Not all types of material react the same way to all types of RFID tags. For example, an RFID tag that can get excellent read ranges when attached to a file folder might not work nearly as well on a metallic surface. However, a tag specially made for metal might get an equally poor read range on a simple file folder. Knowing about the materials RFID tags can and can't be used on can save all RFID users a lot of potential headaches.
Cardboard
RFID works exceptionally well on cardboard. RFID tags can be placed on the cardboard, built into the cardboard or placed on items inside of cardboard containers. When it comes to placing tags, any part of a cardboard container or object can be tagged. However placing the tag so that it faces the reader can significantly improve read accuracy and speed. The best tag we offer for use on cardboard is the Nox-2 ultra long read range tag. On cardboard, it has a read range of anywhere from 40 to 60 feet.
While cardboard might be easy to tag, the items placed inside the cardboard might be more difficult. Here's a few of the trickier items to tag.
Metallic objects
Metal is tricky. Metal reflects the Radio Frequency of RFID tags, and therefore the tags either need to be specially designed for metal or attached without actually touching the metal with special spacers. Bubble wrap, Styrofoam and other neutral materials can be used to attach non-metallic tags to metal, or you can use one of our specially designed made for metal tags. The rugged Nox TM-4 gets 10 feet of reliable read range when attached to metal. It's also the perfect tag for more physically demanding jobs. If you need a tag that can get very hot, cold or wet, then the TM-4 is your tag.
(Check out our support page for links to neat videos demonstrating that, YES, you can boil this tag in a pot of water, bake it in the oven and freeze it and it will come out unscathed.)
Liquid containers
Liquid is even trickier to tag than metal. In fact, it's difficult to get much of a reading at all when a tag is directly attached to the container unless the reader is very close to the tag. There's also no tag available yet that can be easily read when attached to liquids. Instead, it works better to use hanging tags, or tags attached to another part of the shipping container (but still far enough away from the liquid so you avoid interference). We'd also recommend you give us a call at 800-909-5524 or email our support team so they can help you figure out if RFID is right for you.
