Industrial RFID Tag inotec Flex On Metal Global for Metal Surfaces

inotec Flex On Metal Global is an industrial passive UHF RFID tag designed for long-term identification of equipment, containers, metal parts, assemblies, transport components and other assets with metal surfaces.

The tag is specifically engineered for direct application to metal, where standard RFID labels may suffer from significantly reduced read range and unstable performance. Flex On Metal Global combines RFID identification with a durable printable surface, allowing the use of an electronic RFID identifier together with a barcode, Data Matrix, serial number and other visual information.

The solution is intended for industrial applications where not only RFID performance matters, but also label durability, print protection and customized visual identification.

Construction of inotec Flex On Metal Global

The tag features a multilayer construction with a protected printed surface. Printed information is covered by a polyester film, improving resistance to abrasion, contamination and mechanical wear.

Thanks to its flexible construction, the RFID tag can be applied not only to flat surfaces but also to certain slightly curved metal objects.

Main construction parameters:

  • minimum label size — approximately 105 x 30 mm;
  • thickness without liner — approximately 2.0 mm;
  • RFID antenna size — approximately 92.5 x 20 mm;
  • print protection — polyester film;
  • custom multi-color printing available.

NXP UCODE 9xm RFID Chip

inotec Flex On Metal Global uses the NXP UCODE 9xm RFID chip designed for industrial UHF RFID applications.

The chip supports flexible EPC memory configuration and additional user memory, making the tag suitable both for simple identification tasks and for more advanced asset tracking, maintenance and traceability applications.

  • RFID technology — passive UHF;
  • operating frequency — 860-960 MHz;
  • RFID chip — NXP UCODE 9xm;
  • EPC Memory — 128 / 256 / 496 bit;
  • supports EPC Class 1 Gen 2;
  • supports ISO/IEC 18000-63.

Custom Printing and RFID Encoding

One of the key advantages of inotec Flex On Metal Global is the possibility to create a customized RFID label for a specific company or project.

The label surface can include:

  • asset or inventory number;
  • serial number;
  • Code 128 barcode;
  • Data Matrix code;
  • QR code;
  • equipment name;
  • operational information;
  • company logo;
  • graphic elements and color design.

The printing process supports multi-color CMYK layouts, including logos, graphics and other elements of corporate identification.

At the same time, the RFID chip can be encoded with a unique electronic identifier according to the customer's data structure.

RFID + Barcode + Data Matrix

Flex On Metal Global makes it possible to combine several automatic identification technologies on one physical label.

One asset can simultaneously have:

  • a unique RFID identifier;
  • a linear barcode;
  • a Data Matrix or QR code;
  • a human-readable asset or serial number.

This approach is especially useful for companies where RFID is introduced step by step or where different departments use different identification technologies.

For example, RFID can be used for fast inventory and automatic movement control, while Data Matrix or barcode scanning can be used for local identification during maintenance, repair or production operations.

Typical Applications of inotec Flex On Metal Global

The tag is intended for industrial assets requiring durable and long-term RFID identification.

Typical applications include:

  • industrial equipment;
  • metal containers;
  • reusable production containers;
  • cast metal parts;
  • machine assemblies and components;
  • vehicle components;
  • body and chassis components;
  • tools and fixtures;
  • metal structures;
  • maintenance and repair assets.

RFID Identification of Equipment and Fixed Assets

When Flex On Metal Global is used for equipment identification, each RFID tag can be linked to a digital asset record in an ERP, EAM, CMMS or other information system.

The digital equipment record may include:

  • equipment name and type;
  • serial and asset numbers;
  • manufacturer and model;
  • operating location;
  • responsible department;
  • commissioning date;
  • technical condition;
  • movement history;
  • maintenance and repair records;
  • inspection results;
  • inventory verification history.

In this way, the RFID tag becomes a permanent identifier of the physical asset and links it to its complete digital history throughout the asset lifecycle.

Automated RFID Inventory

Industrial on-metal RFID tags can significantly simplify inventory processes for equipment, containers, reusable assets and other physical assets.

Unlike conventional barcodes, RFID does not require precise line-of-sight scanning of every individual label.

RFID inventory can be performed using:

  • handheld RFID readers;
  • mobile RFID terminals;
  • fixed RFID readers;
  • RFID workstations;
  • RFID gates and portals;
  • automated asset movement control systems.

This can reduce inventory time and minimize the number of manual identification operations.

Traceability of Containers and Reusable Assets

Another important application of Flex On Metal Global is RFID identification of metal containers and reusable production assets.

In this scenario, the RFID tag can support tracking of:

  • the unique container identity;
  • current location;
  • movement between production areas;
  • number of usage cycles;
  • technical condition;
  • cleaning and washing operations;
  • repairs;
  • container contents;
  • usage history.

RFID makes it possible to connect each physical container to its digital passport and include it in an integrated production traceability system.

Advantages of Protected Printing

For industrial identification, RFID chip performance is only one part of the requirement. Printed information also needs to remain readable throughout the operating life of the asset.

On Flex On Metal Global, printed information is protected by a polyester film. This helps reduce the risk of damage to barcodes, Data Matrix codes, asset numbers and other visual information during everyday use.

This is particularly important for equipment, containers and other assets that are frequently moved, handled by personnel or exposed to mechanical contact.

Flex On Metal Global or Compact On-Metal RFID Tags?

The choice between inotec Flex On Metal Global and compact on-metal RFID tags depends on the application.

Compact 54 x 13 mm or 54 x 25 mm tags are suitable where labeling space is limited and a small RFID label is required.

inotec Flex On Metal Global is a better choice where the project requires:

  • more space for printed information;
  • custom color design;
  • protected printing;
  • long-term industrial identification;
  • clear visual identification of the asset;
  • labeling of large containers, machinery, assemblies and equipment.

RFID Tag Selection and Testing

The performance of an RFID identification system depends not only on the tag specification. The material and geometry of the asset, tag position, tag orientation, RFID reader type, antenna, transmit power and operating environment all influence the final result.

For this reason, practical testing on the customer's actual assets is recommended before volume deployment.

Typical testing should include:

  • possible RFID tag mounting positions;
  • RFID read stability;
  • actual read range;
  • read performance at different asset orientations;
  • barcode and Data Matrix print quality;
  • label durability under operating conditions;
  • ease of use for personnel;
  • compatibility with RFID hardware and software.

Vostok-IT supports the selection of industrial RFID tags, RFID encoding equipment, mobile and fixed RFID readers, and integration of RFID identification into asset tracking, inventory, traceability, maintenance and equipment management systems.

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