Table of Contents:
What is an RFID Technology?
What is an RFID Card Prelam Inlay?
Components of an RFID Card Prelam Inlay
RFID Prelam/Inlay Structure
How to Make RFID Prelam/Inlay?
Types of RFID Prelam/Inlay.
How does an RFID Card Prelam Inlay Work?
Applications of RFID Card Prelam Inlays.
Advantages of RFID Card Prelam Inlays
What are the Layout Specifications for RFID Prelam?
FAQs:
How Does an RFID Card Prelam Inlay Differ From a Standard RFID Card?
How durable is RFID Prelam?
Does RFID Prelam Comply with International Standards in Terms of Environmental Protection?
How to Choose the Right RFID Prelam?
What is the Reading and writing Distance of RFID Prelam?
What is an RFID Technology?
RFID technology, also known as Radio Frequency Identification technology, is a technique that utilizes wireless radio frequency signals for contactless data communication between a reader and an RFID card (or electronic tag) to automatically identify target objects and obtain relevant data.
The working principle of RFID technology is mainly based on the transmission characteristics of radio frequency signals and spatial coupling (inductive or electromagnetic coupling). When an object with an electronic tag enters the readable range of a reader, the reader emits a radio frequency query signal to activate the tag. The tag responds by reflecting signals according to the received query signal. The reader then captures these reflected signals and, through internal circuit decoding and processing, can read and identify the electronic data stored in the tag without physical contact, thus achieving automatic identification.
What is an RFID Card Prelam Inlay?
RFID prelam is a core semi-finished component used for manufacturing RFID cards or tags. It primarily consists of a special sheet embedded with an antenna and an RFID chip that stores and transmits data.
RFID pre-laminated is one of the essential foundational materials for implementing RFID technology. In an RFID system, the card or tag receives and transmits radio frequency signals through the antenna, while the chip is responsible for processing, storing, and transmitting this data. The design of the RFID prelam sheet ensures that the antenna and chip are tightly integrated, forming an efficient and reliable RFID component.
Components of an RFID Card Prelam Inlay
Antenna:
The antenna is a crucial component of an RFID card, responsible for receiving and transmitting radio waves to enable communication with the reader. It is typically made of aluminum, copper, or other highly conductive materials that effectively conduct current and radiate electromagnetic waves. The shape and size of the antenna are optimized based on the RFID card’s frequency and application requirements to ensure optimal communication performance and reading distance.
Microchip:
The microchip serves as the brain of the RFID card, responsible for storing and processing information. Manufactured using advanced semiconductor technology, it contains complex circuitry and memory structures. The microchip stores the card’s unique identification data, such as serial numbers and user information, which are pre-written during the card manufacturing process. Additionally, the microchip can perform specific functions such as data encryption and anti-collision processing to ensure the security and reliability of the RFID card.
Substrate:
PVC or PET serves as the base for the antenna and microchip, providing essential structural support and protection. It is usually made of polyester, polyimide, or other high-performance materials that offer excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability, and thermal stability. The thickness, flatness, and surface roughness of the substrate significantly impact the RFID card’s performance, so these parameters must be precisely controlled according to specific application requirements.
RFID Prelam/Inlay Structure
How to Make RFID Prelam/Inlay?
The production process of LF RFID Prelam:
1. PVC Glue Application: Apply an even layer of glue on the surface of the PVC material to provide good adhesion for the subsequent processes.
2. Manual Chip Placement: Operators carefully place the chip onto the specified position, ensuring stable connection for the subsequent coil.
3. Manual Coil Winding: Use fine copper wire to wind a coil on the PVC material, forming the low-frequency RFID antenna.
4. Soldering: Solder the connection points between the chip and the coil to ensure stable electrical performance.
5. Large Sheet Testing: Perform electrical performance tests on the entire large sheet material to confirm the normal connection between the chip and coil, ensuring stable signal transmission.
6. Lamination: Combine multiple layers of materials (such as PVC encapsulation layers) to enhance durability and reliability.
7. Cutting: Cut the large sheet material into individual Prelam pieces according to product specifications.
8. Appearance Inspection: Check the appearance quality of the Prelam, ensuring there are no bubbles, cracks, or other defects.
9. Packaging and Labeling: Classify, package the qualified Prelam products, and apply the corresponding labels for easy logistics management.
The production process of HF RFID Prelam:
1. PVC Material Hole Punching: Precisely punch holes on the PVC substrate to provide positioning points for the subsequent antenna winding.
2. Ultrasonic Coil Winding: Use ultrasonic equipment to wind the antenna coil, ensuring a strong bond between the copper wire and the substrate, guaranteeing stable signal transmission.
