RFID-Enabled Mobile Thermal Transfer Printing

Zebra launches rugged and compact mobile printers, the P4T and RP4T, that are designed for harsh outdoor environments. These RFID-enabled printers are suitable for field construction or utility tagging applications. ...

... "The easy-to-wear and carry Zebra P4T and RFID-enabled RP4T mobile printers are ideal for indoor and outdoor applications in government, manufacturing, transportation and logistics and mobile field service. The Zebra RP4T is shipped with RFID functionality while the P4T is RFID upgradeable. In addition to enabling printing of EPC-compliant passive UHF RFID Class 1, Gen 2 labels at any location, the new Zebra P4T and RP4T printers offer unique capabilities for enhanced connectivity " ...

Via Zebra Technologies: RFID-Enabled Mobile Thermal Transfer Printers

RFID Print and Apply in Packaging Process

RFID Print Label Applicator for Packaging Lines

Automated packaging line served by RFID printer / label applicator ...

RFID Card Printer Encoder Product Launch

Zebra Technologies launches new R3i and R4i UHF RFID card printer/encoders, which are positioned to improve operational efficiency and security. ...

... "Zebra's new UHF RFID card printer/encoders are suitable for transponder types: EPC Class 0; EPC Class 1, Gen 1; EPC Class 1, Gen 2; ISO18000-6b and 6-c; and others. Available in two sizes, the card printer/encoders feature 4 MB image memory standard, a 16-character LCD display, and an innovative angled, high-capacity card feeder for faster throughput and fewer rejections. They are designed for use with Zebra-designed form factors, and are also compatible with cards provided by other solution providers. Product options include a magnetic encoder, and built-in Ethernet capability. The card printer/encoders are ruggedly built, fast and easy to use. The Zebra R4i model can print as many as 130 single-sided, full-color cards or 102 dual-sided, full color cards per hour. They deliver clear, vibrant color printing and print resolution of 300 dpi. " ...

Via Zebra Technologies: New Zebra R3i and R4i card printer/encoders and Zebra-designed supplies

RFID Pharmaceutical Inventory Management

Avery Dennison and RedPrairie will collaborate on pharma RFID solutions. ...

... "A leading pharmaceutical supplier has chosen the Avery Dennison and RedPrairie RFID solution for visibility and inventory management of its extensive pharmaceutical line. The solution consists of Avery Dennison's industry-leading Monarch 9855TM RFID printer/encoder and RFID supplies combined with RedPrairie's world-class enterprise software. The recent RedPrairie and Avery Dennison partnership helps ensure that RedPrairie's customers have reliable RFID printing/encoding capabilities with Monarch brand printers already pre-integrated into RedPrairie software solutions. " ...

Via Red Prairie: Leading pharmaceutical supplier chooses RedPrairie Enterprise Software and Avery Dennison's Monarch brand RFID hardware and supplies

RFID Webinar Frequency Technology Decisions

Zebra announces another learning opportunity through its webinar on high frequency RFID choices. ...

... "The downloadable webinar, UHF or HF RFID? How to Choose the Best Technology for Your Application, is the most recent addition to Zebra's library of RFID learning materials. Presented by Matt Ream, Zebra's senior manager for RFID systems, the webinar explains the technical and performance characteristics of UHF and HF technologies, and discusses their advantages and limitations. Zebra is uniquely positioned as an unbiased thought leader on this issue, as the first company to offer RFID printer / encoders for both high frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) applications. " ...

Via Zebra Tech: DEMYSTIFY THE DECISION BETWEEN HF AND UHF RFID

Zebra RFID Program Training Events

RFID4U will provide technical RFID education and hands-on training in the set-up and deployment of Zebra RFID printer and encoders. ...

... "Dua also notes that the one-day training can be valuable to end users of Zebra's on-demand RFID printing solutions, and is available in an e-learning format for those who cannot attend the classroom training. CERTIFICATION FOR ZEBRA CERTIFIED RFID PARTNER PROGRAM: 2007 Course Schedules: In June and August of 2007, RFID4U is offering its comprehensive one-day RFID Technical Training for Zebra Products and Programs in the Chicago area. The training is designed for VARs, distributors, systems integrators, RFID solution providers, as well as pre-sales, sales and operations engineers. " ...

