The electronic parking permit is celebrating an anniversary: November 2015 marked the beginning of a pilot phase for an electronic parking sticker in Vienna. Together with the responsible municipal district office, Schreiner PrinTrust developed the requisite ((rfid))-Parking Chip for on-street parking. A little less than a year later, the parking permit enabling police officers to automatically and conveniently identify the permit from the outside of a car using a corresponding reader, was rolled out in all districts of Vienna.

Using a corresponding reader, the permit is read in a contactless process from a distance of a few meters, which massively reduces the inspection effort. Thanks to RFID technology, the ((rfid))-Parking Chips can be read without line of sight. The sticker is applied to the inside of the windshield in the upper right-hand corner.

Multiple Permits and Reusability

Scratching off stickers when they had to be returned, used to pose a problem. Due to the modern RFID chip, every vehicle owner can use it for his or her permits—even after moving to another district or selling the car—because the chip also enables reading of multiple permits. Only an identification number is stored on the chip, but no personal details. “It’s strictly this number and no other data,” says Irene Krasa-Oppolzer, Head of the Magistrate District for the 4th/5th District. “That’s why there are no concerns about privacy protection.” This number is retrieved by the readers used by law enforcement officers and matched with a database in which only the license number, vehicle model, scope of application and period of validity are stored.

Less Administration

Due to the electronic parking stickers based on Schreiner PrinTrust’s ((rfid))-Windshield Labels Global, the administrative effort has been reduced for the city of Vienna, the inspectors and the vehicle owners. The sticker has proven its viability in several years of use: “One of its many benefits: The ((rfid))-Windshield Label is applied only once,” says Krasa-Oppolzer. “When the validity of the sticker is extended, the old one no longer has to be scratched off and replaced with a new one. It can remain on the windshield for years and should last as long as the vehicle’s lifetime. As a result, we’re able to process requests for extensions more efficiently and economically.”

Dr. Kai Schnapauff, Director of Schreiner Prin- Trust, is pleased with the outcome: “The project has been a great success right from the beginning. At the moment, we’re delighted to implement a technical upgrade to the latest chip generation and a new visual design for the city of Vienna.”

Many of us may still remember this from our childhood days: We’ve made something truly beautiful and creative from a collection of LEGO bricks and, just before we’re finished, we notice that one particular brick is missing. All the others are too big, too small or have the wrong shape. Users of special-purpose machinery are familiar with similar problems because such machines are always custom developments. Many of their components have to be individually modified and manufactured. This is often complex, time-consuming and nearly always costly. However, Schreiner Services has a simple and cost-effective solution not only for such requirements. Even subsequent component modifications and spare parts for older machines can be produced in rapid and robust ways: the necessary part is manufactured in a 3D printer and immediately delivered.

Charge transfers are caused by electrostatic charging, i.e. the separation of or friction between two materials. However, energized components such as cables and wires, chassis or PCBs may also cause flashovers unless they’re adequately insulated. Components may be damaged, people put at risk or combustible substances ignited by spark formation in this case as well.

Learn more about protection films and warning labels for electrical components in our 4-part series. Read about how they reduce the risks to humans and components through insulation, shielding and warnings.

In this series, Schreiner ProTech addresses a variety of aspects focused on the topic of protection films and warning labels. The articles posted discuss the following questions: How can components be protected against damage caused by electrical voltages, charge transfers and electromagnetic waves? How can warning labels caution against hazards emanating from high voltage? What types of stress do they have to resist?

More information on Schreiner ProTech: www.schreiner-protech.com

Just like during a thunderstorm, electrostatic discharges can also occur in industrial environments: Whenever the difference between the charges of two objects is big enough this will result in a sudden equalization of potential. This flashover may destroy electronic components. Electromagnetic fields created by changes in electric currents and voltages can damage components as well. Protection films and labels from Schreiner ProTech reduce this risk: they provide insulation and shielding or warn against voltages.

Learn more about protection films and warning labels for electrical components in our 4-part series. Read about how they reduce the risks to humans and components through insulation, shielding and warnings.

