RFID printers: label printing and EPC encoding in one pass

An RFID printer is a thermal-transfer label printer with a built-in UHF encoder. In one pass, it prints the visual layer (text, barcode and logo) and writes an EPC number to the label chip. The label leaves the printer ready for tracking, with no separate encoding workstation required. We select and supply RFID printers and consumables for each project, based on your media, print volume and accounting system.

Printing and encoding options

Type	Code	Function	Specifications (typical market ranges)	Suitable use
Desktop RFID printer	ПР4	Print + EPC encoding in one pass	Thermal transfer / direct thermal, 203–300 dpi, print width up to ~104–108 mm; USB, USB Host, Ethernet, RS-232, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Office, receiving area or labelling station: medium-volume label batches
Industrial RFID printer	ПР6	Print + EPC encoding in a production flow	Print width up to ~168 mm (6"), 203–300 dpi, speed up to ~300 mm/s; ribbon up to 450 m; applicator interface	Conveyors and large print volumes; thick media, such as ~1.5 mm on-metal labels, can be printed only on industrial RFID printers
Label printer with an RFID option	—	Standard printer with an optional UHF module	203/300 dpi, width up to ~108 mm, speed up to ~203 mm/s; RFID UHF option (EPC Class 1 Gen2 / ISO 18000-6C)	Existing printer fleets that can be upgraded
Standard label printer + desktop encoder	—	Printing and encoding are split into two steps	Printer: 203 dpi, width up to ~108 mm; desktop USB encoder: read/write from 1–20 cm, EPC Gen2, COM/HID mode	Small batches, individual encoding and programming tags without printing

All specifications are typical market ranges; the exact configuration is selected for the task.

BizData codes are our designations for standard selection configurations and are refined during project estimation.

How to choose

Media. Printable RFID labels use paper or polypropylene, with approximate sizes from 25×15 to 148×210 mm, a 76 mm core and rolls of 100 to 4000 labels. Thick on-metal labels (~1.5 mm) pass only through industrial ПР6 RFID printers, while sewn-in textile tags cannot be printed at all; see the FAQ.
Print volume and duty cycle. A desktop ПР4 model (4" print width) is sufficient for periodic batches. In-line production requires an industrial ПР6 enclosure (6"), speeds up to ~300 mm/s and longer ribbon rolls.
Standard and frequencies. The encoder must support EPC Gen2 (ISO/IEC 18000-63). Kazakhstan requires the European ETSI 865–868 MHz frequency plan; equipment designed only for FCC 902–928 MHz (USA) is not suitable. Learn more in the EPC Gen2 standard guide.
Ribbon. Select the thermal-transfer ribbon for the label material: wax for paper, and wax-resin or resin for polypropylene and durable printing. Typical market sizes are 60–110 mm wide with 300–450 m roll lengths.
Integration. Printing and encoding are usually initiated from the accounting system. Check the interfaces (USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RS-232) and integration with 1C; see the 1C/ERP/WMS integration page.

We also work with the Zebra industrial product line and can include it in the printing and encoding configuration when required.

Typical scenarios

Warehousing and logistics — print and encode labels for cartons and pallets at receiving or on the line; portals and handhelds then read the tags. See RFID for warehouses.
Inventory and fixed-asset tracking — RFID asset labels with a number and barcode for equipment and subsequent stocktaking. See RFID asset tracking and RFID stocktaking.
Textiles and laundries — printing has a limited role: sewn-in tags are encoded without printing, while printable labels are used for supporting identification of packaging and sets. See textile and workwear tracking.
Pilot before purchase — verify compatibility between the printer, labels and ribbon using your media in the RFID laboratory or through an RFID pilot.

FAQ

How does an RFID printer differ from a standard label printer?

An RFID printer contains a UHF encoder and antenna. While printing, it writes an EPC number to the label chip and links the visual layer to the chip contents. A standard printer produces only the image, leaving the chip with its factory contents.

When is a standard printer with a desktop encoder sufficient?

For small batches and individual tasks, print the visual layer on a standard printer (or use unprinted labels), then write the EPC with a desktop USB encoder from 1–20 cm. This costs less, but it is slower and requires process discipline because printing and encoding are separate steps that must be reconciled.

Can laundry tags be printed on an RFID printer?

No. Sewn-in textile tags cannot pass through a printer and have no printable layer by design. They are programmed with a desktop encoder or handheld terminal, while identification is applied during manufacturing. Laundry-tag selection and testing are covered on the textile tracking page and in the laundry-tag selection guide.

Which frequencies are required in Kazakhstan?

The European ETSI 865–868 MHz range. A printer operating only in the FCC 902–928 MHz range (USA) is not suitable for projects in Kazakhstan. Learn how the standard works in the article on EPC Gen2 and ISO/IEC 18000-63.

Select an RFID printer for your project

Send us the label dimensions, surface material and print volume. We will propose a printing and encoding configuration and verify label and ribbon compatibility in the RFID laboratory.

+7 (701) 589-45-99 · info@bizdata.kz

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