Via Zebra: RFID4U Provides Training and Certification for Zebra Certified RFID Partner Program

RFID InkJet Printable Tags

FujiFilm Dimatix work to advance its capabilities in printable RFID tags using ink-jet printers. It has demonstrated capabilities in various sizes and materials on multiple substrates. ...

... "FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc., a leading provider of commercial and industrial ink jet products, announced that it has repeatedly used its revolutionary ink jet technology to print silver fluid with features of less than 20 microns. With the proven capability to precision print 1 picoliter-sized drops of organic and inorganic materials on a large variety of substrates, the company is continuing to pave the way for an entirely new way of developing and manufacturing electronic books, printed polymer backplanes, printed sensors, complete RFID tags and other flexible electronics.

The Dimatix Materials Printer (DMP) is the world's first complete, low-cost system for high-precision jetting of all kinds of functional fluids on any type of surface, including plastic, glass, metal sheets, silicon, membranes, gels, thin films and paper. By directly printing on their own substrates, customers can rapidly develop prototypes and keep process technology in-house. The printer's small size and low price make it convenient, easy to use and cost-effective to own. Featuring single-use cartridges that customers can fill with their own fluid materials, the system minimizes waste of expensive materials. " ...

Via Dimatix: FUJIFILM Dimatix Enables Direct Printing of Silver Fluid with Features of Less than 20 Microns ...

FUJIFILM Dimatix Materials Deposition Division is evolving ink jetting technology into a production process that lowers the cost, time and environmental impact of producing electronic circuits and functions for RFID tags, flat panel displays, circuit boards and other electronic and bioscience applications.

RFID Automated Application System Supports Supply Chain Strategy ...

Dairy Fresh implements Xterprise RFID automation system to support supply chain performance. ...

... "Dairy Fresh chose Xterprise to deploy the XARM 4000 solution on two manufacturing lines so that supply chain strategies and their customer mandates could be met in a timely manner, without the need for added labor to accomplish the RFID tagging requirements. The XARM 4000 is a fully integrated, automated, RFID application solution that enables Dairy Fresh to easily transition from non-tagged production line packaging to RFID tagged production line packaging. The XARM 4000, designed and built by Carrollton, Texas based Xterprise, is designed around a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) software platform that enables real-time monitoring and control of the complex production line material handling system and RFID printer applicators and verification readers. The system can accommodate full pallet single SKU tagging (case and pallet) and pallet only tagging for their various retailer’s requirements. In addition to using the latest technology to ensure maximum readability of RFID tags in the retailers supply chain, the Xterprise automated solution also provides the lowest cost per case application and the highest case per minute throughput in the industry. " ...

Via Xterprise: Dairy Fresh Deploys Xterprise RFID Source Tagging Solution: WalMart Beverage manufacturer chooses automated solution for RFID case and pallet tagging ...

RFID Phase Jitter Modulation Technology ...

Zebra licenses Magellan's PJM Phase Jitter Modulation technology to support its RFID produtct development. ...

... "Under the license agreement, Zebra has the right to develop and commercialize RFID reader modules and tags that incorporate Magellan's patented PJM technology. In 2006, Zebra plans on embedding the reader modules in its printer/encoder products to enable more efficient programming of smart labels and tags. Ratified in 2004, PJM is an HF RFID system specified in an existing global standard: ISO/IEC 18000-3 mode 2, RFID for Item Management. Because the technology is optimized for applications where many hundreds of tags are packed tightly or need to be read reliably in dynamic situations, it is an ideal solution for pharmaceutical e-Pedigree, document control, gaming and other applications." ...

RFID Phase Jitter Modulation Technology: Via Zebra Technologies: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES NEW RFID LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH MAGELLAN TECHNOLOGY ...

Magellan Technology Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia, is a technology developer, manufacturer and licensor of advanced read and write 13.56MHz RFID systems. Magellan designs and offers RFID chips, inlets and a complete reader portfolio (multi channel, multi antenna, tunnel, and tray readers) and all operating software. Magellan’s Phase Jitter Modulation (PJM) technology complies with the International Standard ISO/IEC 18000 Part 3 Mode 2. PJM is optimized for applications where many hundreds of tags are stacked tightly or need to be identified reliably in dynamic situations including pharmaceutical authentication, document control, jewelry tracking and gaming management. The technology is also optimized for conveyor fed applications where tags are presented in all orientations. Typical applications are in the airline baggage, postal and courier markets. Magellan develops and licenses its PJM technology world wide to interested parties including other manufacturers and system integrators.

