Abstract: Radio frequency identification elements, including linerless or lined labels, are produced with enhanced effectiveness. The antenna is printed with conductive ink or toner, and cross-over may be provided by spot printing a non-conductive material over a portion of the antenna and then printing a conductive cross-over element on the non-conductive material. Typically the antenna is printed on one face of a web, and the radio frequency identification chip is moved into contact with the opposite face of the web so that the contacts penetrate the web and engage the antenna so that the web material acts as a dielectric. Alternatively part of the antenna on the first face may be over-printed with a non-conductive material and the chip attached to the first face passing through openings in, or penetrating, the non-conductive material to engage the antenna.

Abstract: A radio frequency transponder is adhered to a substrate forming a label or business form. The substrate has thermally sensitive material whereby the substrate and transponder can be conveyed through a thermal printer for printing variable or non-variable information on the web. The transponder is provided in web form and separated from the web for application to the substrate. In a further embodiment, plural plies of business forms are provided and transponders separated from a web of transponders are disposed by the plies prior to separation of the plies into discrete forms, each carrying a transponder.