Durable Asset Tag Vibration Survival Tests

Test Overview and Configuration

The purpose of this test was to verify the operational/functional survivability of each tag type after exposure to severe transportation/handling vibration. To make that evaluation, our team selected the ASTM D4169 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems.  ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world and a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services.  The D4169 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems provides a uniform basis of evaluating, in a laboratory, the ability of shipping units to withstand the distribution environment. This is accomplished by subjecting them to a test plan consisting of a sequence of anticipated hazard elements encountered in various distribution cycles. The recommended test levels are based on available information on the shipping and handling environment, and current industry/government practice and experience.

The RFID tags are attached to two wooden shipping containers also used in the mixed pallet tests and described in more detail below. The containers were placed on the vibration table and subjected to 90 minutes each of ASTM D4169 truck and air random vibration profiles for assurance level 2. The containers were fenced, allowing them to move and bounce on the vibration table, bringing the mounted tags into contact with each other and with the other container. This was our teams’ intention, given that this scenario can easily occur during actual transportation operations.  At the conclusion of each vibration profile, the tags were checked for operation (readability) and visual damage.

During the tests the environmental conditions measured an ambient temperature of 72.1°F (22.3°C) and ambient humidity of 32 percent.

Vibration Table	Container / Tag Location Before Test	Container / Tag Location After Test

Vibration profiles Used During Tests

Vibration Profiles as defined by ASTM D4169

TEST QUEUE ID: Random Vibration
CURRENT PROFILE: ASTM D 4169 Truck Level II

TRANSMISSIBILITY: Channel 1
CHANNEL DESCRIPTION: Table

TRANSMISSIBILITY: Channel 2
CHANNEL DESCRIPTION: Crate response

RESULTS: PRODUCT: RFID Tags
PROFILE: RANDOM VIBRATION, Truck II ASTMD4169
NOTES: 90 minutes @ 100%

TEST QUEUE ID: Random Vibration
CURRENT PROFILE: ASTM D 4169 Air Level II

TRANSMISSIBILITY: Channel 1
CHANNEL DESCRIPTION: Table

TRANSMISSIBILITY: Channel 2
CHANNEL DESCRIPTION: Crate response

RESULTS:
PRODUCT: RFID Tags
PROFILE: RANDOM VIBRATION, Air II ASTMD4169
NOTES: 90 minutes @ 100%

Vibration Survival Test Results

All of the tags tested were fully operational and no visible damage could be found both post Random Truck Inspection and post Random Air Inspection.

Durable Asset Tag Benchmark Table of Contents
Introduction, Defining 'Durability' and the RFID Tags Evaluated
Vibration Survival Tests
Supply Chain Logistics Operations Tests: Mixed Pallets with an RFID Enabled Portal & Handheld RFID Reader
Asset Tracking Tests: Maximum Read Range Outdoors with a GPS enabled Handheld RFID Reader
Manufacturing Work-In-Progress Tests: Maximum Read Range Indoors with a Fixed Position RFID Reader
Overall Benchmark Test Analysis
Important Considerations When Selecting RFID Tags