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An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) label is an electronic device that exchanges data with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader by using radio waves. Most RFID labels are made up of at least two main parts. The first an antenna, which receives radio frequency (RF) waves. The second is an integrated circuit (IC), which is used for processing and storing data, as well as modulating and demodulating the radio waves received/sent by the antenna. An RFID label is also known as a RFID chip. An RFID label is like a barcode in that is container information, but RFID tags are far more advanced, sometimes referred to as smart label. RFID labels does not require line-of-sight and can be performed over a distance of a few meters. This also means that a single label can serve multiple readers at a time. The kind of label depends on the product to which […]

YES! – we could get long and boring so here is a quick take. RF & AM tags (labels) are known as Electronic Article Surveillance, or EAS. EAS works like this; each product gets an EAS security label applied to it. This then communicates with an in-store antenna, usually near the store entry/exit. When items are purchased legitimately, the cashier deactivates the label or removes the tag. However, if the tag comes in range of the antenna, an alarm will sound. AM (acousto magnetic) labels, uses a transmitter to send out signals in bursts. These signals energize tags within the pedestal zone, and when the pulse ends, the tag responds. In the meantime, a receiver detects the tag’s signal. However, if an active tag passes between receivers, an alarm will sound. RF (radio frequency) labels work very similarly. The tags communicate with an antenna or receiver, and if they pass too close to a […]

Renting a labeler can be a cost-effective solution for short-term labeling projects, allowing you to avoid the expenses associated with purchasing a labeler outright. However, it’s important to consider your specific requirements and the available options before making a decision. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when renting a labeler and provide general pricing guidelines to help you choose the right labeler for your needs. Renting a label applicator is much like renting a car and much of the decision making can be comparable.  What do I need to get the job done?  I know this is a short-term acquisition so, “Can I get from A to B in a compact sedan?”  Or, do I spend a few extra bucks because time is running out before my deadline and I need the highest level of production possible (Like renting a C8 sports car to cruise Miami Beach). These […]

Modex 2024 was a huge success! There were over 35,000 folks who took the time to visit the show. It was out first time at Modex and we will be back. Many of the folks who stopped by took the time to really understand what it was we were showing.  Huge Thank you to all who stopped by. Extra thank you to those who are continuing the conversation post Modex we appreciate your continued interest in our products. New technology is what Modex 2024 was all about! Many of the people who we talked to enjoyed the discussions about something new at a trade show. Too many times we go to a trade show and there is nothing new to show.  We are showing a not new technology but is not well received int he US. It is welcomed in Europe but not the US? Why id that? That’s a […]

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 2 million recordable nonfatal workplace injuries in 2021. Safety doesn’t just happen.  According to the National Association of Safety Professionals #6 on the top ten list of top workplace injuries is “Entanglement with mechanical or moving parts”, additionally they report that businesses spend an average of $1,100 per injured worker. Ouch! How can your labeler contribute to workplace injuries and more importantly how can they be reduced or eliminated? Let’s look at a Label-Aire model 3115 wipe on.  The web needs to get pulled through a series of rollers, one is driven (rubber roller) and one is knurled. It can be very painful if someone was to get their fingers in between those rollers.  With many operators it takes more than a warning sticker to keep them from sticking their hands into the machine. Why not guard them against entanglement […]

While at a food production facility, the first shift production manager walked me out to the line, where a crew of employees were reworking the date codes on their products.  The process was painful, opening the cases and wiping off the inkjet date code.  They ran the product through the line’s CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) Printer and packed and sealed back into the cases.  The root cause was a simple entry error into the inkjet. While many customers run these inkjet printers with a manual employee entered lot code or best buy date code.  We were able to discuss using the Markem-Imaje’s Colos software or often the InkJet printer’s HMI to create the date code format you want to print on the bottle. The software typically allows you to input text, date variables, batch numbers, and other relevant information. However, we were able to discuss automatic software generated date codes to […]