Environmentally friendly ink selection problem in RFID label printing

RFID is a non-contact automatic identification technology that automatically recognizes target objects and acquires relevant data through radio frequency signals. The identification work can be performed in various harsh environments without manual intervention, and can recognize high-speed moving objects and recognize multiple tags at the same time. A complete RFID system consists of three parts: RFID reader, RFID tag and application software system. Various forms of RFID tags, such as vehicle tags, pallet tags, logistics tags, etc., can be made using different antenna designs and packaging materials.

There are two types of RFID label printing methods: dry printing and wet printing. Dry printing uses conductive inks, and its conductive materials mainly include metal powders, metal oxides or composite powders, etc., which are mainly used for printing RFID antennas. Wet printing refers to the steps of performing antenna printing, etching, and alkali eluting ink on a blank material. From the perspective of environmental protection, dry printing is more environmentally friendly than wet printing. Because wet printing requires chemical treatment of RFID tags, the use of chemicals such as strong acids and alkalis does not exist in production and waste recycling. Environmental factors. However, due to cost factors, dry printing currently accounts for only a very small portion of RFID label printing.

RFID label printing can be achieved by gravure printing (including UV gravure) and screen printing. When selecting environmentally friendly inks, dry printing of conductive inks requires control of harmful heavy metal content in conductive materials; wet printing inks require control of harmful solvents in the ink, as far as possible in accordance with HJ/T371-2007 standards or the European Union. The inks required by the RoHS Directive must be effectively treated or recycled for use in the printing process such as strong acid or lye.

The above content is selected from the " Printing Technology" of Science and Technology Media , Volume 1, 2012. For more journal content, please pay attention to the journal channel. The latest journal content is clicked into the electronic journal channel of Keyin.com.