RFID Intermec Alien IP Tussle ...

Intermec and Alien compete for the use of RFID intellectual property. Intermec claims rights to the IP given its patents. Alien is challenging. ...

... "Intermec is seeking an injunction prohibiting Alien from selling the infringing RFID products, as well as monetary damages. Also today, Intermec filed a motion to dismiss a declaratory judgment action filed by Alien in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. Intermec is moving to dismiss the case on the ground that the North Dakota federal court does not have jurisdiction to hear the case. An RFID pioneer, Intermec holds more than 150 RFID patents, including patents core to the use of RFID.



Committed to providing industry access to its RFID patent estate, Intermec in 2005 offered a Rapid Start RFID licensing program that provided access to portfolios of its RFID patents. Twenty RFID industry leaders, including RFID, chip, tag, reader, printer and wireless network manufacturers, were selected for the program. Alien Technology is not one of the licensees. " ...

RFID Intermec Alien IP Tussle: Via Intermec: Intermec Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Alien Technology: Complaint Specifies Alien’s Generation 2 RFID Products ...

RFID Printer SAP AutoID Certified ...

Printronix RFID print solution achieves AutoID certification with SAP infrastructure. ...

... "Printronix Inc., the leading integrated supply-chain printing solutions manufacturer, announced that its radio frequency identification (RFID) label printing solution has achieved SAP certified integration. SAP has certified the Printronix XML Forms Module 1.0 for integration with the Device Controller Interface of SAP(R) Auto-ID Infrastructure Release 2.1 and the SAP NetWeaver(R) platform in Printronix's 5r Multi-Technology Thermal Printing Platform. With this certified solution, Printronix customers can expect low-cost, rapid integration of RFID label printing into SAP solution-based environments. The pre-designed label templates, XML test files and label-design software yield the dual benefits of lower maintenance and increased reliability. This scalable solution grows with users' information-processing needs, eliminating need for costly middleware. SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure 2.1 enables RFID-based supply chain management (SCM) and supply chain execution processes across the enterprise. Printronix worked with SAP to enable smart label creation within SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure 2.1 on the industry's best-selling RFID printers and encoders. " ...

RFID Printer SAP AutoID Certified: Via Printronix Printers: Printronix RFID Label Printing Solution Achieves SAP Certified Integration ...

RFID Lab Smart Tag Life-Cycle ...

RFID lab receives RFID reader gift to enable full life-cycle tests of smart tags. ...

... "Radio Frequency Identification technology, silicon-embedded smart tags, is generally expected to be used right alongside Universal Product Codes as an enhancement to product tracking capabilities for the foreseeable future. Indiana University's Kelley School of Business was the first U.S. business school to create a working RFID educational model or lab two years ago. The recent gift of an RFID printer from Zebra Technologies will allow the Kelley School's undergraduate and graduate students to model the complete life cycle of a tag. " ...

RFID Lab Smart Tag Life-Cycle: Via IU: IU's Kelley School receives gift from Zebra Technologies for RFID lab

RFID Integrator Program ...

Printronix provide RFID service and support through its RFID integrator program, which creates total solutions for customers ...

... "Printronix's extensive RFID certified partner and integrator community will demonstrate RFID solutions using Printronix's SmartLine printer family, including the SL5000r MP2 RFID printer and SLPA7000r MP2 print, encode and apply printer. These printers are the industry's first designed specifically to EPCglobal(TM) Gen 2 encoding specifications. Both printer families feature EPCglobal Gen 2-certified hardware and RFID smart encoding technology, and address a wide range of applications and global frequency requirements. Printronix has taken the lead in RFID service and support by developing a Certified RFID Integrator Program. The company has established robust, dynamic partnerships with leading integrators to offer customers a total solution: Printronix's market-leading RFID solutions with top-quality integration service and support. In addition, Printronix RFID Technology Partners deliver best-of-breed RFID technology to the global marketplace. Printronix has developed strategic alliances with leaders in bar-code quality and RFID tags to give customers the most reliable and lowest-cost RFID solution for the supply chain. " ...

RFID Integrator Program: Via Printronix: Printronix Strengthens RFID Leadership Position with Dominant Presence at RFID World: Printronix RFID Printers Will Be Featured in 17 RFID Solution Demonstrations ...