In this series, Schreiner ProTech addresses a variety of aspects focused on the topic of protection films and warning labels. The articles posted discuss the following questions: How can components be protected against damage caused by electrical voltages, charge transfers and electromagnetic waves? How can warning labels caution against hazards emanating from high voltage? What types of stress do they have to resist?

More information on Schreiner ProTech: www.schreiner-protech.com

Avoidance of damage caused by electromagnetic waves is an increasingly important topic in the electronics industry due to the growing number of electronic components being installed in automobiles. This increases the complexity of ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Learn more about protection films and warning labels for electrical components in our 4-part series. Read about how they reduce the risks to humans and components through insulation, shielding and warnings. 

Full-Service Package

Schreiner ProTech offers an extensive range of modified processing systems supporting the application of EMI protection films. They can be customized to suit specific requirements. As a result, the customer receives a total solution from a one-stop shop in which the individual components are optimally coordinated with each other.

In this series, Schreiner ProTech addresses a variety of aspects focused on the topic of protection films and warning labels. The articles posted discuss the following questions: How can components be protected against damage caused by electrical voltages, charge transfers and electromagnetic waves? How can warning labels caution against hazards emanating from high voltage? What types of stress do they have to resist?

More information on Schreiner ProTech: www.schreiner-protech.com

However, one of the most recent actions taken concerns the Sustainability Report itself that summarizes the company’s efforts every year. Up to now, the report has always been published also as a printed issue. Starting this year, the Sustainability Report will only be provided as a digital version. To guarantee optimal legibility on a computer screen, the Sustainability Report has been redesigned and optimized for the digital format. Digitization and environmental protection go hand in hand here. If you’d like to learn more about the sustainability topics that are on the top of the list for Schreiner Group, just use this Link and take a look at our new, digital Sustainability Report.

Since the spring of 2020 a novel virus has taken hold of the world: the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Research scientists are working at full stretch on the development of a vaccine. But pharmaceuticals—whether vaccines or other drugs—have a long way to go before they can be effectively used on humans. They are always tested on study subjects in clinical trials; typically neutralized in order to obtain undistorted outcomes. For an international study of an immunoglobulin by CSL Behring, Schreiner MediPharm developed an efficient and reliable solution for blinding the vials containing the verum* to be tested and a placebo**.

Many machine manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the opportunities offered by smart, digital business models. This has great potential for the mechanical engineering sector within the next ten years: Due to the availability of IOT-based components, materials and services, it is now possible to think about all-new business models.

IOT stands for “Internet of Things” and describes the opportunity to allocate a unique internet address to any object worldwide. Using this address, the object can securely and individually be called, entered into a system, addressed and managed with digital data. In the classic retail business, barcoded products are merely able to communicate data concerning their characteristics such as content, brand and size. This makes it possible to define the system entry in terms of price at the cash register. However, there is no specific information available about the actual object. All articles of the same version are identical and therefore not able to communicate individual information, let alone variable data.

RFID technology makes it possible to provide smart materials not only with a unique number, but to combine them with an on-chip memory. As a result, this gap can be closed and an optimal basis for new business models created.

1. Authenticity Protection and Additional Information

Especially companies that sell high-end products but have had minimal contact with consumers so far can establish direct communication with them quickly and without a major investment. In addition, it is possible to include complementary products and ordering options in their marketing activities: The consumer scans the product with his or her smartphone using an NFC/RFID label and receives reliable confirmation that the product is an original. Plus, consumers can reorder new products directly on the website and access additional product-related information and options in their local language. This business model secures long-term market share for the brand and builds strong customer loyalty. Due to the direct link to the company’s own online store, additional services can be exclusively marketed as well.

2. Process Reliability in Material Consumption

In many cases, materials or objects in machines are used for excessive periods of time, which increases machine wear. Wrong insertion of materials or objects may even affect operating safety and reliability. Smart materials which, by communicating with the equipment, are able to clear the quantity of expiration cycles or the right utilization in the right process offer considerable benefits to all users compared to all competitor products: Due to the communication between the material and equipment, insertion errors or high wear rates can be significantly reduced. This business model substantially enhances safety and reliability and thus customer acceptance. Equipped with this performance package, the solution stands out from competitor products and generates added value that may justify a higher price. In many areas where a high level of safety and reliability in operation and processing of diverse materials is specified, seamless end-to-end documentation can be achieved by means of this model. As a result, costs incurred for data acquisition, management and even insurance premiums may be saved in this way.

