RFID printers/encoders use media that has an RFID inlay (chip and antenna combination) embedded within the label material. An RFID encoder inside the printer writes data to the tag by radio frequency transmission. The transmission is focused for the specific location of the tag within the label. Bar codes, text, and graphics are printed as usual.

Printer/encoders should perform two tag quality checks. The first check should be done prior to encoding to make sure the inlay is functional and can receive data. The second check should verify that data was written and stored on the chip correctly. Optimally, encoding the inlay and printing the smart label should require only a single pass through the printer/encoder.

RFID Printers can encode and print many types of RFID smart labels. RFID printers are capable of encoding (writing) RFID smart labels according to many of the standard EPC and mandated specifications. RFID printers can combine RFID, barcode and human readable information on a single label. This allows compliance with RFID mandates while maintaining barcode efficiencies.