Lantech To Sell RFID Stretch-Wrappers By Mary Catherine O'Connor

Copyright 2006, RFID Journal LLC. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit www.rfidjournal.com

Lantech, a Louisville, Ky., manufacturer of materials-handling equipment, has developed a means of integrating an RFID interrogator (reader) into its Q-300 stretch-wrap machine. The company says it plans to sell RFIDenabled stretch-wrappers, potentially making it the first company to do so.

Many users of RFID in the supply chain have found that an RFID interrogator mounted onto a stretch-wrap machine, used to secure cases of products onto a pallet, provides a higher read rate than interrogators mounted elsewhere, such as around doorways. Installed on a stretch-wrapper, the reader's antenna has a number of opportunities to read each case tag as the pallet spins during the application of the wrap. Until now, however, users have had to find their own way of mounting the interrogator and antenna onto the machine. This entails determining how to best place the reader and antenna, connect the antenna cables and link the interrogator to the user's network.

William Caudill, Lantech's marketing manager for automatic products, says the Q-300's design makes it easy to integrate an interrogator. The Q-300 has a center mast that houses the machine's motor and electronics. "We were able to mount the reader right into the electrical panel," Caudill explains. "There were no special modifications needed. It was just a matter of adding mounts and a power supply for the reader." The mast's interior also accommodates the cables needed to link the reader with its antenna, eliminating any loose wiring that could otherwise interfere with the stretch-wrapper's operation.

Mary Catherine O'Connor is the associate editor of RFID Journal and RFIDJournal.com. She provides a wide variety of news and feature stories for both the Web site and print magazine. Prior to joining RFID Journal in late 2004, O'Connor served as an associate editor with Modern Media Partners, the media and events firm that produces many of RFID Journal's conferences and educational seminars, including the annual RFID Journal LIVE! conference. Before working for Modern Media, she worked as an editor and writer for a range of magazines and Web sites devoted to adventure travel and outdoor recreation.