3. Smart Services

Service plays an important part particularly in industrial solutions, because sustainable sales can be generated in this way. Especially digital “smart services” have enormous potential of positioning new business models around existing products. For instance, by means of NFC/RFID labels service providers can directly access augmented reality (AR) videos for the purpose of installing a unit or adjusting its settings. A smartphone recognizes the product and will subsequently show how to adjust or parameterize it by directly including the on-site object.  In addition, via an automatic consumption-based material inventory update, the service provider can be informed about minimum stock levels of the materials, which eliminates the need for regular checking by the customer. As a result, the service provider can guarantee that inventories will be kept at the agreed levels. This saves the customer a lot of time and reduces the service provider’s formal effort. Moreover, “on-shelf service” secures sustainable collaboration and thus permanent sales.

4. Billing Based on Utilisation Cycles

Billing of smart business solutions is typically based on monthly rates or flat rates. The service or the regular deliveries guarantee that sufficient material is always available. The device books the RFID-equipped units and sends the tracks directly to a central database. The user does not have to do anything and, as a result, will use the model more intensively. The codes and delivery contacts of the system are protected against hacking attacks. The provider has the advantage of having a very detailed overview of customer use and structure enabling the provider to individually offer additional models to its customers.

More and more vehicles are propelled by electric motors. The energy for the traction motor is stored in a high-voltage battery. The traction battery packs are installed at various locations of a vehicle and their enclosures consist of metal or plastic materials with smooth or textured surfaces.

Learn more about protection films and warning labels for electrical components in our 4-part series. Read about how they reduce the risks to humans and components through insulation, shielding and warnings.  

High-voltage warning labels protect against accidents involving high voltages. They’re available as standard products in a variety of layouts and for diverse onboard locations.

In this series, Schreiner ProTech addresses a variety of aspects focused on the topic of protection films and warning labels. The articles posted discuss the following questions: How can components be protected against damage caused by electrical voltages, charge transfers and electromagnetic waves? How can warning labels caution against hazards emanating from high voltage? What types of stress do they have to resist?

More information on Schreiner ProTech: www.schreiner-protech.com

Research and Development (R+D) at Schreiner Group is confronted with a wide variety of inquiries and issues of its customers in the healthcare and mobility markets and the public sector on a daily basis. To satisfy all customer wishes and individual requirements to be met by the highly specialized products, a wide range of questions relating to adhesion technology has to be addressed. Consequently, R+D has a diverse range of expertise in adhesive solutions enabling Schreiner Group to offer pressure-sensitive adhesives specifically tailored to suit the customer’s application and to provide customer consulting support based on expert know-how.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) are ready-to-use adhesive systems. They adhere to a surface immediately after application and exertion of contact pressure without requiring any curing time. Pressure-sensitive adhesives are both viscous and elastic. Due to these characteristics, the adhesive can flow into the microscopically small flatness imperfections of a surface during the application of contact pressure, which optimizes the contact area and simultaneously ensures permanent bonding.

The adhesion and cohesion characteristics of an adhesive are decisive for its suitability. Adhesion refers to the bonding strength between the adhesive and the substrate and cohesion to the adhesive’s inner strength.

The required extent of these two forces varies for all use cases and has to be observed in the selection of an adhesive system. Not only the chemical composition of the adhesive plays a part in this, but also parameters such as the type and quality of the substrate or the load and stress scenario expected in the application.

“In total, there are three major types of pressure-sensitive adhesives: rubber, acrylic and silicone PSA grades,” explains R+D team leader Dr. Joseph Adelsberger. “In addition to the Protection Films for Airbag Generators, Paint Mask Labels for  Inline Hydraulik or Tamper Protection and First-Opening Indication for E-Bike Motors mentioned in this issue of Forum, we are, for instance, able to offer adhesive solutions for use cases involving extreme temperatures, application to low-energy and very rough substrates, for products with counterfeit-protection requirements like the Multi-Tear Closure Label and for functional labels requiring high shear resistance.”