What is a Custom NFC Key Fob?
Custom Near Field Communication (NFC) key fobs are made-to-order NFC tags featuring printed or engraved designs with attachments like key rings, cords, or clips. NFC key fobs contain an NFC chip and antenna embedded in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or leather housings, with some models sealed in epoxy. Customization includes logos, variable data, shapes, and finishes. Unlike blank NFC key fobs, which are stocked in a single teardrop design, custom fobs are produced on demand in multiple form factors to meet specific project requirements.
Custom NFC key fobs are used for applications where people carry an NFC credential, such as access control, membership, attendance, or loyalty. They are chosen when durable, portable, and visually customized tags are required. In these applications, the key fob functions as a proxy for a person.
How to Choose a Custom NFC Key Fob
- Form Factor: Choose between PVC-based NFC key tags with or without epoxy covering, ABS or PC NFC fobs, or leather NFC fobs. PVC NFC tags support high-quality printing and variable QR codes. Epoxy coverings provide durability and a premium appearance but require longer lead times. ABS or PVC NFC fobs are cost-effective and rugged, but limited to simple designs.
- Shape and Size: Standard shapes include circles, rectangles, teardrops, and diamonds, with sizes from 20 mm circles to 56 × 28 mm rectangles. While new molds can be made, they add significant cost and lead time. Most projects are better served by choosing from the wide range of existing molds already available.
- Availability: All custom products are made to order with a 3-week lead time for PVC mini cards and ABS or PC NFC fobs, and 4 plus weeks for epoxy or leather NFC fobs. Pricing includes setup fees and decreases with volume.
- NFC Chip Type: NTAG213 is most common. NTAG216 offers a larger memory. NTAG 424 DNA provides authentication and security features.
Customizing a Custom NFC Key Fob
- Printing and Engraving: White PVC supports double-sided CMYK printing at no additional cost. Colored PVC and ABS or PC shells support only 1 to 2 Pantone colors with extra cost per color and side. ABS or PC also supports engraving and variable ID or barcode printing, though QR codes are not recommended on textured shells. Epoxy NFC fobs can include foil backgrounds in iridescent, glitter, or metallic patterns; custom printing on foil is limited to one-color white or black text or logos. Leather supports engraving or single-color silkscreen.
- Attachments: Options include single or double key rings, stretch cords, lobster claws, and other connectors.
- Encoding: GoToTags can encode custom NFC key fobs before shipping, or customers can encode later using the GoToTags Desktop App.
Recommendations
- GoToTags recommends epoxy-sealed strong NFC key tags for maximum durability or for use as pet ID tags.
- Most customers select NTAG213 unless higher memory or security features are required.
- New molds are not recommended for small or medium projects due to cost and long lead times.
- ABS or PC NFC fobs are not suitable when full-color printing or QR codes are required.
