UHF AZ-U8-65X5M
UCODE 8 On-Metal RFID Tag, 65 × 5 × 1.26 mm
- Chip
- NXP UCODE 8
- Antenna size
- 65 × 5 mm
- Read range
- up to 3 m (reference)
Application engineering
On-Metal RFID Tags for Metal Assets
Standard RFID labels go quiet on metal. Our on-metal labels use a spacer layer so they read directly on steel, aluminium, racking and equipment housings.
Design for the real reading environment
Metal reflects UHF energy and detunes ordinary tag antennas: put a normal label on a server chassis or a steel shelf and the read range collapses to almost nothing. On-metal tags solve this with a spacer construction that separates the antenna from the surface, so the metal becomes part of the RF design instead of blocking it.
Antenza lists ten on-metal labels, from a compact 40 × 25 mm for hand tools and IT assets to 80 × 35 mm where range matters most, in 0.75 mm and 1.26 mm thicknesses. Seven run on Impinj Monza R6, two on NXP UCODE 8 and one on NXP UCODE 9. Impinj lists Monza R6 as end-of-life, so for a new design we also discuss current alternatives. Background: our on-metal tag guide.
Why metal breaks standard RFID
- 01
Reflection and detuning
The metal surface reflects the reader field and shifts the antenna’s resonance; a standard label loses most of its range on contact.
- 02
The assets audits care about
IT equipment, tooling and machines are exactly the assets audits track, and exactly the ones standard labels fail on.
- 03
Harsh duty
Tool cribs, workshops and outdoor plant expose tags to impact, oil and weather.
- 04
One size never fits all
Oversized tags don’t fit small tools; undersized tags disappoint on range. Without a size range you compromise twice.
How Antenza supports on-metal projects
Spacer construction
A foam spacer separates the antenna from the metal, so the tag uses the surface as a ground plane instead of being detuned by it.
A real size range
Ten footprints from 40 × 25 to 80 × 35 mm, including slim 65 × 5 mm and 50 × 15 mm formats for edges and narrow parts. Match the footprint to the asset, not the other way round.
Chips from the data, not the brochure
Seven sizes use Impinj Monza R6 (96-bit EPC, AutoTune), two use NXP UCODE 8 and one NXP UCODE 9. Each product page shows its chip and the datasheet values.
Attachment confirmed per project
The labels have an adhesive backing; for vibration, heat or washdown, describe the conditions and we confirm materials or advise mechanical fixing before you order.
On-metal range at a glance
On metal, a larger tag generally reads further. Pick the largest footprint the asset allows, then confirm with samples on your real surface; we can send several sizes for a side-by-side test.
| Frequency | UHF 860–960 MHz, EPC Gen2, RAIN RFID |
|---|---|
| Chips | Impinj Monza R6 (7 sizes), NXP UCODE 8 (2), NXP UCODE 9 (1) |
| Sizes | 40×25 · 50×15 · 50×25 · 60×25 · 65×5 · 65×35 · 70×25 · 70×30 · 80×25 · 80×35 mm |
| Thickness | 0.75 mm or 1.26 mm, depending on size |
| Surfaces | Steel, aluminium, racking and equipment housings; also reads on non-metal surfaces |
| Read range (reference) | Up to 3–6 m on metal, depending on size Reference only; depends on reader, antenna, power and the tagged material |
Products for this application
All ten on-metal labels, smallest footprint first.
