A new RFID enabled label printer has been launched by Auto-ID solutions company DataScan Systems.
The new Nova RFID-enabled label printer will allow production of combined human readable text, graphics, bar code and RFID tags in one self adhesive label, providing for cost effective RFID deployments. According to DataScan Systems' managing director Paul Mason; 'this is ideal for low cost, one way tags through supply chains. It also makes it possible to cost effectively introduce RFID tags into supply chains alongside existing bar code systems.' Designed for use in outer case or pallet label applications in a variety of industries, the new Nova RFID machine is based on the successful Imaje Nova range of thermal image label printers.

Continuous labels are fed through the Nova 6 RFID and Nova 8 RFID at a speed of 250mm per second.

Labels come with an RFID tag embedded between the paper and the adhesive.

This passive RFID tag has data written as the label passes through the printer, resulting in a traditionally printed label with industry standard RFID tag hidden under the surface.

The RFID tags used in the labels are industry standard high frequency tags to ISO 15693 operating at 13.56MHz.

Labels can be used in supply chain applications with RFID tags from companies such as Philips, Texas and Infineon.

The single colour labels can be up to 230mm wide, printed at 200dpi and can include standard characters with Windows fonts, bar codes and graphics.

The Nova RFID range comes with two serial ports and one USB port for connection to other equipment and computer networks.

'We expect this new generation of combined RFID tag and label printers to be very much in demand as companies can now implement RFID technology without having to replace every piece of bar code equipment in their entire supply chain,' comments Paul Mason of DataScan Systems.

'This is the sort of cost effective solution which could really see RFID take off.'