Encapsulating the RFID tags with APTIV film protects the small components from the aggressive environment of the truck’s production line and painting cycle. “This is a new application for us,” explained O.T.A. director Xavier Landmarks. “The RFID labels encapsulated with the APTIV film performed beyond our expectations, withstanding more than 10 painting cycles. In addition, using the APTIV film allowed us to significantly reduce our costs.”
The RFID tag is a thin sensor that is 0.5mm thick. It is affixed on each truck chassis and remains there during the entire production process. “The critical point in the process is the painting line, during which the truck is exposed to a very aggressive environment,” explained Landmarks. “The challenge was to find a material that is resistant to painting cycle temperatures of 180°C, 200°C and 220°C (356°F, 392°F and 428°F). The tags are exposed to each of these temperatures for one hour during the painting cycle. We needed a material capable of withstanding at least 5 of these cycles without any imperfections that might interfere with the readability of the labels.”
In addition, continued Landmarks, “The material had to resist the various chemicals used in the operation. For example, it could not contaminate the painting tanks by releasing particles or gases that could contaminate the process. It had to have low permeability and be able to thermally isolate the internal components.”
According to John Getz, Commercial Leader for APTIV Films at Victrex, “APTIV film is extremely versatile and used in a variety of high performance automotive applications including wear resistant bearings, sensor membranes, gaskets, adhesives tapes and now RFID devices. Its outstanding balance of chemical resistance, ability to withstand extreme temperatures and wear resistance, makes APTIV films a leading choice for automotive product designers.”
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