RFID Labeling & Encoding Printer

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering printing solutions for business improvement, today released the Zebra R402 RFID smart label printer/encoder, a dynamic tool for both printing and programming 13.56 MHz smart labels, tickets, and tags. The compact size of the R402 makes it ideal for use in locations where space is limited, including pharmacies, libraries, ticket counters, video rental outlets, and other retail stores. This printer/encoder delivers the enhanced tracking, inventory management, and authenticating benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

"Zebra designed the R402 to make smart label encoding as easy as traditional bar code labeling at a very affordable price," said Matt Ream, Zebra's senior product manager for RFID systems. "The R402 is the most economical and versatile smart printer and encoder in the industry. It can print bar codes, human-readable text, and graphics on the label surface. It also can read, encode, and verify information programmed to the ultra-thin RFID transponder embedded inside the label."

RFID transponders include an antenna and an integrated circuit, which can be read, programmed, and reprogrammed using non-contact radio waves. With RFID technology, users can update and change the data encoded in the transponder throughout the life of the smart label. Storing information in the transponder creates a portable data file and reduces the need for network access to retrieve information from a remote database. Additionally, because it is not an optical technology, no line of sight is required between the reader and the object to be identified. RFID transmits data wirelessly and is a read-write technology, so it also can be used as a complement to bar coding when data on the identified object needs to be updated or changed during the tracking cycle.

The R402's versatility sets it apart from other printers and encoders. It is one of the first printers to support the new ISO-15693 standard, joining Texas Instruments' Tag-it(TM), Philips Semiconductors I.CODE, and Inside Contactless Technologies' PicoTag(R). The R402 also supports a full range of transponder antenna sizes, from 9 x 25 mm (0.35 in. x0.98 in.) to 90 x 130 mm (3.5 in x 5.1 in.). Plus, it has the smallest footprint of any RFID printer and encoder in the industry, occupying just 9.4 in. x 7.8 in. (238.7 mm x198.1 mm) of desk space. The R402 verifies that the tag operates properly and that the data has been programmed correctly. In the event of an error, the printer automatically voids the smart label so it is not mistakenly applied to an item or product.

Applications for the R402 include inventory management; product, dose, and specimen verification for pharmaceuticals; patient and records tracking; access control; charge accounts and preferred customer privileges at amusement parks or events; item authentication in manufacturing and retailing; automated check-in/check-out; and anti-theft systems in libraries and video stores.

The R402 is Zebra's second smart label printer/encoder model. Zebra's R- 140 tabletop printer/encoder also prints, encodes, and verifies smart labels embedded with 13.56 MHz RFID transponders, in one pass. The R-140 is designed for higher volume or industrial use and can be connected wirelessly to a network offering ZebraLink(TM) remote management and alert capabilities.

The R402 has a U.S. list price of $1,695 and is currently available for shipping. For more information on Zebra Technologies and its RFID solutions, please call +1 800.423.0442 or visit the company's Web site, www.zebra.com .

About Zebra Technologies

Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions to businesses and governments in 90 countries around the world; more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra(R)-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code label, RFID, receipt printers, and Eltron(R)-brand card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company, with an installed base of more than two million printers, also offers software, connectivity solutions, and printing supplies. Information about Zebra bar code products can be found at www.zebra.com . The company's Web site for thermal printing supplies is www.zipzebra.com .