How RFID printed tags are shaping the future
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used by the most powerful companies in the world from Wal-Mart & IBM to Nike and Coke. Read what Chinmay Peshave (an expert for inks and coatings at Apple Inc) has to say based on his specialisation in paper coatings for packaging applications
21 Jun 2023 | By Disha Chakraborty
Unlocking the potential of RFID tags
The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. With rising healthcare costs and demands for accurate patient tracking and monitoring, many hospitals have started using RFID tags to automate their operations. RFID can be used for business inventory management and it is widely used for tracking medical packages in hospitals, pharmaceuticals, food products and secured shipment items.
Exploring innovation in printed electronics
Printed RFID tags technology is a revolutionary advancement in the field of identification and tracking. It involves printing radio frequency identification (RFID) components onto substrates, such as paper or flexible materials. These tags consist of an antenna and a microchip that stores and transmits data wirelessly. When an RFID reader emits radio waves, the tag’s antenna captures the energy and powers up the microchip, enabling it to transmit stored information back to the reader. This technology allows for two seamless and automated data capture, enabling real-time tracking, inventory management, and authentication across various industries. With its cost-effective and versatile nature, printed RFID tags are poised to transform traditional paper and printing products into intelligent, connected assets.
Transforming industries and enhancing efficiency
The printed RFID industry has witnessed innovations that have pushed the boundaries of printing processes and revealed novel applications.
One notable breakthrough is the development of high-resolution printing techniques, allowing for finer details and increased readability of RFID tags. Additionally, advancements in conductive inks and materials have enabled the printing of flexible and stretchable RFID tags, opening up new possibilities in wearable technology and smart textiles. The integration of RFID technology with sensors has unlocked innovative applications in areas such as healthcare, supply chain management, and interactive packaging. These developments have propelled the printed RFID industry into new frontiers, offering unprecedented levels of functionality and convenience.
RFID technology: an outlook
RFID technology brings forth a world of possibilities. There is an immense potential for growth and innovation. While acknowledging the progress made thus far, he emphasises that there are still uncharted territories to explore. As companies continue to invest in research and development, we can anticipate remarkable advancements and groundbreaking discoveries on the horizon. The future of RFID technology holds great promise, poised to reshape various sectors with its transformative capabilities.
Chinmay Peshave at Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University has been innovative in its efforts to integrate PE into its curriculum. Besides the creation of its Center for the Advancement of Printed Electronics (CAPE) which became the first university-owned PE centre in the country. It has also received a USD 2 million grant to produce flexible displays and USD 1.5 million from the US government as part of a national effort to develop solar power windows.
An alumnus of WMU named Chinmay Peshave conducted research on the use of paper for printed electronics. He believes that during the past ten years, printed electronics has given the paper sector a fresh start and endless opportunities. The major benefits of using paper are that it is recyclable and renewable, manufactured in large volumes, flexible material, and it can withstand more heat than PET without compromising its stability.
Peshave’s research on pigment and binder contributions to the electrical resistivity of SBS board was focussed on identifying surface properties suitable for printed functionality.
Other renowned universities, such as MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech, are engaged in pioneering research, exploring new materials, printing techniques, and applications for printed RFID tags. These universities serve as hubs for innovation and collaboration, driving the development of this transformative technology.