“GO2 provides solutions that can be used on high-temp metal with existing thermal transfer print technology”, Dan Schroer, Chief Operating Officer at GO2 Partners

Dan Schroer has worked in manufacturing, metals, and adjacent industries for over 30 years. His expertise ranges across the manufacturing value stream, from supply chain optimisation to packaging solutions to material identification innovations, using the latest technology to increase safety, eliminate mixed metal, and maximise efficiency from receiving materials to shipping final products.

Today, Dan is the Chief Operating Officer at GO2 Partners, where he leads and supports special projects and delivers results for customers, including some of the world's largest companies.

AL Circle: Can you briefly overview GO2 Partners and its core mission?

Dan Schroer: GO2 Partners provides industrial solutions that focus on solving clients' pain points through better label, tag, and material ID offerings.

AL Circle: What inspired GO2 Partners to develop high-temperature RFID labels for the metal manufacturing industry?

Dan Schroer: A national metal manufacturer presented GO2 with a specific challenge and problem. To solve that problem, GO2 developed an RFID label for high-temperature metals. We recognised that this solution was applicable to other manufacturers with similar challenges.

AL Circle: What is your hands-on experience in the aluminium industry?

Dan Schroer: GO2 has worked with other aluminium mills and toll processors as clients for decades. In that capacity, we work as a solutions provider on the floor. We partner with operations at these facilities and other partners to refine material ID and product traceability through better tag, label and technology solutions.

AL Circle: How has the company's expertise in RFID technology evolved over the years?

Dan Schroer: GO2 has grown with the industry. As technology improves and the challenges shift, we adapt to continue to provide value. RFID on metal is a complex process. GO2, along with our solution partners, has evolved as the industry has evolved. That means learning how to utilise new material technologies and digital tools to overcome challenges.

AL Circle: What makes the patented high-temperature RFID label from GO2 Partners stand out in the market?

Dan Schroer: GO2 provides solutions that can be used on high-temp metal with existing thermal transfer print technology. Our patented product can support RFID label application on metal with a temperature in excess of 500 degrees. As of now, no other patented product can reach that standard.

AL Circle: Can you elaborate on the design and materials used in these RFID labels that enable them to withstand temperatures up to 700˚ F (371˚ C)?

Dan Schroer: GO2 has developed a unique combination of specialised materials, inlays and construction designs that enable an RFID label to perform at these extreme temperatures. It's not just a single material or design element but the combination that delivers this capability.

AL Circle: How does the innovative label design protect the passive RFID transmitter from extreme heat?

Dan Schroer: The materials both insulate and transfer heat. Together, the materials and construction provide protection from the heat and ensure the RFID inlay doesn't degrade, providing a functional RFID label even in these extreme conditions.

AL Circle: What range of adhesive options is available, and how can they be tailored to specific production needs?

Dan Schroer: GO2 offers a wide range of materials and options. Individual label solutions are assembled to meet specific end-use requirements on the plant floors of our prospects and clients.

AL Circle: Can you discuss metal manufacturers' primary challenges with traditional tracking methods, especially under extreme conditions?

Dan Schroer: RFID labelling on an extremely hot surface, like the extreme heat surfaces typical in metal manufacturing, can damage or make the RFID inlay dormant. The challenges are multiplied when this extreme environment is coupled with dirt, product movement, and degradation caused by long-term heat exposure.

AL Circle: How do these high-temperature RFID labels improve safety and reduce worker exposure to hazardous conditions?

Dan Schroer: With RFID, workers can use the label rather than manually applying tracking tools or gathering information directly from products in the process. This significantly reduces heat exposure. In-line robotic applications can also be used to increase safety and ensure successful material identification.

AL Circle: How do these RFID labels enhance traceability and product tracking throughout manufacturing?

Dan Schroer: Tracing the metal product at its earliest possible point of identification decreases the risk of mixed metals and identity loss. Both of these risk elements have a tremendous cost associated with them. In addition to reducing these risks, it also provides better inventory control and accuracy, which can generate enormous savings.

AL Circle: What are the key advantages of using RFID over traditional barcode systems in metal manufacturing?

Dan Schroer: RFID technology enables the free flow of production materials while still tracking movement through the production process. Reading a barcoded label doesn't require manual work or human contact. This automation means less labour, greater tracking accuracy, and increased worker safety.

AL Circle: How does RFID improve inventory management and asset tracking in high-temperature environments?

Dan Schroer: Enabling material traceability at the earliest possible point of identification ensures more accurate identification, reduced risk of mixed metals, and greater inventory accuracy—better inventory results in complete and efficient order fulfilment and fewer errors.

AL Circle: Can you provide examples of how RFID aids in quality control and helps address product recalls or defects?

Dan Schroer: When proper metal identification is executed, end consumers are assured that the metal property they order is delivered. Accurate product ID reduces return products and decreases liability from incorrect shipments.

AL Circle: Can you explain the difference between passive and active RFID chips and why passive RFID is chosen for these high-temp labels?

Dan Schroer: Passive ID is encoded in a thermal transfer printer at the time of identification. Labels are cost-effective compared to expensive active RFID inventory tags. RFID-enabled label processes can be flexible and dynamic in their applications.

AL Circle: What are the considerations for selecting the suitable RFID chip for specific applications within the metal manufacturing sector?

Dan Schroer: The entire system needs to be reviewed and evaluated at the floor level. The environmental and end-use requirements factor into the RFID chip and inlay. You must also consider the other system components before selecting an RFID solution for a specific application. This is why we strongly suggest consulting with an expert in RFID solutions for metal manufacturing.

AL Circle: How do you see the adoption of RFID technology evolving in the metal manufacturing industry over the next few years?

Dan Schroer: RFID labelling in a metal environment is challenging. Yet the need is ever-increasing as demands for 100% traceability, zero defects, and greater liability drive the industry's evolution. As the expense of mistakes increases and businesses are exposed to additional liability and regulations, manufacturers will need to rely even more on solutions like RFID technology.