3. PVC Green Label Application: Apply a green label to the designated area to assist in locating the chip position for subsequent steps.
4. Machine Chip Placement: Use automatic chip placement equipment to precisely attach the chip to the antenna, ensuring efficient and consistent quality.
5. Soldering: Solder the connection points between the chip and coil to ensure stable and reliable electrical connection.
6. Large Sheet Testing: Perform electrical performance testing on the entire product sheet to ensure that all chips and coils are properly connected.
7. Lamination: Laminate multiple layers of materials to enhance durability and ensure the overall performance of the product.
8. Cutting: Cut the large sheet material into individual 54mm × 85.5mm RFID cards according to product specifications.
9. Appearance Inspection: Inspect the cut products for any damage, bubbles, or other issues affecting appearance quality.
10. Packaging and Labeling: Organize, classify, package the qualified Prelam products, and apply labels for easy shipping and logistics management.
The production process of UHF RFID Prelam:
1. PVC Glue Application: Glue is evenly applied to the surface of the PVC substrate to provide good adhesion conditions for attaching the chip.
2. Manual Chip Attachment: Operators precisely attach the UHF chip to the designated position, ensuring the alignment of the antenna and chip connection.
3. Individual Testing with Reader: Each chip is individually tested using a reader/writer device to ensure it can read and store data correctly.
4. Lamination: Multiple layers of material are stacked and laminated together to firmly encapsulate the chip and antenna inside the substrate, enhancing durability.
5. Visual Inspection: The product is checked for any bubbles, scratches, or other defects that may affect quality.
6. Cutting: The large material sheet is cut into individual 54mm × 85.5mm RFID cards according to specifications.
7. Final Testing with Reader: Another round of individual testing is conducted to ensure that the electrical performance remains stable and reliable after cutting.
8. Packing and Labeling: Qualified products are categorized, packed into boxes, and labeled for inventory and shipping management.
Types of RFID Prelam/Inlay.
Classification by Operating Frequency:
Low Frequency (LF) RFID Inlay (125kHz or 134.2kHz)
Typical Chips: EM4100, EM4200, T5577, Hitag 1/2, FDX-B
Main Material: Copper wire coil + chip (typically using wound antennas)
Applications: Animal identification, access control, attendance systems, industrial automation, car anti-theft, etc.
High Frequency (HF) RFID Inlay (13.56MHz)
Typical Chips: MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE DESFire, NTAG213/215/216, ICODE SLIX
Main Material: Etched aluminum or copper antenna + chip
Applications: Transport cards, access control cards, smart libraries, campus cards, payment systems, etc.
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID Inlay (860MHz-960MHz)
Typical Chips: Alien Higgs-3/4, Impinj Monza series, NXP UCODE series
Main Material: Etched aluminum antenna or printed silver paste antenna + chip
Applications: Logistics management, warehouse management, asset tracking, apparel retail, supply chain management, etc.
Classification by Antenna Process:
Wound Antenna Inlay (Mainly used for LF RFID)
Process: Copper wire is wound to form the antenna, and the chip is connected by soldering or ultrasonic bonding.
Applications: Access control cards, animal identification chips, factory automation, etc.
Etched Antenna Inlay (Mainly used for HF and UHF RFID)
Process: A chemical etching process is used to form precision copper or aluminum antennas on PET or PI substrates.
Applications: Tickets, payment cards, logistics labels, etc.
Printed Antenna Inlay
Process: Silver paste conductive ink is used to directly print the antenna. This process is cost-effective but offers lower conductivity compared to etched antennas.
Applications: Disposable tags such as retail clothing tags, logistics tags, etc.
How does an RFID Card Prelam Inlay Work?
An RFID card prelam inlay is a semi-finished product used in the production of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards. It consists of embedded RFID chips and antennas layered between plastic sheets, which are later laminated to create finished RFID cards such as access control cards, payment cards, or ID badges.
How It Works:
1. Antenna Integration – A conductive antenna (usually copper, aluminum, or silver ink) is embedded into a plastic sheet (often PVC, PET, or polycarbonate). This antenna is responsible for communicating with RFID readers.
2. Chip Embedding – An RFID microchip (IC) is attached to the antenna. The chip stores and processes data, while the antenna enables wireless communication.
3. Prelam Structure – The inlay is made up of multiple layers of plastic that protect the antenna and chip. These layers are fused using high pressure and heat to create a durable, flexible sheet.
4. Testing and Quality Control – Before being used in card manufacturing, prelam inlays undergo testing to ensure they function correctly and meet industry standards.
5. Card Production – The prelam inlay is laminated into a thicker plastic card and then personalized with printing, security features, or other customizations.
RFID Card Functionality
1. When an RFID card (with a prelam inlay) is near an RFID reader, the antenna picks up the electromagnetic energy from the reader.
