What is a Blank NFC Key Fob?
A blank Near Field Communication (NFC) key fob is a small, portable NFC tag without printing that includes a key ring attachment. The NFC chip and copper coil antenna are housed within a durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) thermoplastic shell with an IP67 waterproof rating available in various colors. Blank NFC key fobs are similar to NFC cards and NFC badges but are smaller and have a key ring already attached.
Blank NFC key fobs are commonly used without printing or can be laser engraved with basic text, digits, or barcodes. These devices serve as digital proxies for physical keys, IDs, payment methods, and access credentials in applications including access control, time tracking, public transportation, payments, loyalty programs, smart home automation, and asset tracking.
How to Choose a Blank NFC Key Fob
- Material: The standard ABS shell is economical and suited for most applications. Stronger shells with ultrasonic welding or alternate materials such as Polycarbonate (PC) thermoplastic can be special ordered. See Custom NFC Key Fobs for other varities such as key cards made of PVC, or key fobs with hard epoxy covers.
- Availability: A wide variety of ABS shell colors are stocked in a 32 x 41 mm teardrop shape with a double key ring attachment. Other shapes, sizes, and colors of NFC key fobs exist that are not listed on the GoToTags Store but can be special ordered.
- Attachment: Blank NFC key fobs are stocked with a double key ring attached. This attachment suits most applications, but the small ring connected to the key fob will not last if pulled and tugged with force. The single key ring is a better choice for rugged use. Other attachment types are available including single key ring on a chain, lobster claw, or thumb trigger.
- NFC Chip Type: NXP NTAG213 suits most projects with its 144 bytes of memory. Other chip types are NTAG215/NTAG216 which contain larger data storage, ICODE SLIX which provides extended range, and NTAG 424 DNA which provides self authentication.
Customizing a Blank NFC Key Fob
- Customization: See Custom NFC Key Fobs for printing of color artwork or laser engraving of text, digits or barcodes.
- Attachment: Blank NFC key fobs can be special ordered with a variety of attachment types or without an attachment to be affixed using something else like a wire or cable tie. Alternative attachments include a single key ring, key ring on a chain, lobster claw, or thumb trigger.
- Encoding: Tags can be pre-encoded by GoToTags during purchase or self-encoded later using the Desktop App.
Recommendations
- Select in-stock colors for the fastest delivery and lowest cost.
- Test both fob and attachment in actual usage conditions.
- Standard models are unsuitable for animal use; consider Custom NFC Strong Key Tag.
- Avoid submerging standard ABS models in water or exposing them to high impact.
- Order extra units for testing and replacement.
