TagStar Systems Expands NFC TOM Product Line

TagStar Systems, a business unit of Identive Group, Inc., announced that it has expanded its TOM (TagOnMetal) product line with several new tags that combine various shielding elements and tag surfaces for use with emerging NFC (near field communication) applications.

TOM is a unique, patented magnetic shielding technology developed by TagStar that allows a tag’s RFID signal to be read directly on metallic surfaces and objects, overcoming the weakening effect of metal on RFID signals. The shielding is available in various grades and in a wide array of form, size and tag configurations.

Due to their extreme flexibility and workability, the tags can be used for automatic reading on metallic surfaces and objects without the need for special configuring or tuning on a wide variety of NFC and other application areas such as mobile payment, production process control and traceability, counterfeit protection, and logistics and supply chain management.

The new TOM tags are available in several versions and can include customer-specific logos, images or text. The tags are available in glossy or matte finish, and have a high degree of resistance to mechanical impact as well as significant mechanical flexibility. They can be used for performance-critical applications and in situations that require a combination of the highest reliability, durability and print quality.

Specially adapted combinations of chips, antennae and sticker-thickness are available to meet customer requirements.

“Previously, our TOM tags consisted of a thin and smooth material compound combined with different layouts or chips. To address expanding market requirements, we have developed a variety of different TOM tags that can be used for an increased number of applications, such as e-payment on mobile devices or the identification of metal parts and machines,” stated Michael Kober, managing director of transponders for Identive Group.

The new chip-performance optimized shielding material pushes the tag to a maximum reading performance without raising its price. TagStar holds basic IP for on-metal applications, protected by granted and pending patents and the registered brand name TOM.