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Fujitsu Releases Heat-sealable UHF-Band RFID Tags for Garment Management
–– Initial deployment costs for UHF-Band RFID tags reduced by 40%–
Fujitsu Limited,Fujitsu Frontech Limited
Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Frontech Limited today announced the availability of a new and enhanced version of their UHF-Band RFID tag, which has been deployed for work uniform management and other applications. The new product is available worldwide as of today. Product inquiries from outside Japan remain strong, and Fujitsu Frontech will continue to handle sales for markets worldwide.
The new RFID tag, while being waterproof as well as heat-, pressure- and chemical-resistant during cleaning, is 40% smaller, 50% lighter, and more flexible than the previous tag model. Initial deployment costs for the new tag are also 40% lower(1), as the tag can now be attached to garments and other textile products through ironing by using a thermal adhesive.
Since Fujitsu developed the world's first UHF-Band RFID tag in May 2006, some 2.5 million tags have been deployed in the transportation and hospitality industries. Customers have expressed the need for a smaller, heat-sealable version, and Fujitsu and Fujitsu Frontech are pleased to provide a product meeting these needs with today’s global release.
The new compact, lightweight UHF-Band RFID tagleft: previous model; right: new modelThe new RFID tag maintains the durability of its predecessor, but in a package that is 40% smaller, 50% lighter—only 1 g—and more flexible. Moreover, whereas the previous version could only be sewn on, the new tag can be affixed using heat-sealing, reducing initial deployment costs (particularly tag attachment costs) by roughly 40%, thereby making it practical for a wider range of applications.
Furthermore, one of the key features of the new UHF-Band RFID tags is that they can be read from long-range distances. By taking advantage of functions allowing for simultaneous readings, uniforms attached with the tag can be scanned in batches, tracked, and automatically sorted, making the visualization of inventory status quick and efficient.
The new tag will be exhibited at RFID Journal Live! 2009, running April 27 to 29 in Orlando, Florida, and at Fujitsu Forum 2009, running May 14 to 15 at the Tokyo International Forum in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
Features
1. Heat-sealable attachment
The new tag permits heat-sealable attachment using thermal adhesives, a frequently requested feature from customers. Reducing the number of steps involved in attaching the tag, initial deployment costs are lowered by roughly 40%.
The flexible, durable UHF-Band RFID tag2. Compact and flexible
With greater flexibility due to its rubber-based composition, and a compact, lighter package, the new tags can be used in a wide variety of textile products without creating discomfort. The small size also allows the tags to fit clothing accessories, such as ties and belts, expanding the possible applications of the tag.
3. Durable
The new tags are waterproof, and heat-, pressure- and chemical-resistant. They can withstand the entire cleaning process of washing, drying, and ironing at least 200 times.
Intended Uses
Textile products: Uniforms, work clothes, linens, mops, cargo bags, etc.
Businesses: Hotels, amusement parks, hospitals, laundromats, etc.
Availability
Immediate
Key Specifications
| UHF-Band RFID Tag (Japan) | UHF-Band RFID Tag (Global) | ||
| RFID Standard | ISO/IEC 18000-6 Type C (EPC Gen2) compliant | ||
| Dimensions and Weight | 55(W) x 10(D) x 1.6 mm(H); 1 g | ||
| EPC(2) Number Area | 96-bit* | 96-bit** | |
| Reading Range | 952–954 MHz (4W eirp) | 150 cm | |
| 902–928 MHz (4W eirp) | 130 cm | ||
| 856.5–867.6 MHz (2W erp) | 100 cm | ||
| Usage Environment | -20°C to 50°C; 10% to 95% RH | ||
| Storage Environment | -40°C to 55°C; 8% to 95% RH | ||
| Lifetime | 3 years or 200 washes, whichever is less | ||
| Durability | Heat resistant (ironing, dryers), pressure resistant, alkaline resistant, waterproof | ||
| *Products for sale in Japan are pre-written with Fujitsu's designated EPC numbers. |
| **Products for sale globally are available in two types: pre-written either with Fujitsu's designated EPC numbers or with no numbers. |
Sales Target
50 million units over the next three years.
For more information:
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[1] 40% lower initial deployment costs
The previous version of the UHF-Band RFID tag could only be attached through sewing. The new model can be heat-sealed using thermal adhesives. The 40% figure is based on Fujitsu's estimate of tag and its attachment costs.
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[2] EPC
Electronic Product Code. A globally unique product-code numbering system defined by EPCglobal compatible with conventional bar code systems.
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[3] EPCglobal
EPCglobal is a non-profit organization established by GS1 (formerly known as EAN International), which promotes the international standardization of barcodes, and GS1 US™ (formerly the Uniform Code Council, Inc.).
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is a leading provider of IT-based business solutions for the global marketplace. With approximately 160,000 employees supporting customers in 70 countries, Fujitsu combines a worldwide corps of systems and services experts with highly reliable computing and communications products and advanced microelectronics to deliver added value to customers. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 5.3 trillion yen (US$53 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. For more information, please see: www.fujitsu.com.
About Fujitsu Frontech
As part of the Fujitsu Group, Fujitsu Frontech Limited ties people and IT together through the development, manufacture and sale of front-end technology such as ATMs, operation branch, POS and totalizator terminals, and public display devices. Fujitsu Frontech also delivers related software, system integration and outsourcing as part of its total solutions offerings. The company supports the security sector by offering products incorporating Fujitsu's latest palm vein authentication technology, and is actively involved in the development of key technologies in various fields, with a current focus on color electronic paper and RFID systems.
For more information, please see: www.frontech.fujitsu.com/en/.
All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.
Date: 23 April, 2009
City: Tokyo
Company:
Fujitsu Limited,
Fujitsu Frontech Limited,
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