10 Things to Consider When Buying UHF RFID Printer Module

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How to Select the Right RFID Printer Encoder and Supplies

RFID Printers Encoders are used in applications where wet inlays or labels are used to tag inventory or assets. The printers&#; encoders not only print on the top of the label but also encode information into the RFID chip.

RFID printers in an automated RFID system often utilize existing print points within a manufacturing or distribution supply chain. Because many of the current Auto-ID systems use barcoding, the conversion to RFID systems will be an incremental change. The first step in enabling your current barcode printing and application points with RFID will be to obtain RFID-enabled label printers.

How do you select the right printer encoder?

When selecting an RFID print encoder, there are several factors that you should consider while choosing the best option for your specific needs.

Here are some key points:

1. Type of RFID Technology:  

There are different types of RFID technologies available, such as low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF). You should select an encoder that is compatible with the RFID technology you plan to use.

2.

Print Volume and Encoding Speed: 

There are many printers' encoders on the market, and they differ by how fast they can print and encode a label and also for how high volumes they are suitable. Industrial printers will have higher speeds and will last longer thus printing more labels in the long run, which may not be accomplished by simple desktop or portable printers.

The speed at which the encoder can encode data onto the RFID tag is an important point, especially if you need to encode large volumes of tags.

3. Print Resolution: 

Print resolution will be important in situation when printing on the label is more complex and requires higher resolution, for instance when printing logos or graphics. Printers range around 200 &#; 600 dpi but you can find printers with lower or higher resolution as well. 200 dpi is plenty for regular printing needs like text or barcodes.

4.Print Method &#; There are two types of print methods.

• Thermal Transfer:

   It uses heat to transfer ink from a separate ribbon to the label. For long-term application where the labels will have a lengthy lifecycle in the supply chain, thermal transfer printers should be used as the labels do not fade with exposure to sun or heat. These printers will typically print with a higher DPI (dot per inch), or resolution, on the label.

• Direct Thermal:

   It uses special media in the form of a treated label stock that turns black when heated. The advantages of a direct thermal printer are a simpler design and therefore easier loading of the media, no ribbon, and easier maintenance for the printer due to fewer components that could break. However, the labels tend to be more expensive and fade quicker when exposed to heat.

5. Network Connectivity: 

You should select the type of connectivity options the encoder provides, such as Ethernet, USB, or Wi-Fi, and choose one that best fits for your needs.

Most printers provide USB or Ethernet connection; however, you can also find Parallel, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

6. Label Size:

 

Most printers accommodate labels up to 4 inches wide, but there are some printers that can print up to 6 inches wide labels, for instance Zebra ZT420.

7. Space:

 

How much space do you have for your printer? Some of the units are quite large, usually the industrial printers, however, simple desktop printers can be half or third of the size. Portable printers will be the smallest and they can be often fastened to a pocket or a belt.

8. Software Compatibility: 

The encoder should be compatible with the software you plan to use to encode the RFID tags.

9. Ease of Use:

 

The encoder should be user-friendly and easy to set up and operate, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface.

10. Cost:

 

The cost of the encoder is also an important consideration. Compare the features and prices of different models to choose the best option that fits your budget.

Types of RFID Encoders

An RFID printer encoder is a device that combines the functions of an RFID encoder used to print and encode data onto RFID tags or labels and is commonly used in applications such as asset tracking, inventory management, and supply chain management.

An RFID encoder is a device that is used to program data onto RFID tags. Here are some of the types of RFID Printers:

1. Desktop RFID Encoders: 

These are the most common type of RFID encoders and are designed for use in an office or production environment. They can encode a wide range of RFID tags and are generally easy to use.

2. Handheld RFID Encoders: 

Handheld RFID encoders are portable and can be used in the field or on-site. They are ideal for applications where mobility is important, such as inventory management, asset tracking etc.

3. Industrial RFID Encoders: 

These are designed for use in huge or demanding industrial environments, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses. They are typically rugged and durable and can stand in harsh conditions too.

4. Print and Encode RFID Encoders:

These encoders are designed to print and encode RFID tags in a single step. They are ideal for applications that require both printing and encoding of large volumes of tags, such as in the retail or logistics industry.

Link to RoyalRay

5. In-line RFID encoders:

These encoders are integrated into a production line and can encode RFID tags in real-time as they move down the line. They are ideal for high-volume manufacturing applications, such as in the automotive or electronics industry.

6. Software-based RFID encoders:

These encoders are software programs that can be installed on a computer and used to encode RFID tags. The software-based RFID encoders typically include a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy for users to select the appropriate tag type, specify the data to be encoded, and initiate the encoding process.

Label Selection Crieteria

:

To use an RFID-enabled label printer, you must first perform a case analysis to determine what tags and labels are correct for use with your application.