RFID Label for Anti-Counterfeiting ...

Sokymat offers RFID label for anti-counterfeiting applications in printing ...

... "Sokymat SA, the world's leading supplier of RFID transponders, has developed a 13.56 MHz RFID label specially designed as an anti-counterfeiting tool for printer ribbons. The label attaches directly to the core of the printer ribbon, making it impossible to tamper with. A printer with integrated reader module can now easily distinguish between an original ribbon and unauthorized counterfeits. ... The transponder is available both as a standard label, which comes in a special material with the same printing characteristics as paper, or as a customized product, such as a very robust PET laminated ring label. Sokymat provides this high frequency label with an I-Code1 IC chip. In any case, Sokymat is able to produce any variety of customized label based on ISO 15693 compliant ICs for example.

Sokymat has developed a very small specific flip-chip module package for this application – the SK1 – which makes it possible to produce a very thin and narrow ring transponder, about 10mm wide and less than 1.2mm thick. This very narrow HF label cannot be produced with traditional label manufacturing techniques (printed or etched antenna), which require a larger pitch resolution between the turns of the coil. The antenna is designed to achieve optimum performance despite the interference that may be present. " ...

RFID Label for Anti-Counterfeiting: Via Sokymat: Sokymat launches anti-counterfeiting RFID label designed for printer ribbon identification ...

RFID New Product Programme ...

Domino reinvests its profits in new product programme, with emphasis on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology solutions ...

... "We have continued to invest significantly in Research and Development, and have further exciting new products planned for release this year. We are setting aside an additional £2.5 million from 2006 profits to invest in building a greater competence in providing RFID solutions to our customers and in other new product programmes. " ...

RFID New Product Programme: Via Domino: 2005 Results ...

Via RFID Journal: Domino Adds RFID Unit: "While Domino's ISG unit will work as a system integrator to help manufacturers deploy RFID, the company says it is also working on software offerings that will link RFID and existing printing systems, as well as network RFID interrogators and RFID printer-encoders ... "

Use Gen2 RFID for Pilots Starting Now ...

With EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 radio frequency identification (RFID) products reaching the market, Zebra Technologies shares its experience as a ten-year veteran of RFID innovation with Gen 2 do’s and don'ts to help companies avoid potential implementation issues. ...

... "Do go straight to Gen 2 if you are starting RFID pilots now: Gen 2 protocols offer significant performance enhancements over the first generation of EPCglobal UHF protocols, including superior tag throughput, improved accuracy and compliance with global spectrum regulations. Many new vendors have committed to supporting EPC Generation 2, allowing users to leverage standards-based interoperability among tags, interrogators, printer/encoders, etc. as well as aggressive pricing spawned by competition. " ...

Use Gen2 RFID for Pilots Starting Now: Via Zebra: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES REVEALS TOP 5 RFID GEN 2 DOs and DON'Ts ...

Zebra RFID Gen2 Printer Firmware Upgrade ...

Zebra upgrades its RFID printer firmware to support Gen2 capability. ...

... "Zebra customers can download and install the firmware to conveniently expand RFID support to include Gen 2 smart label printing/encoding. No hardware replacement or service call is required. Zebra is the first company to provide publicly downloadable firmware to support Gen 2 RFID, while still supporting previous protocols. The free firmware upgrade is available for Zebra’s RXi series printer/encoders, RPAX4 series print engines and European R4Mplus printer/encoders. These models are configured to update RFID protocols via firmware, not hardware, so there is no need to replace the reader module to add support for new protocols. Because Gen 2 functionality can be added to Zebra printer/encoders without sacrificing the use of other UHF technologies, including EPC Class 1 and Class 0, companies who utilize Zebra RFID printer/encoders can be assured that the product will support their current and future business needs. " ...

Zebra RFID Gen2 Printer Firmware Upgrade: ZEBRA DELIVERS EPC GEN 2 RFID PRINTING/ENCODING WITH INDUSTRY’S FIRST FREE, DOWNLOADABLE FIRMWARE UPGRADE: Companies can add Gen 2 support on existing Zebra RFID printer/encoders while continuing to use Gen 1 and other protocols: no new hardware required ...

Printed RFID Ink Viscosity ...

NanoMarkets explores the market for inks and materials that are used to enable printable electronics, such as printed RFID. ...

