Asset tracking has become a popular practice amongst industries to optimize their operations. One such type of technology is the mount on-metal RFID tag. These tags are specially designed to work alongside metal objects without hampering their functionality.
So, let’s discuss in some detail about the industrial applications of mount on-metal RFID tags.
What is a Mount On-Metal RFID Tag?
As the name suggests, these are a type of RFID tags that are mounted on metal. The biggest issue faced by RF technology is signal distortion & degradation arising from metallic surfaces. Metals have an interesting interaction with electromagnetic waves. Some metals can absorb and other metals outright reflect radio signals (also known as backscattering).
However, this creates an issue when it comes to radio communication. Therefore, to solve this issue, manufacturers came up with a special design. The mount on-metal tags are specifically designed to operate on metal surfaces without any signal problems.
These tags have a special layer of substrate and a shell, that provides a barrier between the inlay’s antennas and the metal surface. UHF mount on-metal tags can provide an effective communication range of 3 to 5 meters (or 9 to 16 feet). Keep in mind, this is the maximum range available on passive UHF metal tags. On some tags, the range is much lower, like a couple of inches.
Industries Where Mount On-Metal Tags are Popular
Now you know a brief of what a mount on-metal RFID tag is. Although they can be used in most applications, their biggest problem is the limited range. Therefore, their use is specialized in industries where their ability to communicate near metals plays a major role.
So, let’s check out which industries most popularly implement these highly specialized components.
(A). Metallurgy
This may seem like the obvious, because it is, but no better place to use tags meant to be used with metals, than a place that works with just metal. Industries like mining, smelting, rolling, etc., also need to keep track of their assets and equipment. That is where these tags come into play.
(B). Manufacturing
Industries like automotive manufacturing deal largely in constructing parts from bare metal. In addition to all the tools and equipment like welders, robots, paint guns, etc. All of this equipment needs to be tracked along with the products on the assembly line.
(C). Information Technology
The one thing that you can find plenty of in an IT facility, is metal. Whether it is the server cabinet, the laptops, the servers themselves, etc. To make it worse, this equipment is not cheap either, and neither is the highly valuable data inside them. Therefore, it makes sense to have robust AIDC technology in such a facility.
(D). Construction & Healthcare
In facilities like construction zones/sites or hospitals, operators require the use of a variety of tools. Similar to the previous section, these tools tend to be very expensive and highly specialized. Which means that we want to be able to track them, to prevent theft & ensure that users can retrieve them on time. We also use mount on-metal tags on construction sites & healthcare for inventory management.
(E). Oil & Gas Pipelines
As the name pipeline suggests, you probably guessed correctly that they are made of metal. Even though pipelines tend not to move, they still need to be tagged for inventory and transportation purposes. And also, for maintaining an accurate service & maintenance record.
How to Install Mount On-Metal Tags on Your Items/Assets?
Metals are used in a variety of industries, meaning they come in all shapes, sizes, and surface characteristics. Meaning, that there is no one method of mounting that will work in every situation. In the case of mount on-metal tags, users have a variety of options for implementation.
These tags come with a variety of mounting options like welding, self-adhesive backing, screw mounts, and epoxy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount On-Metal RFID Tags
Q1. What metal are RFID tags made of?
An RFID tag consists of multiple materials, for example, the out layer can be ABS plastic, PET, etc. The inlay consists of three components, namely – The microchip, Antenna, and a substrate layer. The chip is made of silica and metals like copper. The antenna on the other hand is made from either aluminium or copper.
Q2. Where are RFID tags used?
RFID tags have been used in almost every industry currently operating in the market. These systems are used primarily for asset identification & tracking operations.
Q3. Is metal RFID blocking?
Yes, metals have the ability to reflect (through backscattering) or absorb radio signals. Since radio frequency identification operates on the propagation of radio signals, metal surfaces can block or cause disruption in these systems.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for general information purposes only and true to best of our understanding. Users are requested to use any information as per their own understanding and knowledge. Before using any of the information, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
