When you’re mounting RFID tags on metal surfaces or metal products, you should be aware that if you use non metal mount RFID tags, your system will not function as desired as the metal will detune any passive RFID tag that is not designed to be placed on metal. Using tags that are specifically calibrated to the materials you need to track makes reading, tracking, and inventorying them easier and provides for greater read range. Metal mount RFID tags are typically rugged, difficult to damage, and easy to weld, screw or otherwise attach.
Mounting or embedding RFID tags on metal is a tricky proposition for the uninformed, and the informed for that matter. Metal surfaces reflect energy emitted from RFID readers and create interference for RFID tag antennas, which means the tag isn’t able to receive power and transmit information; however, specific RFID tags will work around metal surfaces. RFID companies have patented technology that allows RFID to work when attached to metal surfaces and even embedded within metal products. As long as you choose the correct RFID equipment for your situation and application, you won’t need to worry about interference from metal.