2. This energy powers the chip, which then sends back a unique ID or stored data to the reader.
3. The reader processes the information and grants access, makes a payment, or verifies identity, depending on the application.
Applications of RFID Card Prelam Inlays.
RFID middleware has wide applications across various industries. First, in the transportation and travel sector, it can be used for contactless payment in bus and subway tickets, improving travel efficiency. It is also applied in parking lots and tolls on highways, reducing manual operations and enhancing management efficiency. Next, RFID technology is used in ID management, such as student cards, employee badges, and e-passports, ensuring secure identity verification. It is also applied in pet identity recognition and member management in gambling venues.
In logistics and warehousing, RFID enables real-time tracking of goods, optimizing inventory management and sorting, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs. The retail industry also uses RFID to enhance inventory management, prevent theft, and speed up checkout, further improving the customer experience. In healthcare, RFID technology is used for patient identification and drug tracking, ensuring medical safety and efficiency.
Additionally, RFID helps businesses monitor the status of equipment and tools in asset management, reducing losses and improving utilization. In the food safety sector, RFID tracks the entire process of food production, processing, and transportation, ensuring food safety and reducing waste.
Advantages of RFID Card Prelam Inlays
Durability and Waterproof Design
RFID Prelam products feature a waterproof and weather-resistant design, allowing them to operate reliably in various environments, including harsh weather conditions. This makes them perform excellently in outdoor or humid environments.
Premium Materials
Typically made from high-quality PVC material, which offers outstanding durability and wear resistance. The choice of this material ensures the stability and reliability of the product over extended use.
Customization
We accept OEM/ODM orders and can customize according to specific customer requirements. This flexibility makes RFID Prelam products ideal for businesses with unique needs.
Wide Frequency Compatibility
Compatible with 125kHz, 13.56MHz, and 860-960MHz frequencies, suitable for various RFID applications, including access control and identification systems. This broad frequency compatibility enhances the versatility and flexibility of its applications.
Long-lasting Performance
With over 10 write cycles and an operating temperature range from -20°C to 70°C, the product ensures long-term reliable performance. This high-performance characteristic allows RFID Prelam products to operate stably in various environments.
What are the Layout Specifications for RFID Prelam?
Classification of Layouts for RFID Inlays:
The layout of RFID inlays can be categorized based on the arrangement of the chips and antennas, such as 3×8, 4×4, 6×10, 2×5, etc. More layouts can be customized according to specific needs.
1. 3×8 Layout (3 columns × 8 rows, a total of 24 chips)
Characteristics: Medium density, suitable for standard-sized RFID inlays. High production efficiency, ideal for mass production.
Applications: High-frequency (HF) and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID tags, such as clothing tags, smart tickets, etc.
2. 4×4 Layout (4 columns × 4 rows, a total of 16 chips)
Characteristics: Each inlay has a larger area, suitable for larger-sized tags or cards. Balanced layout, easy to cut.
Applications: RFID smart cards (access cards, transport cards), industrial tags, logistics tags, etc.
3. 6×10 Layout (6 columns × 10 rows, a total of 60 chips)
Characteristics: High-density layout, allowing more inlays to be produced on a single sheet, improving material utilization.
Suitable for small-sized tags, such as retail and pharmaceutical labels.
Applications: UHF RFID tags (retail, asset management, supply chain management).
4. 2×5 Layout (2 columns × 5 rows, a total of 10 chips)
Characteristics: Low-density layout, suitable for large-sized inlays, reducing cutting complexity.
Ideal for personalized customization or small-batch production.
Applications: In-vehicle electronic tags (ETC), large-sized RFID tags for special applications.
FAQs
How does an RFID Card Prelam Inlay Differ from a Standard RFID Card?
RFID cards are usually the final product, having completed all production steps, including the integration and encapsulation of the chip, antenna, and casing.
RFID prelam itself is not the final product but rather a part of the RFID card, intended for further processing and manufacturing.
How Durable is RFID Prelam?
RFID Prelam has excellent resistance to bending, high temperatures, and moisture, making it suitable for harsh environmental conditions.
Does RFID Prelam Comply with International Standards in Terms of Environmental Protection?
High-quality products typically comply with environmental standards such as RoHS and REACH, and some manufacturers also offer biodegradable material options.
How to Choose the Right RFID Prelam?
Based on the application scenario, reading distance, material requirements, and cost budget, choose the appropriate frequency, chip, and antenna design. The most important factor is to select according to your specific needs.
What is the Reading and Writing Distance of RFID Prelam?
It depends on the chip type and antenna design. Generally, the reading and writing distance of HF cards is 5–10 cm, while UHF can reach several meters.
