What is a Custom NFC Token?
Custom Near Field Communication (NFC) tokens are NFC tags enclosed in rigid housings designed for visual customization and long-term durability. They are constructed from materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). These materials provide waterproofing and resistance to environmental stress. NFC tokens may include ferrite layers for on-metal use or adhesive layers for mounting. Custom NFC tokens differ from NFC stickers by offering superior mechanical robustness and environmental sealing in rigid enclosures rather than flexible substrates.
Custom NFC Tokens are used by industrial laundries, manufacturers, security companies, and organizations requiring durable identification solutions in harsh environments. NFC tokens serve as proxies for physical objects, locations, and verification points, including garments, containers, tools, equipment, and security checkpoints.
How to Choose a Custom NFC Token
- Material Type: Choose PVC for moderate durability and full-color printing, heavy duty tokens for mechanical stress, and PPS NFC laundry tokens for sealed, chemical-resistant applications. Use ferrite for on-metal environments.
- Mounting Features: Select from center holes, adhesive backings, or both. Adhesive options include 3M 467 (standard), 9448A, 300LSE for low surface energy materials, and VHB for high bond strength. Ferrite may be embedded or applied externally; external ferrite and adhesive layers are not sealed and may separate.
- Shape and Size: Most NFC tokens are circular. PVC NFC tokens range from 12 mm to 100 mm ⌀. Heavy duty NFC tokens are typically 30 mm ⌀ but range from 12 mm to 50 mm ⌀ and are available in some rectangular or polygon shapes. PPS NFC tokens range from 9 mm to 50 mm ⌀. Smaller sizes have reduced antenna size and read range; larger tokens improve performance.
- Availability: Custom NFC tokens require quoting and have 3-week lead times. Printed PVC NFC tokens in standard configurations are available for direct purchase.
- NFC Chip Type: NTAG213 is standard. Use NTAG215 or NTAG216 for more memory, or NTAG 424 DNA for secure authentication in PPS NFC laundry tokens.
Customizing a Custom NFC Token
- Customization Method: White PVC supports full-color CMYK printing. Colored PVC supports 1–2 color Pantone-matched silkscreen. Heavy duty PC or ABS shells and PPS NFC tokens support laser engraving of text, numbers, and basic logos. Silkscreen printing may be technically possible on heavy duty shells, but is discouraged for durability reasons.
- Surface Treatments: PVC NFC tokens can include foil backgrounds, reflective layers, and clear hard epoxy dome covers for visual effect and added surface protection. A matte finish is recommended on non-white PVC for visibility and scratch resistance.
- Variable Data: Printing or engraving can include unique elements such as alphanumeric IDs, serial numbers, or QR codes.
- Encoding: GoToTags can encode NFC tags before shipment. Customers can also self-encode NFC tags using the GoToTags Desktop App and compatible hardware.
Recommendations
- Use existing token molds to avoid mold setup costs and high minimum order quantities (MOQs).
- Use matte finishes on colored PVC to reduce glare, improve print contrast, and help conceal unavoidable surface scratches.
- Do not rely on adhesive or ferrite layers for waterproofing; only the core shell is sealed.
- Select heavy duty NFC tokens for environments with impact, abrasion, or vibration.
- Use PPS NFC tokens for applications involving chemicals or temperature extremes.
