What is an On-Metal NFC Sticker?
On-metal Near Field Communication (NFC) stickers are adhesive NFC tags that function on metal and magnetic surfaces where standard NFC stickers would fail. They contain a ferrite layer that shields the interior chip and antenna from interference with the metal surface. Most on-metal NFC stickers have a layered construction with components laminated between an adhesive back and surface material like paper, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Compared to standard NFC stickers, they are thicker due to the ferrite layer.
On-metal NFC stickers are used to enable NFC functionality on metal tools, machinery, IT assets, and metal packaging. Manufacturers, logistics providers, and IT departments use these tags for asset tracking, equipment identification, and digital interaction where metal interference would otherwise prevent NFC communication.
How to Choose an On-Metal NFC Sticker
- Shape and Size: Select from stocked 30 mm circles or special-order sizes ranging from 18 mm to 100 mm. Larger sizes improve read range but cost more due to the ferrite layer, while smaller sizes suffer greater performance reduction.
- Material: Choose paper for economical, low-durability needs or synthetic materials (PET, PP, and flexible PVC) for greater durability. Heavy-duty silicone housings are ideal for industrial and outdoor use.
- Ferrite Layer Thickness: Thin ferrite versions offer a lower profile and basic performance. Standard ferrite provides better shielding but increases thickness.
- Availability: GoToTags stocks popular sizes and materials for immediate shipment. Custom shapes, materials, and NFC chip types are available by special order with volume pricing and 3 to 4 week lead times.
- NFC Chip Type: NTAG213 suits most general uses, NTAG216 offers increased storage, ICODE SLIX provides extended range, and NTAG 424 DNA offers advanced security features.
Customizing an On-Metal NFC Sticker
- Quick Printing: GoToTags offers fast black thermal transfer printing on thin ferrite roll-format stickers for basic text, numbers, and codes. This is ideal for quick personalization with basic print quality.
- Premium Customization: For advanced printing, specialty finishes, or epoxy "bubble" covers, see custom on-metal NFC stickers.
- Physical Personalization: Customers may further customize NFC stickers after purchase with labels, markings, or compatible adhesives.
- Encoding: GoToTags can encode NFC tags during purchase, or customers can self-encode later using the GoToTags Desktop App.
Recommendations
- Use on-metal NFC stickers only when applying to a metal or conductive surface where standard NFC stickers do not function properly.
- Larger stickers improve read range but at a higher cost. Smaller sizes have reduced performance.
- Select thin ferrite for low-profile designs; These thin ferrite versions are compatible with thermal transfer printing.
- Choose heavy-duty silicone versions for industrial, outdoor, or harsh environments.
- Test performance on actual surfaces before full deployment.
- Verify NFC chip compatibility with your devices and software.
