CSL Introduces Innovative RFID Tag for Textile Applications

HONG KONG — July 22, 2015 — Today, Convergence Systems Limited (CSL), a global provider of passive RFID products and active RTLS equipment, introduced a revolutionary new radio frequency identification (RFID) metalized thread tag for a range of industrial laundry, textile and uniform market applications.

The patented CSL CS8200 RFID tag includes an integrated circuit (IC) and a partially metalized thread, which acts as an antenna while securing the tag to clothing, leather or other thin flexible materials. The metalized thread antenna was developed specifically for use with the CSL tag by Coats Group plc, the world’s leading industrial thread and consumer textile craft business.

“Coats has worked closely with CSL to specifically develop a thread for this revolutionary new product.  This RFID metallized thread tag provides an outstanding solution for quick and accurate inventory management as well as brand authentication of all types of garments and textiles,” said Paul Forman, Group Chief Executive, Coats Group plc. “It is a prime example of Coats’ innovation as we extend beyond traditional thread and develop ‘clever thin lines’ which can transmit and even carry data.”

With exceptional durability for washing, drying, dry cleaning and ironing, the CS8200 RFID metalized thread tag is a cost-effective solution for efficient laundry process control, such as batch check in/check out of linens or uniforms.  CSL designed the tag to withstand the harshest laundry processes, including resistance to detergent, softener, decolorizer, oxygen chloride and alkali.  In addition to enabling accurate tracking and management of commercial laundry, the CSL tag is ideal for brand authentication and security of fashion apparel and accessories.

The small, flexible RFID tag can be easily and securely sewn into a uniform, table linen, handbag or other textile in an inconspicuous location, such as in the garment seam or behind the brand label.

“The patented CSL CS8200 metalized thread tag is the only RFID tag that allows the user to customize the application read range by altering the metalized thread length,” said Jerry Garrett, managing director, Convergence Systems Limited. “Our unique solution is tailor-made for helping industrial laundry, textile and uniform businesses save time and money in logistics, security and processing.”

CSL’s CS8200 RFID tag delivers industry-leading speed, cost efficiency and readability, with a customizable read range of up to 2.7 meters. The tag, which is sold with bobbins of metalized antenna thread, is available in blue or white; however, custom colors may be available depending on the specific order.

“The innovative CS8200 RFID tag from CSL offers an outstanding solution  for inventory management of uniforms and linens,” said Jeffrey Chau, executive director of Farbo Uniforms. "The tag has surprisingly long read range performance and durability, exceeding 160 industrial wash and dry cycles in our on-going independent test processing."

The RFID metalized thread tag works with high-performance, far-field RFID handheld and fixed readers, such as CS101, CS203, CS208, CS461, CS468 and CS469 from CSL. The long read range and non-line-of-sight benefits of the RFID tag offers a seamless solution for rapid batch reading with accuracy, enabling significant improvements in asset receiving, shipping and tracking, while keeping operating costs low with increased workflow efficiency.

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