RFID labeling has emerged as one of the biggest trends in label converting, and Delta ModTech has responded with new solutions. As more major retailers start to implement the use of RFID, the technology has become more viable than ever before.

To learn more about RFID and how the company has positioned converters for future success, L&NW is joined by Mike Schehr, design engineer, Delta ModTech.

L&NW: Why is RFID trending in the labeling space?
MS: The buzz is partly driven by mandates from major retailers like Walmart to improve supply chain and inventory management, as well as wider adoption and expansion into other markets like food, safety, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.

RFID has many advantages over barcodes in the retail space: the ability to scan multiple items simultaneously, no need for line-of-sight, and they can store more detailed product information. In the supply chain, it improves accuracy and efficiency in inventory management, security, shipping and receiving.

L&NW: What solutions does Delta ModTech offer to help converters with RFID labeling?
MS: Delta ModTech’s systems support the insertion of both wet and dry RFID inlays into finished labels. Inlays can be efficiently processed using our patented insertion modules, enabling high-speed, precise inlay placement with minimal waste. Depending on how the tags are supplied and the intended use of the end product, there are many different paths for a manufacturer to go down.

For example: If the RFID tags are supplied as wet inlays and pre-programmed, a converter may only need insertion, lamination, diecutting and scanning for active tag compliance on their machine. However, if the tags are supplied as dry inlays without programming, they would be looking at a machine with more complexity to accommodate these additional steps. Fortunately, Delta has several proven processes to accommodate these additional steps along with strong partnerships in read/write solutions.

Additionally, our machine design is flexible and allows converters to handle multiple materials on the same machine, streamlining production and eliminating the need for extra equipment for auxiliary processes like print finishing, lamination, slitting and discrete part outputting.

L&NW: How has RFID labeling evolved, and why is the technology more viable now than it’s ever been?
MS: RFID has evolved in several ways making it more viable. The ability to purchase pre-manufactured and pre-programmed tags at cost-effective pricing makes production more accessible to job shops and low volume converters. Standardization of labels and tags provides insight for converters on which capabilities they will need for production.

L&NW: What feedback did you receive at Labelexpo Americas?
MS: The RFID topic was very popular due to RFID mandate initiatives, but most visitors we talked with were just in the education phase. Many didn’t know how they wanted to produce the tags, how their tags would be supplied, and what features they needed for production. It’s clear that RFID isn’t going away and will continue to be a hot topic for label converters for years to come.

L&NW: What do you think the future holds for RFID labeling, and how is Delta ModTech uniquely suited to help converters here?
MS: The future of RFID labeling looks promising, with continued technology advancements and standardization on tag types and raw material requirements. More and more industries are finding legitimate uses for RFID and will continue to adopt this technology moving forward.

RFID systems can integrate with plant IoT systems, allowing plant automation to be even more powerful. RFID tag material development will allow for more flexible tags for broader applications and at a lower cost.

Delta ModTech is uniquely positioned to help converters capitalize on these trends due to our flexible equipment and modular systems. Our placement technologies allow converters to precisely insert RFID tags into labels with high speed and minimal waste while also performing other label finishing activities inline. Additionally, Delta ModTech’s deep expertise in RFID integration – covering encoding, reading, and verifying tags in real time – gives converters a complete solution for scalable RFID production.

Our flexible machine platform lends itself to taking on many other label converting jobs, as well. Processes like full rotary and semi-rotary cutting, lamination, varnish, flexo printing, discrete part cutting, slitting, rewinding, etc., all with minimal modifications.

With the rise in customer demand for RFID and Delta ModTech’s continuous innovation in label converting solutions, we are well-suited to support the evolving needs of converters in the labeling space.