What is an NFC Token?
Near Field Communication (NFC) tokens are rigid NFC tags built for tagging physical items in industrial, commercial, and outdoor environments. They contain an embedded NFC chip and antenna sealed inside a plastic shell made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or 3D-printed polymers such as PLA or ASA. NFC tokens offer greater durability, moisture resistance, and mounting flexibility than flexible NFC stickers or NFC inlays. Compared to NFC stickers, which are thin and adhesive-based, NFC tokens are more robust and better suited to long-term, rugged applications.
NFC tokens are used for identifying equipment, tools, containers, or locations where environmental durability is required. They act as long-lasting proxies for physical objects in inventory, access, or tracking systems.
How to Choose an NFC Token
- Material and Durability: PVC NFC tokens provide IP67 moisture resistance for moderate environments. ABS and PC shells offer impact resistance and full sealing for rugged use. PPS withstands chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, and washing cycles. 3D-printed PLA and ASA offer customization flexibility with durability comparable to ABS.
- Mounting Method: NFC tokens support adhesive backing, mechanical fasteners through center or side holes, or strap threading via slots. Ferrite layers enable on-metal performance; magnet backing provides removable mounting options.
- Shape and Size: Available in circular, square, and custom geometries from 12 mm to 100 mm. Larger tokens accommodate bigger antennas for improved read range. 3D-printed tokens support diverse shapes and mounting configurations.
- Availability: Popular PVC and heavy duty configurations are stocked for immediate dispatch. Custom NFC tokens and printed tokens require ~3-week lead times. 3D-printed tokens are made on demand with a short turnaround. Pricing decreases with higher quantities.
- NFC Chip Type: NTAG213 is standard. NTAG215 and NTAG216 offer more memory. NTAG 424 DNA chips supports secure authentication and data protection.
Customizing an NFC Token
- Visual Customization: White PVC supports full-color CMYK printing. Colored materials support 1–2 color silkscreen. ABS, PPS, and 3D-printed shells can be engraved or text-labeled.
- Special Features: Options include epoxy dome covers, reflective materials, foil backgrounds, variable data, and matte finishes. 3D-printed tokens support brand logos and text on multiple surfaces.
- Encoding: GoToTags can encode NFC tokens before shipment, or customers can encode them using the GoToTags Desktop App.
Recommendations
- Choose inventory NFC tokens for standard applications requiring predictable performance and fast delivery.
- 3D-printed tokens offer more shape and color flexibility with fast turnaround.
- Use mechanical mounting as primary attachment; adhesive backing should supplement, not replace, mechanical fastening in demanding environments.
- PVC NFC tokens are not suitable for prolonged water exposure or chemical environments; select heavy duty or PPS variants for harsh conditions.
- Always test NFC token performance with your device and mounting surface.
