RFID Labels: Definition, Types, Components and Solution
- Ahmad Kamal
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
In the logistics, manufacturing, and modern retail industries, the need for automated tracking and identification systems is increasing. RFID technology is a key solution that addresses the challenges of efficiency, accuracy, and speed in managing inventory data. One of the most frequently used components in these systems is the RFID label.
RFID labels offer a flexible and economical form of tag application, capable of widespread implementation on a variety of surfaces and product types. However, to optimally utilize this technology, a thorough understanding of label types, their components, advantages, and challenges is crucial.
What is RFID Label
RFID labels are flexible versions of RFID tags designed in the form of stickers, allowing them to be mounted on various flat surfaces such as cardboard, plastic, or logistics packaging. Unlike conventional, rigid tags, these labels contain a unique data-storing chip (IC) and an antenna that transmits information to an RFID reader via radio waves. Additionally, the labels can be printed with barcodes or text, supporting hybrid use in systems that are not yet fully digital.
Thanks to their slim, lightweight design and ease of mass production, RFID labels are widely used for product labeling, item identification, packaging tracking, and logistics management. This solution is ideal for businesses seeking cost efficiency while also providing real-time data visibility and automation.
Types of RFID Labels
In use, RFID labels come in various types depending on operational needs, the application environment, and the technology used. Each type has different technical characteristics in terms of operating frequency, readability, and durability.
Here are some of the main types of RFID labels that are commonly used:
1. Low Frequency (LF) RFID Label
These labels, with frequencies around 125–134 kHz, are suitable for short-range applications. While their reading range is limited (typically only a few centimeters), these labels are resistant to metal and liquid interference. LF RFID labels are often used in access control systems, animal tracking, or specialized applications that don't require extensive range.
2. High Frequency (HF) RFID Labels
Operating at around 13.56 MHz, these tags have a reading range of up to 1 meter and can be used for faster data transfer. RFID HF tags are widely used in ticket tracking, access cards, and library systems. Furthermore, these tags are compatible with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, making them ideal for smartphone integration.
3. RFID Label UHF (Ultra High Frequency)
This is the most common type of label used in logistics and distribution management due to its wide read range (up to 10 meters or more) and high read speed. UHF RFID labels are ideal for asset tracking, inventory management, and bulk product labeling in warehouses or retail stores.
4. RFID Special Labels (Flag Tags, On-Metal, or Thermal Labels)
For special needs such as metal surfaces, extreme temperatures, or flexible labeling, special label types are available such as:
On-Metal RFID Label, designed to stick to metal surfaces without signal interference.
Flag Tag, a folded label that hangs outside the product surface and allows for more accurate reading.
Thermal RFID Label, can be printed using a thermal printer for fast and precise labeling process.
Each type of RFID label has its own advantages and limitations. Therefore, selecting the right type depends heavily on the context of its use and the RFID system infrastructure implemented within the business.
RFID Label Components
RFID labels are more than just stickers. Beneath their thin, flexible appearance, there are several critical components that enable these labels to function as automatic tracking and identification devices. Understanding the basic structure of RFID labels will help users choose the type best suited to their needs and understand how these labels perform in the field.
In general, the main components of an RFID label consist of:
1. IC (Integrated Circuit) / Chip
The RFID chip is the "brain" of the tag, storing critical information such as a unique identifier (UID), data memory, and communication logic with the RFID reader. The quality and capacity of the chip determine the tag's performance, including read-write capabilities and the amount of data it can store. Some chips also offer additional features such as password protection or data encryption capabilities.
2. Antenna
Antennas function as receivers and transmitters of radio wave signals between the chip and the RFID reader. Antenna design and material significantly impact reading range, operating frequency, and communication efficiency. Antennas are typically made of copper, aluminum, or conductive ink and are designed in specific patterns to maximize signal performance.
3. Substrat
The substrate is the base layer on which the antenna and chip are placed. The substrate material can be plastic, paper, or other flexible materials. The quality of the substrate determines the label's flexibility, resistance to temperature and humidity, and long-term structural stability.
4. Adhesive dan Face Material
Adhesive is the adhesive layer that allows RFID labels to adhere to the surface of objects, with the type being adjusted according to the application, whether for indoor or outdoor environments, or on metal and plastic surfaces. Face material is the outermost layer of the label that can be printed with barcodes or text according to data visualization needs. The synergy between these components makes RFID labels capable of efficient automatic identification, with each element playing a critical role in maintaining signal stability, physical durability, and system compatibility.
The Difference Between RFID Labels and Other RFID Tags
In the world of RFID, we are familiar with various types of tags used for various tracking and identification purposes. RFID labels are one of the most flexible and lightweight forms, yet they are often confused with or misinterpreted with other types of RFID tags, such as hard tags, inlays, and active tags. Therefore, it's important to understand the fundamental differences between RFID labels and other types of RFID tags to avoid making the wrong choice when implementing them in the field.
1. Physical Form and Construction
RFID labels are typically flat, thin, and have an adhesive backing, making them easy to attach like stickers. Other RFID tags, such as hard tags, have a more robust protective casing and are resistant to extreme conditions. Hard tags are suitable for heavy industrial environments or assets that frequently move around.
2. Use and Application
RFID labels are more commonly used for applications requiring mass labeling, such as product packaging, logistics boxes, or documents. Other RFID tags, such as RFID wristbands or metal tags, are used in specialized applications such as vehicle tracking, access control, or high-value asset tracking.
