What Are Flexible Anti-Metal UHF Tags?

Flexible anti-metal UHF tags are RFID tags designed for applications where RFID identification is required on or around metal assets.

Unlike conventional RFID labels that may experience reduced performance when used near metal, anti-metal RFID tags use a specialized construction to help maintain RFID performance in metal environments.

Our flexible version uses a foam-backed flexible material structure, allowing the tag to remain thin and conformable while providing a practical solution for suitable curved or irregular assets.

This construction combines:

·Flexible material

·Foam backing

·UHF RFID inlay

·RFID chip

·Adhesive backing

·Printable outer surface where applicable

The exact material structure can be customized according to the required application and product specification.

Why Use Foam-Backed Flexible RFID Tags?

A flexible foam-backed construction provides several practical advantages for RFID applications.

Flexible Construction

The tag can conform to suitable curved or irregular surfaces rather than behaving like a rigid RFID tag.

Foam-Backed Structure

The foam layer contributes to the flexible construction and helps create the spacing required by the RFID design for applications involving metal assets.

Thin Profile

With a thickness of approximately 1.25 mm for the current configuration, the tag provides a low-profile alternative to many rigid anti-metal RFID tags.

Easy Installation

The adhesive-backed format allows the tag to be attached directly to suitable asset surfaces without mechanical mounting hardware.

Printable Format

Compatible configurations can support RFID printing and encoding for identification, barcodes, QR codes, logos and variable data.

How Does an Anti-Metal RFID Tag Work?

Metal can affect the electromagnetic behavior of an RFID antenna and may significantly reduce the performance of a conventional RFID label.

An anti-metal RFID tag uses a specialized tag construction to manage the interaction between the RFID antenna and the surrounding metal environment.

For flexible tags, the construction can include a combination of:

·RFID antenna

·RFID chip

·dielectric or foam layer

·supporting flexible material

·protective printable surface

·adhesive layer

The exact structure depends on the tag design.

For this reason, tag performance should be evaluated according to the actual metal asset rather than relying only on a specification measured in free space.

Flexible RFID Tags for Curved and Irregular Assets

One of the main advantages of the flexible format is its ability to conform to suitable curved surfaces.

Potential applications include:

·Metal pipes

·Cylindrical equipment

·Machinery

·Equipment housings

·Metal containers

·Industrial components

·Tools

·IT equipment

For strongly curved applications, the appropriate tag dimensions and construction should be selected according to the surface geometry.

If your project involves curved metal assets, please provide the approximate surface diameter or curvature when requesting samples.

Technical RFID Performance

UHF Frequency

The current configuration operates at 860–960 MHz, covering the common UHF RFID frequency range used in international RFID applications.

The final frequency configuration should be confirmed according to the target market and local RFID requirements.

RFID Protocol

The tag supports:

EPC Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO 18000-6C

This enables integration with compatible UHF RFID readers and asset-tracking systems.

RFID Chip

The current product configuration uses:

Impinj Monza R6-P

Alternative RFID chips may be available depending on memory, read/write requirements, project volume and application.

Read Range

Read range is affected by:

·RFID chip

·Tag dimensions

·Antenna design

·Reader model

·Reader output power

·Antenna configuration

·Metal material

·Asset shape

·Tag orientation

·Installation position

For an accurate evaluation, we recommend testing the tag using the customer's actual asset and intended RFID reader.

Applications

Metal Shelf and Rack Management

Flexible anti-metal UHF tags can be used to identify metal shelves, racks and storage equipment for warehouse inventory and asset management.

IT Asset Tracking

The flexible format is suitable for identifying selected metal IT assets such as servers, racks, cabinets and network equipment.

Machinery and Equipment Tracking

Use RFID tags to associate machinery and equipment with maintenance, inspection, inventory and lifecycle records.

Metal Container Tracking

Flexible anti-metal tags can be evaluated for metal containers, bins, cylinders and returnable transport assets.

Industrial Parts Identification

RFID identification can support inventory control, production tracking and traceability for suitable metal components.

Tools and Maintenance Assets

Tags can be used to identify selected metal tools and maintenance equipment where the tag construction and environmental conditions are appropriate.

Key Specifications

Actual RFID performance depends on tag configuration, reader, antenna, installation position, asset geometry and operating environment. Sample testing on representative assets is recommended before bulk production.

Printable Flexible Anti-Metal RFID Tags

The flexible format can support RFID printing and encoding with compatible RFID printers.

Depending on the final specification, printable information may include:

·Company logo

·Product name

·Serial number

·Barcode

·QR code

·Human-readable information

·Variable asset data

Compatible printer models may include:

·Zebra

·SATO

·Printronix

·Postek

Printer compatibility should be confirmed according to the final tag size, construction and printer model.

Customization Options

Every RFID project has different asset dimensions, read-range requirements and identification workflows.

We can discuss customization options such as:

For a custom quotation, please provide the required tag dimensions, asset type, operating environment, RFID reader and expected order quantity.

How to Select the Right Flexible Anti-Metal RFID Tag

Choosing an RFID tag should start with the actual application rather than the tag alone.

1. What asset will be tagged?

Tell us whether the application involves IT equipment, machinery, shelves, containers, tools, parts or another asset.

2. What is the asset shape?

Specify whether the mounting area is flat, slightly curved or strongly curved.

3. What tag size do you need?

Smaller tags can provide better installation flexibility, while larger antennas may provide different RFID performance.

