A comprehensive guide to security tags: Everything you need to know about anti-theft security tags

In the supermarket we buy things, especially clothing, there will be a small thing like the following:

This is the anti-theft security tag, do not see something small; the anti-theft effect is very good; its internal structure is a self-locking device and an induction coil; you want to open it is not so easy; you want to steal something that is not so simple.

What is an anti-theft security tag?

The anti-theft security tag is a device that prevents unauthorized access or theft. They are usually used in stores to protect merchandise from theft. These security tags effectively stop merchandise from being stolen because they can only be opened or removed with special equipment.

The origin and development of anti-theft security tags

The history of anti-theft security tags dates back to the 1960s when retailers began looking for more effective ways to protect their merchandise. The original security tags were relatively simple, usually made of magnets that could be easily removed during inspection. As the technology evolved, anti-theft snaps became more sophisticated, including electronic tags and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

The structure of the anti-theft security tag

Anti-theft security tags are clamped to clothing by steel pins and security tag holders. The structure of this type of anti-theft security tag generally coil, steel pins, lock core, plastic shell, and other components. A lock core consists of an iron ball, an iron ring, and a spring.

If you look carefully, we will find that the steel nail is by a circle of grooves. The steel ball is installed in the location of the round hole of the cone barrel, which is installed in the metal bowl, and the spring tops the cone barrel. When the nail is inserted from the bottom of the security tag, the steel ball inside the cone bucket will slide down to the position of the groove of the nail, and the cone bucket, under the pressure of the top spring, will jam the steel ball in the groove. As the metal bowl is conical, the greater the force of pulling the nail at this time, In the supermarket we buy things, especially clothing, there will be a small thing like the following:
This is the anti-theft security tag, do not see something small; the anti-theft effect is very good; its internal structure is a self-locking device and an induction coil; you want to open it is not so easy; you want to steal something that is not so simple.

The working principle of the anti-theft security tag

The working principle of the anti-theft security tag is quite simple. When the security tag is through the security door, if the security tag is not properly activated or removed, the security door will trigger an alarm. The effectiveness of such devices is that they usually cannot be removed or bypassed. Only employees with special equipment can activate or remove the security tag, thus protecting the merchandise from theft.

The principle of unlocking security tags

One of the key things to do to open a security tag is to move the steel ball in such a way that it moves up. The anti-theft security tag decoder used in supermarkets is a strong magnet. Using the suction of the magnet, the steel ball and the cone barrel (iron ring) are sucked upward so that the space above is larger, the steel ball spreads outward, and the steel pin can be easily taken out.

The alarm principle of anti-theft security tag

Now the alarm of the anti-theft security tag is based on the principle of LC resonance. The anti-theft security tag has a coil and capacitor; the doorway alarm has two parts, left and right, equivalent to two large coils, one responsible for transmitting and receiving signals. When the anti-theft security tag enters the Anti-theft Antenna System, the coil inside the anti-theft security tag cuts the magnetic field, causing a change in the current of the receiving anti-theft antenna system, thus triggering the alarm.

The larger the square buckle, the farther the sensing distance, just like the taller you are, the easier it is for others to bounce a ball onto your head, which is so excellent.

The main points of the design of the anti-theft security tag

Anti-theft security tag design points include three main aspects: first, the complexity of the key, the more complex the key can provide higher security; second is the accuracy of the inner and outer barrel with the high-precision fit can effectively prevent lock picking; the third is the degree of intelligence of the microcontroller, the highly intelligent microcontroller can effectively resist the attack of various unlocking tools.

Types of anti-theft security tag

Now there are a variety of anti-theft security tags on the market. They can be divided into several main types according to their use and design:

• EM security tag: Electromagnetic anti-theft security tags utilize an electromagnetic strip that sets off an alarm when it passes through a detection gate without being deactivated. These tags, praised for their slender form, are typically used in bookstores or libraries where discretion is necessary. An added advantage is their resilience to environmental factors like temperature and humidity, ensuring their robustness in various conditions. However, these tags require careful deactivation at the checkout to avoid false alarms, making them slightly labor-intensive.
• RF security tag: The advantage of Radio Frequency anti-theft security tags is that they are cheaper and easier to deactivate than their electromagnetic counterparts. They work by creating a low-frequency field around the exit point, and when a tag passes through it, an alarm is triggered. These tags can be encased in hard plastic for added durability, making them ideal for retail sectors such as clothing and department stores. Their high detection rate and easy deactivation make them a popular choice in fast-paced retail environments.
• AM security tag: Acoustic Magnetic anti-theft security tags function at a higher frequency, allowing for wider exit points and a more streamlined flow of customer traffic. They also boast a high pick rate, which minimizes instances of false alarms.
  Acoustic magnetic tags are a preferred choice for high-end retailers due to their superior detection capabilities and the ability to cover larger exit points. The tags also exhibit an impressive resistance to shielding attempts, providing an extra layer of protection for your inventory.
• Ink anti-theft security tag: Ink anti-theft security tags offer a unique approach to theft prevention. If an attempt is made to remove the tag without a specialized tool, it releases permanent ink that stains the item, rendering it worthless. The visible presence of these tags acts as a strong deterrent to potential thieves. This makes ink tags a valuable addition to the security protocol, particularly for retailers dealing with high-risk merchandise, such as designer clothing and luxury items.

The application of an anti-theft security tag

Anti-theft security tags are widely used in various areas with high-security needs, such as banks, shopping malls, apartments, vehicles, etc. In these places, applying an anti-theft security tag cannot only improve the security of the goods but also can greatly improve management efficiency.

The future development of the anti-theft security tag

With the continuous development of science and technology, the technology of the anti-theft security tag will continue to progress. The future of the security tag may use more advanced technology, such as biometric technology and cloud computing technology, which will give the security tag higher security and stronger protection.

How to choose a high-quality security tag

When buying an anti-theft security tag, you should consider the following aspects:

• First, look at the material; high-quality anti-theft security tag is usually made of steel or carbide, this material has a high resistance to wear and tear and impact resistance;
• Second, look at the structure, the complex inner and outer cylinder structure can effectively prevent lock picking;
• Finally, look at the performance of the microcontroller, the high-performance microcontroller can effectively prevent a variety of unlocking tool attacks.