Machine embeds RFID into labels

A new machine embeds radio frequency identification (RFID) tags into 100 labels per minute, accurately and at a low cost, its manufacturer claims.

RFID has long been touted as the future of logistics for all companies by allowing retailers and suppliers to track goods throughout the supply chain.

Regulations on traceability and mandates from such giant retailers as Wal-Mart and Metro are slowing forcing processors to make investments in the technology.

Embedding tags into labeling provides users with extra security against damage and tampering.

Singapore-based Innotech Resources claims its new machine, the Infinity V1, provides a low cost method of converting RFID tags to be embedded into paper or film.

The machine, designed and built with TÜV SÜD PSB Group, can accurately embed different types of RFIS tag into specific areas of labels of varying size and shape, the company claims.

The machine targets many different market sectors including supply chain, consumer packaging, as well as pharmaceuticals, baggage tracking tags and many other applications.

The machine incorporates a novel online bad tag detection and removal system that ensures quality, reliability and readability embedded RFID before the security is attached to products, claims the manufacturer.

Rejected tags are automatically removed, ensuring only working units progress to embedding, which reduces the extra time and costs of removal further down the line.

YS Chin, assistant vice president of PSB, said the company was confident the machine will meet the most demanding RFID conversion needs of industry.

"Its versatility, compactness and accuracy in embedding inlays is a major advancement in smart label converting technology and makes this machine one of its kind," he said.

The machine operates independently of down stream conversion processes, such as lamination and cutting process, with a buffer station that handles about 800 mm of embedded reel, the manufacturer claims.

The machine, which is built in Singapore, can be modulated with current label converting lines or used as a stand alone unit.

Installation is simple and turn-around time for creating different batches RFID Labels is quick, claims the company's marketing arm, Worldlabel.

Operators use a touch pad to programme embedding instructions.

Alex Choong, president of Worldlabel Asia, said the machine allows label converters to meet the special RFID label needs of each end user.

"The need for the label converter to be versatile in producing all types of RFID labels is critical and being close to the system integrator and end user is becoming a necessity to move RFID adoption even further," he said.

Worldlabel is the online marketing arm of Innotech, which manufacturers labels, including barcodes, and RFID converting technologies.

The company has offices and factories in US, China and Singapore.