What is an RFID printer? How are RFID printers classified?

RFID printers are devices that simultaneously print and encode information on RFID tags. These devices are currently the only solution that uses high-frequency technology to automate the encoding process for each tag, saving users valuable time. RFID printers can not only print standard, human-readable information but also read encoded information such as images or 1D and 2D barcodes.

Even for applications that don't require information to be printed on the tags, RFID printers offer a distinct advantage: saving encoding time. A practical example is industrial RFID printers , which can achieve speeds of up to 14 inches per second, or more than 6 tags per second for 2-inch RFID tags.

Classification of RFID Printers

There are many different ways to distinguish between different types of RFID printers. The most common ones depend on their use. Based on this method, RFID printers fall into three main categories: industrial printers, desktop printers, and mobile devices.

According to usage

Industrial RFID printers

RFID printers are classified as industrial printers when they have high capacity, typically exceeding 10,000 characters per day. Industrial printers are very durable and can be used in a wide range of applications. This type of printer is used for applications requiring the printing of very large quantities of products daily.

Desktop RFID Printer

As the name suggests, desktop printers are designed for use in places like offices. Generally, desktop printers are used for printing a small number of characters, over 500 cards per day, and average print volumes. Desktop printers are also designed to better meet the needs and trends of individual and business customers.

Mobile RFID Printer

Mobile RFID printers are not as common as desktop and industrial printers, but they can be convenient, especially in large areas such as warehouses or transportation facilities. Their ability to operate in large areas makes the use of stationary printers much easier.

In addition to convenience and ease of use, RFID printers are often categorized based on their compatibility with RFID tags.

According to RFID tags

Frequency

The most common type of RFID printer currently available is the passive UHF RFID printer. Passive UHF RFID printers have encoders that operate in the 860-960 MHz frequency range. However, there are other types of printers such as NFC and HF. These printers generally have a similar appearance to passive UHF printers, but have encoders that operate in the 13.56 MHz frequency range.

Specialized printers

Specialized printers are designed for specific needs, such as printing on rigid cards or cards with anti-metal coatings. Fixed RFID tags are typically not in roll form but as individual pieces. Therefore, standard RFID printers cannot read, write, or print on these RFID tags. Instead, printing on thick, rigid plastic cards requires a specialized card printer with dedicated ribbons. The introduction of new card types in recent years has increased the demand for professional printers and new printer installations.