Case Analysis:

The case analysis will include a detailed assessment of the contents of the package and its effect on RF, the package material and its effect on RF, the package surface characteristics for selection of the proper adhesive, the packaging design, and the method of attachment to be used for tagging the cases and products. Large part of the tag/label selection will be dependent on what you are tagging and the environment and for more information about that, visit Criteria for Selecting the Right RFID Tag.

Size and Adhesive

:

The label should be large enough to display all the existing printed information as well as any additional information required for the RFID tag embedded in the back of the label, such as the EPC logo to indicate the use of an EPC tag within the label.

The size should also be appropriate for the boxes to which the labels are applied. You must also consider the compatibility of the label adhesive with the boxes, the method of attachment, the environment in which the tagged assets will be moving, as well as the requirements of the label applicator.

Quality

:

Quality is of prime importance when selecting label stock. Thismedia must deliver consistent and reliable results. If quality varies dramatically from one roll of media to the next&#;or, even worse, from one tag to the next&#;it will make the entire system inefficient. Sufficient time and attention to detail in selecting the proper media is critical to the overall success of any RFID implementation.

Inlay Position within the Label

:

The RFID tag must be positioned so it aligns correctly with the encoder antenna so that it can be read or written to. This positioning changes from one printer to the next, as many printers have their antennas placed at different locations within the print pad. Each label will be specific to a particular type of printer for which it is designed and the inlay position in the label should match the specifications provided by the printer manufacturer. If the inlay position does not match the required specifications, you will not be able to use a default mode and you will need to run a calibration process to make sure the printer determines the inlay&#;s position. You can see various tag alignments in the smart label below.

Possible Issues can be?

Quiet Tag:

You can encounter a quiet tag. This happens when a tag inside a label fails to operate within the specifications. Quiet tags can be a major concern for label makers as well as users.

Most RFID-enabled label printers have a way of verifying the function of the tag in the label and assessing its readiness for use. These printers will determine the response of the tag, and if the tag does not fall within the manufacturer&#;s suggesting quality guidelines, the tag will be rejected and a special pattern will be printed on the front of the label, indicating it should not be used. The printer will then generate the next available label on the print line.

ESD and Tag Handling:

The tag within a smart label contains delicate electronic components and must be handled just as you would handle computer components. Take care to avoid subjecting tags to electrostatic discharge (ESD), crushing, dropping, and exposing to moisture and extreme temperatures. You must consider all these aspects when choosing proper storage locations and handling procedures before you purchase and use a smart label.

Tip: Most RFID-enabled printers have validation and error recovery built in, and the command structure to control the printer is like existing barcode printers, with the addition of RFID control commands to enable the encoding and verification of smart labels.

Ribbon Selection

: 

With thermal transfer printing, you will also need a ribbon. The ribbon can be coated with wax, combination of wax and resin, or just resin. Wax ribbons are cheaper and are great for printing on coated paper, while resin ribbons are more expensive, but they are more suitable for printing on gloss paper or glossy synthetics, they are also more scratch resistant.

Resin print is also more resistant to harsh or extreme chemicals as opposed to wax print, that is resistant only to weak chemicals (like window cleaner). The combination of wax and resin is suitable for coated paper and matte synthetics, provides moderate scratch resistance and withstands moderate chemicals.

Ribbon also comes in different widths, which will affect, how wide you can print. You should match your ribbon width with your label width.

For more information on Tag Types, review:

How to select a correct RFID tag &#; Criteria

How to select a correct RFID tag &#; Passive vs Active

How to select a correct RFID tag &#; Frequency

How to select a correct RFID tag &#; Standards & Mandates

#1   How many tags can an RFID Printer print (per day)?

There are three main types of RFID printers &#; Industrial, Desktop, and Mobile. Printers are assigned to these categories based on factors like ruggedness, mobility, size, and bandwidth. Industrial printers can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions and can print around 10,000 RFID tags per day. Desktop printers print a lower volume of tags overall, around 500 or more per day, and are designed to be used indoors in a low-risk environment like an office. Mobile printers, as their name implies, are small, lightweight devices that can be carried around warehouses or large work spaces. Although extremely mobile, that same small size limits them to only printing, on average, around 200 or more tags per day.

#2   What types of materials can RFID printers print on?

Printers can print on paper both coated and uncoated paper, and plastic or synthetic label surfaces.

#3   Can I print metal-mount labels on any RFID printer?

No, metal-mount labels can only be printed on specialized printers that are optimized for metal-mount tags. These printers are calibrated according to precise measurements between the reader module, the print head, and the tag because of the increased thickness of metal-mount tags.

#4   What data an be encoded on a tag using an RFID printer?

