On-metal RFID labels are specialized tags designed for use on metal surfaces, where traditional RFID labels would struggle to function properly. These labels are crucial for industries such as automotive manufacturing, tool tracking, warehouse management, and asset management, where tracking metal objects is essential.
Due to the unique requirements of these tags, such as the need for special materials and construction, on-metal RFID labels come with a different price structure than standard RFID tags. This page will explore the factors that influence the cost of on-metal RFID labels, help you choose the right labels for your needs, and provide strategies for optimizing your budget.
How Much Do On-Metal RFID Labels Cost?
The cost of on-metal RFID labels typically ranges from USD 0.30 to 2.00 per unit, depending on the chip type, design complexity, durability, and order volume. These labels are designed to withstand the interference caused by metal surfaces, which makes them more expensive than regular RFID tags.
Here’s a general breakdown of on-metal RFID labels cost:
- Basic On-Metal RFID Labels (standard chip, basic design): USD 0.30 – 0.70 per unit
- Mid-range On-Metal RFID Labels (more durable, additional features like custom printing): USD 0.70 – 1.50 per unit
- High-performance On-Metal RFID Labels (extreme durability, specialized chips): USD 1.50 – 2.00 per unit
These prices are influenced by the material of the tag, chip functionality, and whether the label needs additional features like waterproofing or chemical resistance.
Factors That Influence On-Metal RFID Labels Cost
1. Label Material
The material used in on-metal RFID labels is one of the most significant factors affecting the price. Unlike standard RFID labels, on-metal tags require special substrates and construction to function properly on metal surfaces. The most common materials include:
- PET: Commonly used for general applications and offers moderate durability.
- Polyester: A more durable option, offering better resistance to chemicals and physical wear.
- Metal-backed: These tags are designed for extreme conditions and high-performance needs but tend to be more expensive.
Materials with better resistance to abrasion, chemicals, or extreme temperatures will increase the cost of the labels.
2. Chip Selection
Just like with standard RFID tags, the type of chip used in on-metal RFID labels affects the price. The most commonly used chips include:
- EPC Gen2: Affordable and widely used for general asset management.
- Monza: A high-performance chip often used for supply chain tracking or tool management applications.
- Impinj: A premium chip used for high-volume asset tracking with a large amount of data storage.
Chips with higher memory capacities or advanced features like security protocols or encrypted data storage will naturally cost more.
3. Durability and Environmental Resistance
On-metal RFID labels are typically designed to withstand harsh environments. Tags that are waterproof, chemical-resistant, high-temperature resistant, or impact-resistant are more expensive due to the specialized materials and manufacturing processes required. For example:
- High-temperature-resistant labels are necessary for industrial environments where metal objects are exposed to extreme heat, such as automotive manufacturing.
- Chemical-resistant labels are essential in industries like oil and gas or chemical plants, where equipment is exposed to harsh substances.
4. Custom Printing and Encoding
Custom printing, such as adding logos, barcodes, or QR codes, can increase the cost of on-metal RFID labels. Additionally, serial number encoding or adding specific data encoding can add between USD 0.05 to 0.20 per label depending on the complexity of the design and the technology used for printing.
5. Order Volume
The cost of on-metal RFID labels will be significantly lower when purchased in larger quantities. Just like with other RFID labels, ordering in bulk allows you to take advantage of volume discounts. For example:
- Small order (1,000 – 5,000 labels): Higher per-unit costs due to setup fees.
- Medium order (10,000 – 50,000 labels): Discounts of 10-20% per unit.
- Large order (100,000+ labels): Significant discounts, with larger savings for basic designs or standard chips.
How to Save on On-Metal RFID Labels Without Sacrificing Quality
While on-metal RFID labels tend to be more expensive than standard RFID labels, there are several strategies businesses can use to optimize costs without sacrificing quality.
1. Choose the Right Chip for Your Application
If your application doesn’t require high-performance chips or large memory capacities, consider opting for a basic EPC Gen2 chip. For basic asset management or tool tracking applications, you may not need the more expensive chips that offer advanced data storage or security features.
2. Minimize Customization
While custom printing and specialized encoding are useful, they can increase the price of your on-metal RFID labels. Consider whether your application truly requires complex customizations. Simple serial number encoding or basic branding can still provide functional tags at a lower price.
3. Order in Bulk
Purchasing on-metal RFID labels in bulk is the most effective way to reduce per-unit costs. Many manufacturers offer volume discounts, allowing you to save money by ordering larger quantities upfront. If your business has long-term needs for on-metal RFID tags, this strategy can lead to significant savings.
4. Work with Manufacturers Directly
By purchasing on-metal RFID labels directly from the manufacturer, you can often reduce costs associated with middlemen. Many manufacturers also provide custom solutions, enabling you to find the right balance between performance and budget.
Why On-Metal RFID Labels Are a Smart Investment
On-metal RFID labels are essential for businesses that need to track assets or tools that are often made of metal and exposed to harsh environments. These labels are ideal for automotive manufacturing, warehouse management, and tool tracking industries. Though they may be more expensive than regular RFID tags, the investment pays off by providing accurate tracking, increased efficiency, and reduced operational costs in the long term.
Get a Quote for Your On-Metal RFID Labels Today
The cost of on-metal RFID labels depends on your specific requirements. If you’re looking for durable, high-performance tags for asset tracking or tool management, we can provide a customized quote that suits your budget. Contact us today to get the best prices on on-metal RFID labels and explore how our solutions can improve your operations.
