What is an NFC Table Stand?
A Near Field Communication (NFC) table stand is an NFC tag embedded in a freestanding plastic base that displays printed information while enabling tap interaction with NFC-enabled devices. NFC table stands are constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, or 3D printed polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), with one or more NFC inlays enclosed within the structure. They provide a durable, stationary contactless interaction point that remains upright on a flat surface for prominent, reusable interaction. Compared to NFC stickers, which must be mounted to another surface, NFC table stands are designed to function as independent display products.
Businesses use NFC table stands as visible prompts for digital actions such as submitting a Google review, making a mobile payment, or accessing guest instructions. They are typically placed on counters, tables, or reception desks to facilitate customer interactions with digital services.
How to Choose an NFC Table Stand
- Material and Durability: 3D printed PLA stands are suited for small orders and light to moderate use. PVC balances cost and durability for most business uses. Acrylic is rigid and visually premium, but more costly and prone to breakage if dropped.
- Size and Construction: 3D printed stands are fixed at 153 × 88 mm and use two 35 mm NFC inlays. PVC stands use one large antenna (60 mm ⌀ or 76 × 45 mm) in set sizes such as 85 × 95 mm or 120 × 140 mm. Acrylic can be produced in a wider size range, but most customers choose standard sizes between 76 × 77.5 mm and 155 × 175 mm.
- Availability: 3D printed stands are kept in stock and take 2–3 days to ship. PVC and acrylic require a 100-unit minimum order quantity and about 3 weeks' lead time. Larger quantities reduce unit cost.
- NFC Chip Type: NTAG213 is standard in table stands due to its broad compatibility and adequate memory for typical applications.
Customizing an NFC Table Stand
- 3D Printed Stands: Offered blank or in three stock designs (Follow Us, Review Us, Join) with fixed logos. They support one bulk QR code and encoding to a single URL. They do not support custom artwork, variable text, sequential numbers, or unique QR codes. Glossy finish is standard, with matte recommended for darker designs.
- PVC Stands: White PVC supports full-color CMYK printing with glossy or matte finishes. Black PVC is limited to 1–2 solid colors; matte is recommended to minimize scratches. For a black appearance with full color, use white PVC printed with full-bleed black on both sides, though edges remain white.
- Acrylic Stands: Available in white, black, or clear with full-color CMYK UV printing. Glossy and matte finishes are available; matte is preferred for darker colors.
- Encoding: GoToTags can encode NFC table stands before shipping, or customers can self-encode using the GoToTags Desktop App.
Recommendations
- Most customers select 3D printed stands for small orders or rapid turnaround.
- Acrylic should be chosen only when a premium material or an uncommon size is needed.
- Black PVC should only be used when full-color printing is not required.
