RFID Tag Attachment Considerations

Especially when implementing an RFID system in an industrial, hazardous environment, an organization must not overlook how important it is to make the correct tag attachment choices for the various assets they must account for in a fleet. Beyond tag durability and adverseness to separation from the asset, the organization must take into account; required labor hours, worker training, complexity of tagging system, among other potential issues.

Below is a simplified breakdown of  the more common attachment methods along with the strengths and challenges that each present.

- Rear Adhesive

• Strengths
  • Extremely fast method of attachment
  • No additional tools required to attach
  • No preexisting holes required on the asset
• Challenges
  • There must be a flat surface area to attach the tag
  • The surface must be free of dirt, oil and chemicals
  • If appropriate adhesive isn’t used for the specific asset’s surface there won’t be a strong bond
  • Not commonly perceived as a durable, industrial attachment solution

-         Rivet

• Strengths
  • Very strong attachment solution
  • Tag can be removed from  the asset, if the asset is to be sandblasted or subjected to extremely high temperature treatment, then reapplied
  • Simple to transition to if the asset already uses a nameplate that is riveted in place
• Challenges
  • Requires parts and tools to attach
  • Not an efficient option for assets already in the field
  • If holes are not predrilled in the asset, it becomes a laborious process

-         Weld

• Strengths
  • Generally considered the most durable and permanent attachment method
  • Will not be separated from the asset
• Challenges
  • Proper equipment is required along with a worker with necessary skills
  • Not an efficient choice for in field tag attachment

-         Hanging Tag

• Strengths
  • For many assets, this is the only way to tag it due to the shape of the asset
  • If the tag has the ability to be read from both sides, you can get a 360 deg read
  • If using a zip tie like cable product, tagging a fleet of assets can be done quickly and efficiently
• Challenges
  • Hanging tags are more likely to be separated from the asset though that is typically the nature of tagging that particular asset group
  • If not using a zip tie like cable product, the worker must use a cable and duplex sleeve, and hammer the sleeve shut. Multiple components and error prone process

Durable RFID

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