Pushing the Boundaries of Technology - The Competitive Race in RFID Antenna Manufacturing and the Rise of Screen Printing

  As industries like IoT, smart logistics, and supply chain management thrive, the demand for RFID tags has surged exponentially. With the antenna being the critical component of RFID tags, its manufacturing has become a field brimming with opportunities and challenges. PCB manufacturing, inkjet printing, and the four traditional printing techniques (lithography, gravure, flexography, and screen printing) are all vying for dominance in this highly competitive market.

The Competition: PCB, Inkjet, and Traditional Printing Technologies

1.   PCB Etching Technology

  As a traditional method for manufacturing RFID tag antennas, PCB etching stands out for its high precision, low resistance, excellent durability, and stable signal performance. It is predominantly used in RFID tags operating at 13.56 MHz and UHF frequencies.
  The PCB etching process involves several steps: rigid or flexible copper/aluminum-clad laminate → screen printing of photosensitive anti-corrosion ink → drying → exposure → developing → etching → stripping → washing → drying → quality inspection → storage.

  Despite its advantages, this method faces limitations due to high costs, multiple complex steps, lower production efficiency, and environmental concerns. As the industry trends toward eco-friendly and efficient solutions, the viability of PCB etching has come under scrutiny.

PCB ETCHING UHF 915 MHZ RFID CHIP

2.   Inkjet Printing Technology

  Inkjet printing has emerged as a promising technology, offering plate-free, non-contact printing capabilities. Its basic principle involves spraying conductive ink onto substrates at designated positions as instructed by a computer, forming the desired patterns with remarkable flexibility. Unlike traditional plate-based printing methods, inkjet printing does not require plate preparation or direct contact with the substrate during the process.

  However, its single-pass layer thickness of 0.1-5μm raises concerns about meeting the electrical performance requirements of RFID antennas. Moreover, repeated printing to increase thickness can lead to challenges in maintaining edge sharpness and smoothness, further limiting its applicability in high-demand scenarios.

INKJET PRINTING RFID TAG

3.   Traditional Printing Technologies: The Rise of Screen Printing

  Among traditional printing methods, lithography, gravure, and flexography are often considered suitable candidates for antenna manufacturing, while screen printing is frequently dismissed as too "crude" for such precise work. Surprisingly, screen printing has emerged as the dominant method, thanks to its ability to achieve significant layer thickness, simplicity in operation, and cost-effectiveness.

  The primary function of RFID antennas is to transmit or receive RF signals by converting electrical energy into electromagnetic waves and vice versa. This requires the printed conductive material to reach a certain layer thickness to ensure optimal electrical performance. Screen printing, capable of depositing layers ranging from 6-300μm in a single pass, outperforms other methods. While lithography, gravure, and flexography can achieve similar thicknesses through additional electroplating, the associated environmental impact, complexity, and high costs make screen printing the more practical and sustainable choice.

SCREEN PRINTING RFID TAG

Comparative Data: Commercial Printing Technologies and Layer Thickness

Proven Success: Screen Printing in Action

  Changzhou JUIST Screen Printing Machinery Co., Ltd. has been at the forefront of high-precision printing equipment development. In 2015, the company introduced its fully automated roll-to-roll screen printing machine, which has since evolved into a standardized product ideal for high-precision thin-film printing and flexible circuit applications. Its superior performance and reliability have empowered clients to achieve cost-effective and efficient RFID antenna manufacturing.

CCD Roll To Roll Screen Printing Machine                 Film Pre-Shrinking Machine

Looking Ahead: Screen Printing as the Market Leader

  As environmental regulations tighten and the demand for efficient production grows, screen printing has solidified its position as the preferred technology in RFID antenna manufacturing. Looking forward, Changzhou Gesture will continue to focus on innovation, providing advanced and efficient printing solutions to drive the RFID industry to new heights.

  We believe technological advancements not only redefine industry standards but also elevate the entire supply chain. The rise of screen printing is just the beginning!
  For more information about RFID screen printing machine, please feel free to contact the professional team at JUIST for assistance: sales@juistmac.com