UHF 
UHF AZ-U8-50X15M
UCODE 8 On-Metal RFID Tag, 50 × 15 × 1.26 mm
- Chip
- NXP UCODE 8
- Antenna size
- 50 × 15 mm
- Read range
- up to 4 m (reference)
UHF AZ-R6-40X25M
Monza R6 On-Metal RFID Tag, 40 × 25 × 0.75 mm
- Chip
- Impinj Monza R6
- Antenna size
- 40 × 25 mm
- Read range
- up to 3 m (reference)
UHF AZ-U9-50X25M
UCODE 9 On-Metal RFID Tag, 50 × 25 × 1.26 mm
- Chip
- NXP UCODE 9
- Antenna size
- 50 × 25 mm
- Read range
- up to 5 m (reference)
UHF AZ-R6-60X25M
Monza R6 On-Metal RFID Tag, 60 × 25 × 1.26 mm
- Chip
- Impinj Monza R6
- Antenna size
- 60 × 25 mm
- Read range
- up to 4 m (reference)
UHF AZ-R6-70X25M
Monza R6 On-Metal RFID Tag, 70 × 25 × 1.26 mm
- Chip
- Impinj Monza R6
- Antenna size
- 70 × 25 mm
- Read range
- up to 4 m (reference)
UHF AZ-R6-80X25M
Monza R6 On-Metal RFID Tag, 80 × 25 × 1.26 mm
- Chip
- Impinj Monza R6
- Antenna size
- 80 × 25 mm
- Read range
- up to 6 m (reference)
UHF AZ-R6-70X30M
Monza R6 On-Metal RFID Tag, 70 × 30 × 1.26 mm
- Chip
- Impinj Monza R6
- Antenna size
- 70 × 30 mm
- Read range
- up to 4 m (reference)
UHF AZ-R6-65X35M
Monza R6 On-Metal RFID Tag, 65 × 35 × 0.75 mm
- Chip
- Impinj Monza R6
- Antenna size
- 65 × 35 mm
- Read range
- up to 4 m (reference)
UHF AZ-R6-80X35M
Monza R6 On-Metal RFID Tag, 80 × 35 × 0.75 mm
- Chip
- Impinj Monza R6
- Antenna size
- 80 × 35 mm
- Read range
- up to 4 m (reference)
How ordering works
- 01
Specify
Share surface, read distance, chip preference and volume. We shortlist tags that fit.
- 02
Sample
Receive sample tags of the shortlisted designs to try in your own setup.
- 03
Validate
Test on your items, readers and printers. We adjust chip, size or format if needed.
- 04
Produce & ship
Volume production with 100% inline electrical test, then export shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a standard RFID label stop working on metal?
Metal reflects the reader’s RF field and detunes the label antenna, so very little energy reaches the chip. On-metal tags add a spacer between antenna and surface and use the metal as a ground plane, which restores the read.
Which size should I choose?
The largest that fits the asset. Range on metal scales with footprint: in our range the 40 × 25 mm tag has a reference range of up to 3 m and the 80 × 25 mm tag up to 6 m, both depending on reader, antenna, power and surface. Test with samples on your real assets.
Which chip is in the on-metal tags?
Seven of the ten sizes use Impinj Monza R6, two use NXP UCODE 8 (50 × 15 and 65 × 5 mm) and one uses NXP UCODE 9 (50 × 25 mm). Impinj lists Monza R6 as end-of-life; if you are starting a long-running program, ask us about current chip alternatives.
Can the tags survive workshops and outdoor use?
The labels are built for industrial use, but oils, pressure washing, long-term UV and extreme temperatures each need checking. Tell us the conditions and we confirm suitability or adapt materials before you commit.
Do on-metal tags work on plastic or wood?
Yes, an on-metal tag reads on any surface. If most of your assets are non-metal, a standard UHF inlay or label is cheaper; mixed estates often use both with one encoding scheme.
Further engineering reading
- How to Choose an RFID Tag: Seven Questions Before RFQ
Specify the surface, read event, available space, environment, data and delivery format. A seven-question checklist makes RFID samples and quotes useful.
- How to Test RFID Tags Before Approving a Bulk Order
Plan an RFID sample test with real items, controlled reader settings and acceptance criteria. Check RF behavior, encoding, adhesion and repeatability.
- On-Metal RFID Tags: Construction, Placement and Testing
Choose an on-metal RFID label by mounting surface, available area, thickness and reader workflow. Test the complete structure before approving bulk supply.
- RFID Read Range: What Changes the Result in Your Site
RFID read range depends on the complete system. Control power, antenna, surface, orientation and reader settings when comparing labels on real objects.
Talk to an RFID engineer
Tagging metal assets?
Tell us the asset type, the free mounting area and the read distance. An engineer replies within 24 hours with a size recommendation and a sample plan.
Email us: sales@antenza.com