Data must be encoded to RFID tags in a certain format using UHF Gen2 specifications. There is also a limited amount of data that can be stored on tags depending on the format used. Here are some quick facts about encoding formats and data quantities.

• The quantity of data that can be encoded on an RFID is typically between 8 &#; 64 Hexadecimal characters or between 4 &#; 32 ASCII characters (when using Hex to ASCII conversion).
• With Hexadecimal, there are 16 characters that can be used - 0 - 9 and A - F.
• With ASCII, there are 128 characters that can be used - the lower case and upper-case alphabet, numbers 0 - 9, and some special characters as well.

To learn more about Hexadecimal and ASCII encoding schemes, look at the article below.

#5   How do I choose a type of ribbon?

A few different types of ribbon can be used with RFID Printers &#; Wax Ribbon, Wax-Resin Ribbon, and Resin Ribbon. The type that is right for you depends on what material you are printing on and the level of quality needed for the image or text.

• At the lowest cost point is Wax Ribbon, which is commonly used on paper labels both coated or non-coated. Wax Ribbon produces a soft image that is, unfortunately, very susceptible to scratches and abrasions which generally leads to a shorter lifespan.
• Wax-Resin Ribbon is a mid-range selection both in price and image quality. It is typically used on coated paper labels with a glossy, smooth surface as well as synthetic labels. This ribbons allows for a longer lifespan because it is more resistant to scratches and abrasions.
• Resin Ribbon images have a longer lifespan because of the high quality and resistance level. This type of ribbon has a higher price point because it prints clear, sharp images and is recommended for synthetic labels and garment labels.

#6   How do I load ribbon into an RFID printer?

The printer ribbon is placed on the Ribbon Supply Spindle and the free end winds under the print head and loops up to the Take-Up Spindle. Typically, the free end is taped down and then wound back several times to secure it in place and tighten it against the print head. However, If the ribbon is not secure and is pulled free, or the ribbon runs out, the printer has a ribbon sensor in place to stop the printing and send an alert. Checkout the diagram below to identify these printer parts and learn how to load a ribbon.

#7   How many tags can be printed per roll of ribbon?

An average roll of ribbon for an industrial printer has an length of around ft (427 m) or 16,800 inches. The average RFID label&#;s length is 1-inch but can vary anywhere from half-an-inch to 6 inches or more. If you are using a roll of ribbon that is 16,800 inches and you are printing 1-inch long tags with an average break of 0.15 inches between tags, you can most likely print somewhere around 14,000 tags with one roll of ribbon (this number was rounded down from 14,400 to 14,000 to account for any ribbon wasted in the rolling or re-rolling process).

Note: This is an estimate and should not be used as a specific measurement.

#8   What is involved in the printer calibration process and how is it done?

Printer Calibration is the process of setting up the printer to be able to print and encode your RFID tags. Generally, it involves placing the ribbon and securing it, placing the tags and securing them, and then performing an RFID calibration either automatically through the on-screen navigation or manually by consulting a specific tag&#;s measurements. In order to print and encode RFID tags, a printer must be calibrated for each specific tag.

Printer calibration can be done automatically through the printer interface, or manually if the automatic interface isn&#;t performing properly. To watch both processes and learn more, check out the videos below.

Automatically Calibrating & Manually Calibrating RFID Printers

#9   Why are RFID printers expensive?

RFID Printers are complex devices that house RFID reader(s) and antenna(s), and a good bit of moving parts that work in sync in order to encode and verify RFID tags at a high speed. Alongside of the embedded RFID hardware is high-quality printing equipment, ensuring pictures, text, and barcodes appear as close to the on-screen proof as possible. In addition, printers have an abundance of firmware and tag specifics loaded onboard in order to make calibration and use as user-friendly as possible. Complex engineering goes into the design, prototyping, testing, and firmware development.

In addition to the typical features available on RFID printers, some printers have added usability features as well, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, to ensure that connecting to and communicating with an RFID printer is as convenient as possible.

#10   What software can be used with RFID printers?

Communicating with RFID printers is usually done either by sending raw commands from the computer, or by using an out-of-the-box software, such as BarTender. Sending raw commands is not recommended for a large quantity of tags or as a long-term solution. It is typically only used to test out the printer before purchasing a software product or for a quick print of a few tags.

Out-of-the-box software has templates that you can follow to make the printing and encoding process easier and quicker. BarTender and Zebra both have quality software programs that make the process user-friendly, no matter if you are placing custom graphics on tags, or just simple human readable information. Another option is to create a custom piece of software that integrates with other software within a facility. Although this is less-common, printer manufacturers typically provide a printer&#;s API specifically for engineers to design custom software to work with their printers.

Conclusion

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