Inexpensive printing of RFID prototype antenna? 1

[rjrunningute]

I would like to build an inexpensive prototype of an RFID tag style antenna on a flexible substrate using printed electronics.

I am very new to this technology so I hope some of you can help point me in the right direction. I have contacted a few printing companies and they have all told me that to print a prototype would cost about $1000 to $2000. I have a very limited budget and this sounds ridiculously high considering the cost of materials is just a few pennies and I am providing the artwork file.

Does anyone know of a company that provides printing services that would cost more in the range of $100 - $200 or less?

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Printing conductive inks is not something the average printer handles, so you're limited in who you can contact. You may be able to get the local university to metallize a film and photo etch it yourself. Another possible option is to find some who uses a RepRap machine and is willing to make one for you.

$100 is pretty darn cheap for a one-off custom print job with such unique materials... just keep that in mind.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[2dye4]

Express PCB

Download the free software.

Lay out your antenna on a 3 X 5 card ( approximate dimensions)

you get three in the mail postage paid for $60.00 in the US.

Of course this on a FR4 substrate which may well influence your antenna design.

 

[VEBill]

If you need only one, and the shape of the element is not overly intricate, could you make one yourself by hand using alternate materials (metal foil)? This would be a last resort, and only for the earliest initial prototype.

 

[rjrunningute]

I like the Express PCB idea. It would be a cheap prototype for testing the radiation pattern and give me some confidence before I spend more on the PE version. The PE version of course would require some tweeks to the matching circuit wich I could do in ADS or Microwave Office. I would imagen that the radiation pattern wouldn't change much.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Tweaking the pattern on a FR4 board is going to be somewhat pointless if that's not the final substrate. If all you're after is a basic RFID antenna design for prototyping/testing purposes, then this thread is somewhat pointless and you should go with the FR4 design.

I second VE's suggestion of metal foil on your desired substrate. Find a foil whose thickness matches your expected copper weight.

But now I'm left wondering what you're truly after...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[Higgler]

buy some FR4 and some etching acid from Radio Shack and make it yourself. Or get some thin metal and a razor blade and cut it out, then glue it to some plastic and add a connector for testing.
all depends how you plan to design it, accurately vs. cut and try.

 

[biff44]

I am assuming that we all know how to make protoboards from FR4--you slice the line width with an Xacto knife, then heat up the copper you want to remove with a very hot soldering iron, and it strips right off.

http://www.MaguffinMicrowave.com

Maguffin Microwave wireless design consulting