Some of our customers often ask us why plastic key fobs are stronger than plastic cards. They look so small and fragile! The secret is that their coating makes them almost impossible to break with bare hands. Let's start from the very beginning. Today we are going to discuss RFID key fobs.
What are chip key fobs?
RFID key fob is an electronic ID device. It has a chip installed inside that contains all the necessary information. The data is exchanged in a contactless way.
Key fobs supplement or replace plastic cards. They perform the same functions as smart cards, but they are more convenient to use. They are several times smaller in size, but much stronger than plastic cards. Each key fob has a special hole for fastening, and can be attached to keys or a bag. It will always be at hand. The key fob is almost impossible to mislay or lose.
What advantages do key fobs have?
Key fobs are very popular with our customers and their clients. The reason is that have a few significant advantages:
- they are small and comfortable to use,
- they are strong and durable, and last much longer,
- they are bright and eye-catching,
- they are multifunctional and can be used anywhere.
You certainly should consider ordering key fobs if your customers will use them every day. Key fobs cannot be broken, they can even bear the weight of a car (up to half a ton). Moreover, they are resistant to minor damage, such as scratches, dents, etc. Besides, they look very bright and eye-catching.
Key fobs have a protecting coating.
What is the reason for using such a coating?
Most manufacturers use epoxy resin, but we have abandoned it.
To begin with, epoxy resin is a hazardous material. It's not a good idea to keep such a key fob at hand all the time.
Moreover, epoxy resin quickly loses its appearance. It turns yellow, flakes, and cracks.
That is why we prefer polyurethane resin. It is absolutely safe and hypoallergenic. It won't be a problem, if a child tries to bite off a piece of it.
Besides, polyurethane resin is quite soft. All minor damages, such as dents and shallow scratches, disappear over time. However, this "self-healing" effect will not work if you cut the resin with a knife.
Another advantage of such a coating is that it adheres firmly to the surface and does not flake off. Thus, it significantly increases the service life of the key fob. It remains as good as new even after several years of use. Polyurethane resin protects colors from fading and abrasion, and makes the product look bright.
The RFID key fob becomes thicker and stronger.
What kind of chip can be installed inside a key fob?
In general, we can integrate any chip. But the most commonly used chips are high-frequency Mifare tags and low-frequency EM-Marine tags, or Temic chips. These are fairly well-known brands of RFID tags suppled by the largest manufacturers.
As a rule, unique data, such as UID number, owner information, etc, is stored in the chip. When reading the key fob, the system requests access to this data, verifies it with the data base and then either grants, or denies access.
All the data is encrypted. Therefore, no one will ever read it or copy it illegally.
In what way do various key fob models differ from each other?
We offer a few various types of key fobs:
- rectangular,
- oval-shaped,
- teardrop-shaped,
- transparent.
All of them are quite smooth and streamlined, and do not cling to pockets or bags.
Besides, each RFID key fob has a unique appearance. They can be printed with anything. Transparent models can be printed with a company logo and name, and any variable data.
It will be quite difficult to repeat their appearance. That's why chip key fobs are considered reliable ID devices.
Where can they be used?
Chip key fobs are perfect for any area of business, because they can perform a variety of functions:
- a key fob can be used as a key to intercom, hotel room, storage cell, changing room locker,
- an access pass to the office, factory, fitness club, spa, and other buildings,
- an identity card for a company employee,
- and even an event tickets or skipass to the lift at the ski resort.
And still, there is much more.