# 3D Printed RFID NFC Rings

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/677/medium800/rfid___nfc_ring-group.jpg?1456192852)

In this project we’re embedding an RFID tag into a 3D printed ring. **&nbsp;**

The micro RFID NFC tag is incredibly small and yet flexible enough to be embed into all sorts&nbsp;of objects.

It features a NTAG203 chip plus antenna and contains 144 bytes of read-write memory. It works with almost any NFC capable tablet and has secure 8-byte user ID.

Although we carry NFC/RFID rings in the shop, it’s much more cost effective to 3D print one and you can also customize it to any size or shape.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/681/medium800/rfid___nfc_voronoi-ring-stack.jpg?1456193115)

# 3D Printed RFID NFC Rings

## 3D Printing

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/678/medium800/rfid___nfc_rings.jpg?1456192877)

## Download, Modify, Remix Design

The parts were modeled in Autodesk Fusion 360 and available to download, modify and remix. The parts can be exported in several&nbsp;file formats - great if you're using a different CAD package.

[Download CAD Source](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/137/157/original/CAD.zip?1748356816)
[Download the STLs](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1366729)
[Edit Design](https://a360.co/43Mf37v)
## Material&nbsp;Options

To get the intricate details, we used the ember DLP/SLA resin-based 3D printer from Autodesk.

But you can use an FDM machine with PLA, ABS or other type of filaments which&nbsp;may require a heated bed. PLA prints with minimal warping and doesn't necessary require a heated bed.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/672/medium800thumb/rfid___nfc_ring-sla-loop.jpg?1456171207)

## Slice Settings

The table below is a general reference for slice settings. Every 3D printer is slightly different, so you might want to use settings you're familiar with.&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/675/medium800/rfid___nfc_ring-size.jpg?1456192535)

## Edit ring size

Customize&nbsp;the ring size to fit by measuring the width of your finger. Input these measurments into the sketch for the&nbsp;ring size inside the Fusion 360 project file. The depth&nbsp;of the ring shank is offset by&nbsp;3mm. You can edit this if you need&nbsp;a thinner or thicker shank.

## NFC&nbsp;Slot&nbsp;

You can edit the position of the NFC&nbsp;slot by moving the sketch. You can edit the slot position if you wish to&nbsp;adjust&nbsp;the thicknes of the ring shoulder.

## Ring&nbsp;Head

You can adjust the size and&nbsp;shape&nbsp;of the ring head by editing the attached&nbsp;sketch. We included a circle and a ploygon. You can even&nbsp;project a&nbsp;symbol or logo on&nbsp;the ring head!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/676/medium800/rfid___nfc_ring-slotB.jpg?1456192548)

# 3D Printed RFID NFC Rings

## Assembly

We added a curved slit in the center of the bridge so we&nbsp;can insert&nbsp;the tag.

Fine tipped tweezers help insert the tag into the slot. Make&nbsp;sure to orient the chip so it’s facing towards the&nbsp;head of the ring.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/673/medium800thumb/rfid___nfc_insert-tag-loop.jpg?1456173003)

## Writing data&nbsp;to the tag

NFC Tools is an Android app that can be used to write data to the tag. You can write contact information, trigger actions like loading a website, or application and you can even assign custom tasks.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/674/medium800/rfid___nfc_nfc-tools.jpg?1456173381)

To trigger actions&nbsp;on the Nexus 7 tablet, the tag has to be pointing between&nbsp;the letter “N” and "E".  
  
For this demo, we thought it’d be cool to fire up a video on YouTube, but you could use it to store contact info like a business card!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/030/680/medium800/rfid___nfc_nexus-ring.jpg?1456193077)

And that’s it! A really easy way to embed RFID tags into 3D printed things.


## Related Guides

- [3D Printing on Diffraction Grating Sheets](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printing-on-diffraction-grating-sheets.md)
- [USB HID Crank Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/usb-hid-crank-controller.md)
- [Mount for CRICKIT](https://learn.adafruit.com/mount-for-crickit.md)
- [Circuit Playground Bluetooth Cauldron](https://learn.adafruit.com/cpx-cauldron.md)
- [LEGO® compatible Battery Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/brick-compatible-battery-case.md)
- [PyPortal Air Quality Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-air-quality-display.md)
- [Keyblade 3D Kit](https://learn.adafruit.com/kingdom-key-keyblade.md)
- [LED Eyes](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-eyes.md)
- [Mystery Box: Remote Chess Board Puzzle Lock](https://learn.adafruit.com/mystery-box-remote-chess-board-puzzle-lock.md)
- [Bluetooth Controlled NeoPixel Lightbox](https://learn.adafruit.com/bluetooth-neopixel-lightbox.md)
- [LEGO Head Lamp with Audio](https://learn.adafruit.com/lego-head-lamp-with-audio.md)
- [Motorized Marble Machine](https://learn.adafruit.com/marble-run.md)
- [Gmailbox](https://learn.adafruit.com/gmailbox.md)
- [Solder Dispenser Adabot Head](https://learn.adafruit.com/solder-dispenser-adabot-head.md)
- [3D Printed Dragon Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/dragon-lamp.md)
