Smarter, Faster RFID: TransCore’s Facility Upgrade
From automated circuit board printing to robotics automation and enhanced environmental testing, TransCore’s latest facility upgrade is boosting RFID production speeds and increasing quality yields.
TransCore, a producer of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems for the rail industry, has recently completed the modernisation of its 75,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Work on the facility upgrades was completed at the end of 2024, marking the end of a six- month-long project to increase efficiencies on TransCore’s RFID tag production lines.
TransCore is a renowned producer of RFID-based automatic equipment identification (AEI) for the rail industry, and today every railcar in North America comes equipped with a TransCore tag.
The company has long recognised the effectiveness of RFID-based AEI for more reliable tracking of railcars and their contents. Today, TransCore is the only manufacturer of its kind to meet to meet the AEI industry standards AAR, ISO, CEN, ANSI and ATA worldwide. Since its inception, the company has distributed over 170 million RFID tags globally with applications across mobility and rail sectors since its inception.
Boosting Efficiency and Increasing Quality Yields
With the facility upgrade, TransCore is improving efficiencies to the production and testing of its component board placement, RFID tag assembly, electronic computer automated tag testing, laser etching and in-circuit reader testing.
The facility modernisation project included a new surface mount technology (SMT) equipment line, which builds TransCore’s printed wiring assemblies eight times faster than its previous equipment, allowing for more efficient processes and increased productivity.
Also added were a new thermal oven to increase environmental testing throughput for reader products and a robotic automation line, which reduces the labour time for high volume multiple protocol tags.
Furthermore, a new UV printing capability has been introduced to the site, enabling TransCore to print any customer required graphics directly onto the tags rather than using labelling or paying for external printing processes. This enables TransCore to support a broader range of customer branding needs in-house, deliver higher-quality cosmetic outputs with longer-lasting vibrant colours and reduce costs.
Michael Copeland, Director of Operations at TransCore, says:These strategic upgrades to our facility demonstrate our commitment to enhancing both quality assurance and production efficiency.
By investing in advanced equipment and automation, we're not only improving our ability to meet rigorous industry standards but also increasing our throughput and quality yields to deliver high-quality products to our customers more rapidly and cost-effectively.
It’s also worth noting that TransCore has been able to reduce its waste footprint thanks to these upgrades, with fewer damaged parts, and shorter run times to reduce energy consumption. With the upgraded facility, TransCore also enjoys cost savings, in part due to reduced storage requirements.
Innovation beyond manufacturing: TransCore’s commitment to R&D
Along with these new upgrades, TransCore continues to focus on research, design and engineering of rail solutions. New capabilities at the facility including RF simulation, Bluetooth testing, machining, 3D printing and circuit board printing, will allow new product designs and concepts to be tested.
R&D into industry-leading solutions in this area continues at pace, and TransCore’s newest multiprotocol rail reader, train recording unit and wireless products are designed to support the rail industry’s transition to updated AEI technology.
Copeland says:The solutions developed and produced in our facility are revolutionising rail check-in, inspection, weighing, inventory and check-out processes. At the same time, we are also supported by a 150-strong workforce that brings deep experience and expertise to developing our next-generation products.
To find out more about TransCore, and how your organisation can achieve more reliable tracking, enhanced maintenance and safety, and improved inventory management, please visit www.transcore.com/rfid/rail-intermodal.