3. Durability and Service Life
Due to their simpler physical structure, RFID labels are less durable than hard or active tags. RFID labels are generally not resistant to water, strong impacts, or extreme temperatures unless specifically designed. Active or semi-active tags even have internal batteries, allowing for more complex remote tracking and data storage.
4. Production Costs
RFID labels generally have lower production costs than other RFID tags. This makes them ideal for single-use labeling, large-scale projects, or inventory needs that don't require high durability.
5. Additional Abilities
Some other types of RFID tags, such as active tags, can be equipped with sensors (such as temperature or humidity) and can transmit signals periodically. This feature is not found in standard passive RFID tags.
Overall, the choice between RFID labels and other types of RFID tags should be tailored to operational needs, the work environment, and tracking objectives. RFID labels excel in terms of flexibility, labeling speed, and cost-efficiency, but for heavy-duty industrial applications, a combination with other RFID tags may be more appropriate.
Advantages and Limitations of Using RFID Labels
When selecting RFID technology for operational purposes, RFID labels are one of the most frequently considered options. However, like any technology, RFID labels have advantages and limitations that must be understood before implementation. This section will help you assess whether RFID labels are the best choice for your needs.
1. Advantages of Using RFID Labels
RFID labels have a number of advantages that make them a top choice for volume-based tracking and efficiency:
Easy to Install: Thanks to its sticker-like form, RFID labels are very practical to attach to packaging, boxes, or documents without the need for additional tools.
Relatively Lower Cost: Compared to hard tags or active tags, RFID labels have a more affordable price, making them suitable for mass labeling.
Fast in Identification Process: Passive technology in RFID labels allows for fast and simultaneous data reading, suitable for processes such as stocktaking or sorting goods in the warehouse.
Flexible in Design: RFID labels can be printed with visual information such as barcodes or text, making them multifunctional physically and digitally.
Suitable for Single-Use Processes: In many cases, RFID labels are used for short or one-way tracking cycles such as shipping or inbound validation.
2. Disadvantages of Using RFID Labels
Despite its many advantages, RFID labels also have technical limitations that need to be considered:
Less Durable: RFID labels are not designed for extreme conditions such as high temperatures, excessive humidity, or chemical exposure, as they are generally made from paper or thin plastic.
Shorter Range: Because they are passive, RFID labels have a more limited reading range than active tags, especially if they are attached to metal surfaces or near liquids.
Risk of Physical Damage: Its thin form makes it more susceptible to damage due to friction or physical pressure.
Not Reusable: In many cases, RFID labels are disposable or single-use, making them not ideal for long-term asset tracking.
By understanding their advantages and disadvantages, you can more objectively assess whether RFID labels are suitable for your company's logistics, manufacturing, or distribution needs. For more demanding and complex situations, other types of RFID tags may be more appropriate.
Application of RFID Label Flag Tags in Various Industrial Needs
RFID Label Flag Tag is a special solution from the RFID Label variant designed for challenging applications, especially in environments that do not allow conventional label installation. With the characteristic of a shape that is not completely attached to the surface (hanging like a flag), Flag Tag is able to improve reading performance, especially on metal surfaces or materials that can reflect radio signals.
1. Study of Usage in Real Industry
The use of Flag Tags has proven successful across various industrial sectors. In electronics manufacturing, Flag Tags are attached to small components housed in protective antistatic packaging. In export logistics, these labels are used to improve the speed and accuracy of tracking during international shipping. Meanwhile, in the pharmaceutical and food industries, Flag Tags are used on sensitive product packaging, ensuring data remains legible despite changing environmental conditions.
2. Flag Tag Design and Performance Advantages
The technical excellence of Flag Tag lies not only in its physical design, but also in its performance in the field. The antenna's position away from the mounting surface allows:
Better reading distance on metal surfaces.
Minimal signal interference or electromagnetic interference.
Higher resistance to physical pressure, friction, and extreme temperatures during storage or distribution.
3. Flag Tag Capabilities in Challenging Environments
Flag Tag RFID Labels demonstrate exceptional reliability in a variety of extreme conditions, from dusty and humid warehouses to interference-ridden heavy metal industries and cold chains such as pharmaceutical freezers. Their raised design allows for optimal readability even in challenging environments, without performance degradation or structural damage. This adaptability makes Flag Tag an efficient and reliable RFID solution for asset tracking and logistics management in high-precision industrial sectors.
Conclusion
RFID labels have become a crucial element in automated identification systems, particularly in inventory management and distribution. Compared to conventional methods like barcodes, RFID labels offer greater efficiency because they can be read in bulk, quickly, and without physical contact. This technology helps accelerate operational processes and improve data accuracy across various industrial sectors.
With various types, including RFID Paper Labels, On-Metal Labels, and Flag Tags, users can choose the label type that best suits their needs and work environment. Furthermore, understanding key components like chips, antennas, and overlay materials is key to determining the performance and durability of the RFID labels used.
TUDI offers RFID label solutions based on DERAS Protocol technology that can be integrated with your existing systems. One of our flagship products is RFID Flag Tag, designed to address the challenges of labeling on metal surfaces or areas with high interference. This product has been used in various industrial sectors to support high-precision, real-time tracking.
If you are interested in optimizing asset management and logistics with RFID solutions from TUDI, please visit our website to learn about technological innovations through our RFID Solutions. contact us and get a free consultation session and find the RFID implementation that suits your business needs.