Standards and Converting Equipment

Standards and RFID Converting Equipment

Standards and their impact on smart label converting equipment is questionable, according to machine manufacturers. Much of today’s RFID converting technology can produce tags and labels of a variety of frequencies. However, there are a few points to consider when looking to purchase RFID converting apparatuses.

First, it’s important to remember that, while notable advances have been made in smart labels and their construction, RFID in general is still a developing technology. This means converters need equipment that can develop along with the progress made in RFID.

“Converters should purchase converting equipment that permits them to evolve with the on-going evolution of smart products,” said Max Golter, vice president of sales, bielomatik.

With so much talk about RFID standards and the ratifying of the Gen 2 standards by EPCGlobal in December 2004, it’s easy to gain a false sense that RFID standards are secure and stable. However, Golter added, “There are still numerous standards under the umbrella of ‘RFID standards’—a frequency doesn’t have just one standard.”

There are international groups and associations working on solidifying guidelines, but in the meantime, converters should seek equipment that allows the most flexibility and capability. Golter said, “If you have a PT Cruiser vs. a Chevy Cavalier, you can put the back seat down and haul a load of 2 x 4’s and still close the hatch. The more able and flexible you are, the more you are going to be able to conform to the changes in smart product design and evolution.”

Quality is an on-going but improving issue with RFID. Yield rates -- the number of functioning RFID tags and labels after the converting process -- are becoming more consistent as RFID technology in smart tags and labels and the associated equipment is refined and enhanced to withstand the industrial process and environment. This aids the bottom line of smart product converters.

As for the role of standards on the production process, Dave Grove, sales, Schober USA, hopes they only add to the progress made in smart label quality. “As far as our business is concerned, as a machine manufacturer, the most important thing to me is tag quality. Standards that would guarantee a minimum percentage of either bad, weak, or missing tags in a roll would help us the most. Any of the above slows the through put of our machine and, hence, the profitability of our customers.”

For now, RFID standards will continue to affect brand owners more than converters. However, the future of these guidelines and their impact on the evolving world of smart label converting is still a big question mark. It’s a matter of wait and see.