Can Handheld RFID Scanners Read Tags Through Walls or Metal?

2025-05-13Cykeo News RFID FAQ 5090

Handheld RFID scanners excel at tracking items in open environments, but their ability to read tags through walls or metal depends on materials, frequency, and scanner design. While RFID signals can penetrate some barriers, physical obstructions like concrete or steel often disrupt performance. Here’s a detailed look at what’s possible and how to optimize scans in challenging setups.

Workers use handheld rfid scanners to scan rfid tags on metal containers and thin walls.

1. RFID Signals vs. Common Materials

RFID operates via radio waves, which interact differently with materials:

Non-Metallic Walls (Drywall, Wood):
UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) scanners can read tags through thin walls (up to 1-2 inches) if no metal framing exists. Ideal for tracking items in adjacent rooms or behind lightweight barriers.
Concrete/Brick Walls:
Thick concrete (>6 inches) blocks most RFID signals. Moisture in concrete further degrades performance.
Metal Surfaces:
Metal reflects RFID waves, causing interference. Tags placed directly on metal require specialized metal-mount tags with shielding to function.

2. How Cykeo Handheld Scanners Overcome Obstacles

Cykeo’s industrial-grade scanners use two strategies to mitigate interference:

Frequency Agility: Automatically switches between 865–928 MHz to avoid “dead zones” caused by reflective surfaces.
High-Power Antennas: Boosts signal strength to penetrate thin non-metallic barriers or read shielded tags on metal assets.

For example, Cykeo devices can scan shielded tags on metal toolboxes through a thin plywood enclosure but struggle with thick steel containers.

3. Best Practices for Challenging Environments

Tag Placement:
Attach tags to non-metallic surfaces (e.g., plastic bins) or use metal-mount tags with foam spacers.
Orientation:
Angle the scanner’s antenna 45–90 degrees from metal surfaces to reduce signal bounce.
Signal Testing:
Perform a site survey to identify “sweet spots” for reliable reads.

4. When to Use Alternative Solutions

For tracking assets inside thick metal enclosures (e.g., shipping containers):

GPS or BLE Beacons: Better for real-time outdoor/indoor tracking.
Fixed RFID Readers: Install readers inside metal structures for continuous monitoring.

Case Study: Cykeo in Manufacturing

An aerospace supplier used Cykeo scanners to track carbon-fiber parts stored in aluminum racks. By combining metal-mount tags and angled scanning, they achieved 95% read accuracy despite partial metal interference.

PgUp: Boost Warehouse Productivity: How Handheld RFID Scanners Streamline OperationsPgDn: What Industries Benefit Most from Handheld RFID Scanners?

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