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Contact Us to Address Your Labelling Challenges
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Dependable RFID enhanced label solutions tailored to your practice
RFID is continuing to grow in popularity in the research and diagnostics field among many other industries—and for good reason. We have witnessed firsthand how the benefits of RFID can lead to increased efficiencies, improved tracking and more accurate identification. Here are a few things RFID has to offer that barcodes can’t:
Although RFID is often compared to barcode technology, it doesn’t have to be a replacement. Barcodes and RFID work great in tandem with one another and when they do we call them smart labels.
A smart label allows the barcode to act as a second form of identification under circumstances where RFID might not be practical and vice versa. It also allows for easier integration into your current systems.
RFID Diagnostic |
Specifics |
Description |
Frequency |
HF, UHF |
We offer both high frequency and ultra-high frequency RFID labelling solutions to accommodate a variety of read ranges, read rates and application needs |
Read Range |
HF: measured in millimeters or centimeters |
The read ranges of high frequency RFID are generally quite low being measured in millimeters or centimeters, while UHF RFID read ranges are typically measured in meters |
Type |
Passive, Semi-Passive |
We offer both passive and semi-passive RFID technologies so you can choose to stick with the basics, or add specialised features |
Size |
Custom |
We can provide custom size and shape labels to suit a range of application needs |
Chemical |
Various lab chemicals |
Our RFID labels are able to withstand a wide variety of exposures to lab chemicals. Just let our team know what chemicals your labels will be exposed to |
Memory |
Custom |
Let us know what your requirements are when it comes to memory and we will work with you to create a tag that meets your needs |
Adhesives |
Engineered for purpose |
As a label manufacturer we offer a range of specially engineered adhesives to accommodate your needs |
Container Types |
Tubes, vials, well plates, bottles, cartridges, conical tubes or vials etc. |
We are experienced in manufacturing labels for a variety of consumables and are willing to work with you to tailor a label to a more unique application |
HF vs. UHF |
High Frequency |
Ultra-High Frequency |
Operating Frequency |
13.56 megahertz |
860-960 megahertz |
Data Transfer Rates |
Acceptable for a variety of uses |
Very fast |
Read Range |
Measured in mm and cm |
Measured in ft and m |
Material Impact |
Low, can operate on objects exposed to water |
High, significantly impacted by liquids and metals |
Smartphone Compatible |
Yes |
No |
Passive vs. Semi-Passive |
Passive |
Semi-Passive |
Components |
Integrated circuit and antenna |
Integrated circuit, antenna, battery |
Power Source |
Inductive coupling |
Battery |
Lifespan |
Long |
Shorter |
Data Storage |
Lower, but an external database can be utilised |
More storage |
Real Time Updates |
No |
Yes, if desired |
To some, the lack of additional features may be a deal breaker, but to others the simplicity of passive RFID is what makes it so appealing. The long lifespan and reliability of passive RFID make it a great choice for any items being stored for an extended period of time. Additionally, passive RFID tends to be a more cost effective option, so in applications where the tagged item doesn’t need to be tracked for long it’s a good match.
What really differentiates semi-passive RFID from passive RFID is the inclusion of a battery, which give these tags the ability to support additional features without increasing read range. With the ability to add features semi-passive RFID is best suited for applications where those additional features, such as environment monitoring, are necessary and the tagged items remain within range of the reader.
Simplified scanning can reduce effort and downtime leading to higher throughput speed, efficiency and accuracy. Introducing RFID can help your lab keep up with demand, and prepare for the future as RFID is integrated into more and more diagnostic instruments and devices.
Integrating RFID into your devices and tools can allow for increased efficiency and tracking capabilities during use.
Adding expiration and usage tracking capabilities to reagent packs and cartridges reduces the likelihood of faulty test results due to accidental misuse of the product.
Proof of product authenticity can also be added to assure your customers they’re using tools & consumables they can trust to provide consistent results.
Additionally, the lack of requirement for line of sight when reading RFID tags allows cartridges, plates or other equipment to be easily read upon insertion into a device. Where barcodes might sometimes become obscured, an RFID signal will be able to be picked up.
By utilising a smart label strategy, all necessary printed information can be recorded on your samples while being backed up in an RFID tag. This allows for efficiency improvements by reducing the effort required during scanning, but also ensures samples retain their integrity even if the visual label were to become obscured.
The best way to achieve a smarter chemical tracking solution is with a little (or a lot) of help from an expert. Computype engineers trustworthy and optimised integrated RFID solutions combining custom tags and software with proper hardware tailored specifically to suit chemical tracking applications.
Our team of experts will work with your needs and expectations to build a chemical tracking solution tailored to your specific environment and workflow, as well as, provide you with the tools and support to ensure lasting results.
Since all of our RFID solutions are special engineered to work for a specific lab it’s difficult to throw out a cost. RFID solutions vary dramatically in price depending on the application.
There are however, a number of factors that come into play when calculating the cost of your solution, such as:
Higher memory RFID tags tend to cost more but they also offer a lot of value to those who need them. Sometimes it’s vital certain information is stored in tags, and it just won’t work with the standard offerings.
Discuss memory requirements with your RFID integration partner to find the right amount of data storage for your purposes, you may find an alternative storage option, such as storing critical information in the tags and the rest in a database.
Whether your tag is high frequency or ultra-high frequency, passive or semi-passive will affect the cost.
Higher frequencies offer higher read ranges and read rates, often leading UHF tags to cost more than HF tags. Certain applications will receive a great benefit from the capabilities of UHF, while other applications will benefit more from HF, so it’s best to look for the features you need and the value they offer your facility when considering costs.
Cost also differs between passive and semi-passive tags, as semi-passive tags require a battery while passive tags don’t. The battery drives up the cost of semi-passive tags, while offering the added benefit of being able to record sensed data.
In addition to the category of your tag affecting the read range of your RFID tags, other measures can be taken to increase the read distance. Any additional measures to increase read distance will however, affect the cost of your tags.
The volume of tags you order will affect your costs. Simply put, the larger the order the higher the overall cost.
Whether you decide to go with copper or aluminum tags will greatly affect the cost of your solution. Choosing aluminum tags can save you a bit of budget, but it’s not suitable for small applications.
Additionally, as the size of the tags increases, so does the amount of required material and cost.
The environment where your RFID system is to be implemented will have a great effect on its functionality.
Liquids and metals in surrounding areas can absorb or reflect the radio-waves, slowing down read rates, or preventing the transmission from reaching the reader. Many labs don’t realise how common of an issue this is. On top of supplies and equipment in the lab, wiring and plumbing systems within the walls can have an effect on your RFID transmissions.
Scheduling a site visit with your RFID integration partner will help them pinpoint any trouble areas so they can customise your system to meet the conditions of your environment. Sometimes these accommodations can lead to increased costs, but they will ensure optimal performance from your RFID system.
Many labs require tools, devices and containers to be sanitised and many sanitisation methods are extremely harsh. Our RFID labels can be customised to withstand sterilisation procedures, including gamma ray radiation. Adding sanitisation resistance to your labels will affect the price, but will provide assurance that your tags can withstand your processes
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