... "Some of the highest potential applications for printable electronics have very demanding requirements for materials. For example, flexible displays obviously require flexible substrates, but they also need inks that do not easily crack when dry. Printed RFIDs will be created on high-speed printing machinery which places strict requirements on ink viscosity. NanoMarkets believes that such needs will help drive both the demand and R&D dollars in the novel inks sector. " ...

Via NanoMarkets: Materials for Printable Electronics to Reach $1.9 Billion Says New Report from NanoMarkets ...

Printed RFID electronic ink references:

Via Organic Matter: RFID, OLED, Organic Semiconductors and Electronic Ink: "Because of the new and exciting developments in organic semiconductor technology called Electronic Ink. Imagine if you will an extremely precise inkjet printer that instead of regular ink could print using an organic semiconducting polymer. In theory one could print out a RFID or any other number of electronics directly onto paper. Besides RFID tags there are a whole host of other consumer electronics that are currently being developed such as Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)."

Via Flint Ink: Flint Ink Launches PRECISIA, LLC: New Company to spearhead RFID and other printed electronics technology: "Conductive inks, which contain particles of conductive silver and/or carbon, can serve as channels for the wireless flow of electronic signals. The most well-known application for conductive inks is in antennas for RFID, a next-generation coding technology. Conductive inks are also used in 'smart' labeling and packaging applications. "

Via Dimatix: Dimatix Revolutionizes Materials Deposition with Industry’s First Low-Cost, Cartridge-Based Ink Jet Printing System: Direct Deposition of New Fluid Materials Offers Easier, Faster and Less Expensive Product Development for Electronics, Flat Panel Displays, Life Sciences and Other Industries: "The patented DMP-2800 series - a bench-top precision digital materials deposition system with versatile capabilities - enables users to jet complex patterns to create desired shapes, layers or even products by printing their own fluids onto any substrate up to five centimeters in thickness. By directly printing on their substrates, customers can rapidly develop prototypes and keep process technology in-house. The printer's small size and low price make it convenient and easy to use and own. The user-friendly cartridge system allows customers to perform print and deposition functions without having to become fluid jet experts."

RFID Patient Wristbands: Effieicnt European Hospital Care: Instant Information Availability ...

Zebra Technologies Europe Ltd launches RFID patient identification wristbands in Europe that will enable nursing staff efficiency gains in hospitals by enabling immediate access to information. ...

RFID Patient Wristbands: Effieicnt European Hospital Care: Instant Information Availability; Via Zebra: Next-generation patient wristbands to improve hospital care: Nursing staff use intelligent tagging to verify patient needs quickly and easily

... "Scanning a barcode or RFID tag in a patient’s wristband will quickly retrieve a range of information assigned to the individual patient, whether they are receiving medication, having a blood transfusion or giving a sample. As a result, nursing staff will immediately have bedside access to patient details and exact prescriptions without having to interpret a doctor’s handwriting or search hospital records to clarify medication instructions. Zebra believes that the wristbands will dramatically reduce the 200,000 medication errors each year in the NHS2. In addition, patient identification is rising up the agenda of UK hospitals as they are now legally required to comply with the EU Directive 2002/98/EC, which sets standards of quality and safety for the collection, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human blood and blood components. Zebra’s wristband and printer range deliver a simple means of identifying patients throughout the blood transfusion process. " ...

RFID Reader EPC Hardware Certification: Samsys ...

RFID Reader EPC Hardware Certification: Samsys: Via SAMSys: SAMSys’ Market-Leading UHF RFID Reader Module Receives EPCglobal Hardware Certification for Gen 2 Compliance ...

... "SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader solutions, announced that its MP9311 UHF RFID reader module has received EPCglobal Hardware Certification ensuring conformance with the EPCglobal Gen 2 standard for RFID products. The MP9311 is the leading module in its class, with adoption by major printer manufacturers including Datamax, Paxar, Sato and others for use in their respective RFID smart label printer/encoders. The EPCglobal certification verifies that the MP9311 module complies with the EPCglobal UHF Generation 2 Air Interface Protocol Standard. The EPCglobal Hardware Certification Program was designed to enable end users and OEMs to quickly identify EPC-compliant RFID hardware that will work predictably, thereby eliminating the need for IT staff to spend time evaluating hardware components when planning RFID pilots or implementations. " ...