compliant frequencies are governed by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), in the United States by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). ETSI and FCC standards have been implemented by other countries, at times with modifications.
RFID label adhesive
The RFID label adhesive keeps the label attached to specific item or asset surfaces, which is of paramount importance in any track & trace solution. Brady provides acrylic, rubber and silicone based adhesives depending on the RFID label subsurface and environment.
RFID label liner
Self-adhesive RFID labels are released by thin carriers - the label liner. Usually made out of siliconised paper, Brady also offers PET-liners to minimise dust in specific applications.
Next to flexible, self-adhesive RFID labels, Brady also manufactures rigid and flexible RFID tags and RFID cards and badges without an adhesive layer.
RFID label types
To optimally respond to the demand for RFID applications in a large number of industries, a rich variety of RFID labels has been developed. RFID labels can be categorised in several ways, and multiple aspects can be combined in a single RFID label, with some limitations. RFID labels can be categorised:
by form: RFID labels, RFID flag labels, rigid RFID tags, flexible RFID tags, RFID cards, RFID badges
by frequency: low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF or NFC: Near Field Communication), ultra-high frequency (UHF)
by surface: off-metal RFID labels, on-metal RFID labels, cable RFID labels
by enhancement: temperature-sensing RFID labels, moisture-sensing, LED RFID labels
by environment: abrasion-resistant RFID labels, water-resistant RFID labels, rugged RFID labels, temperature-resistant RFID labels, chemical-resistant RFID labels
by label material: polyester RFID labels, polypropylene RFID labels, paper RFID labels
Reliable RFID labels
Brady offers a wide range of reliable RFID labels that are available as standard parts. All our RFID labels are passive (battery-free) and are powered by RFID readers.
UHF RFID labels
Read multiple tags at once, from a distance,
without needing line of sight.
As an experienced integrator and manufacturer, Brady can customise any product component to streamline or enable challenging RFID applications. Maximise the benefits of your RFID solution by making full use of our manufacturing capabilities. Let our experts design a tailored RFID label that optimally fits your operations and your environment.
Optimised RFID label read range
We can integrate passive UHF and NFC RFID antennas in our wide range of tried and tested labels. Our technological flexibility enables us to provide you with fine tuned read ranges and label sizes that optimally fit your application.
Dedicated to your data
Our RFID specialists can integrate microchips in your RFID labels with the most fitting memory banks. Most RFID applications work with general purpose RFID chips, for some larger memory banks are required.
Maximum RFID label reliability
Brady scientists design labels for maximum reliability in specific applications. We select label topcoats, substrates, adhesives and liners to offer an RFID label that sticks and stays attached in your industrial application and environment.
Printable at your premises
We can program preprinted RFID label consumables to add print in the exact spot with a Brady printer at your premises. Blank printable and encodable RFID labels are available as standard parts.
Choose the right RFID label
The optimal RFID label for a specific application in a specific context, is best discussed with RFID experts. Brady takes into account a wide range of factors to support customers with RFID label selection to deliver maximum value in the workplace.
❯ RFID label frequency
The frequency the RFID label will operate in, co-determines its read range. Ultra-high frequencies generally offer more than 10 metres read range. High frequency RFID labels generally offer read ranges up to 10 cm and low frequency RFID labels have the shortest read range.
❯ RFID label size
A golden rule of thumb is the larger the label, the longer the read range. Bigger RFID antenna inlays enable longer read ranges. The label needs to be a bit larger than the inlay to properly accommodate and protect it.
❯ RFID label type
To identify metal surfaces or liquid containers, choosing the right RFID label type is extremely important. With an isolating layer, or shaped as a flag label, RFID labels can maximise read range, even with interference from metals and liquids.
RFID label subsurface
Always discuss the assets, components, cables or items you want to track with RFID. Depending on asset surface, different RFID label adhesives, mounting methods and even shapes will be chosen to maximise efficiency. Will the RFID labels be applied to a wet surface? On a rough, or smooth surface? Are metals, plastic, glass or other surface types in scope?
RFID label environment
To achieve maximum reliability, RFID labels should be selected that can withstand application environments. These include exposure to (extreme) temperatures, chemicals, abrasion, UV-radiation, moisture and dirt. Depending on these factors an optimal label material can be selected to protect the RFID inlay with RFID antenna and chip.
RFID label data
The amount of data your application will need to write determines the type of chip included in the RFID label’s inlay. Most RFID applications are possible with general purpose RFID label chips. For some applications, high user memory chips are required.
RFID label compatibility
When selecting the optimal RFID label, take into account the hardware your application may need. Do you want to print and program RFID labels at your premises? Will you use smartphones, portable RFID readers, fixed RFID readers or combinations?
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