4. What read range is required?

Tell us the approximate reading distance and whether you plan to use handheld or fixed RFID readers.

5. What is the operating environment?

Temperature, moisture, cleaning, chemicals, outdoor exposure and mechanical conditions may affect the recommended material and adhesive.

6. Do you need printing or encoding?

Provide your requirements for logo, barcode, QR code, serial number or EPC encoding.

7. What is the expected order quantity?

Quantity can affect customization, packaging and production planning.

Sample Testing Before Bulk Production

For anti-metal RFID applications, actual performance can vary significantly depending on the tagged asset and RFID system.

We recommend testing representative samples before approving a bulk production order.

Sample testing can evaluate:

·RFID read range

·Read/write performance

·Tag orientation

·Adhesion

·Surface compatibility

·Curved-surface installation

·Printing quality

·RFID encoding

·Environmental conditions

Need to verify the tag on your own asset?

Send us your asset type, surface shape, required read range and RFID reader information. We can recommend a suitable configuration for sample testing.

Quality Control

Reliable RFID performance requires consistency in materials, antenna production, chip placement, printing and encoding.

Our production quality-control process can include:

Material Inspection

Incoming RFID materials and components are checked against approved specifications.

Chip and Inlay Verification

RFID chips and inlays are checked against the confirmed product configuration.

Dimensional Inspection

Tag dimensions and thickness are checked during production.

RF Performance Testing

RFID performance is evaluated according to the approved product specification and project requirements.

Printing Inspection

Printed information, logos, barcodes and variable data are checked where printing is included.

Encoding Verification

RFID encoding is checked when pre-encoding services are required.

Final Inspection

Finished products are inspected before packaging and shipment.

Project-specific inspection requirements can be confirmed before mass production.

RFID Manufacturing Capability

Kaisere Technology has been manufacturing RFID products since 2003, supporting international B2B customers with RFID cards, labels, tags and customized RFID products.

23+ Years of RFID Manufacturing Experience

Long-term experience in RFID product development and manufacturing.

10,000㎡ Manufacturing Facilities

Production facilities supporting multiple RFID product categories and customized projects.

12M+ RFID Products Monthly Capacity

Large-scale company-wide RFID production capacity supporting high-volume B2B requirements.

OEM & ODM Support

Customization for chip selection, dimensions, printing, encoding and application requirements.

Global B2B Supply

RFID products supplied to customers across 100+ countries.

Certifications and Compliance

Compliance requirements depend on the product configuration, application and destination market.

Relevant documentation can be provided according to project requirements, including applicable:

·Quality management certifications

·Material documentation

·RoHS documentation where applicable

·REACH documentation where applicable

·RFID performance test reports

·Customer-specific compliance documentation

Product-specific certification and testing requirements should be confirmed before production.

Global B2B Supply

We support international customers including:

·RFID system integrators

·Technology suppliers

·Distributors

·Brands

·Industrial users

·Asset management solution providers

Our team can coordinate product specifications, packaging and international shipment requirements for sample and bulk orders.

Shipping arrangements can be discussed according to destination, order quantity and agreed delivery terms.

What Information Do We Need for an RFID Quote?

To recommend the right flexible anti-metal UHF RFID tag, please provide:

1. Asset type

2. Asset dimensions

3. Surface shape

4. Required tag size

5. Required read range

6. RFID reader model

7. Operating environment

8. Printing requirements

9. Encoding requirements

10. Estimated quantity

11. Destination market

Providing this information helps us evaluate the appropriate tag construction, chip, dimensions and production requirements.

FAQ

Q1: What are flexible anti-metal UHF tags?

Flexible anti-metal UHF tags are RFID tags designed for identification and tracking applications involving metal assets. They use a specialized flexible construction to help maintain RFID performance in metal environments.

Q2: What material are these flexible anti-metal RFID tags made from?

The current product is constructed with foam-backed flexible material. The exact surface and supporting material configuration can be customized according to project requirements.

Q3: Why is foam used in flexible anti-metal RFID tags?

Foam can form part of the dielectric or spacing structure used in flexible anti-metal RFID tag designs. It helps create the required separation and flexible construction for RFID applications involving metal assets.

Q4: What chip is used?

The current configuration uses an Impinj Monza R6-P chip. Alternative chips may be available depending on the required memory and RFID performance.

Q5: What frequency does the tag support?

The current configuration supports 860–960 MHz UHF RFID operation.

Q6: What protocol does it support?

The current configuration supports EPC Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO 18000-6C.

Q7: Can flexible anti-metal tags be used on curved surfaces?

Yes. The foam-backed flexible construction allows the tag to conform to suitable curved and irregular surfaces. For strongly curved applications, we recommend sample testing to confirm the appropriate size and construction.

Q8: Can the tags be printed?

Yes. Compatible configurations can support RFID printing for logos, text, barcodes, QR codes and variable information using suitable RFID printers.

Q9: Can the tag size be customized?

Yes. Tag dimensions can be customized according to the asset size, required RFID performance and application.

Q10: What is the read range?

The read range depends on the chip, antenna, tag size, RFID reader, antenna, metal asset and installation conditions. Please contact us for tested data for the required configuration.

Q11: Can I test samples before bulk production?

Yes. Sample testing is recommended for anti-metal RFID applications so that the tag can be evaluated on the actual asset and with the intended RFID reader.

Q12: Do you support bulk production?

Yes. Kaisere Technology supports high-volume RFID manufacturing and customized B2B production. Production requirements can be discussed according to the confirmed specification and quantity.