# 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.


## Featured Products

### Micro NFC/RFID Transponder - NTAG213 13.56MHz

[Micro NFC/RFID Transponder - NTAG213 13.56MHz](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2800)
This tiny micro NFC/RFID tag is super small, and contains an NTAG213 chip plus antenna. It's super tiny, flexible and a great way to DIY an RFID or NFC device if you're interested in designing your own ring, wearable or whatever other tiny device with near field communication...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2800)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2800/guides)
### Fine tip straight tweezers - ESD safe

[Fine tip straight tweezers - ESD safe](https://www.adafruit.com/product/421)
When soldering small surface-mount (SMD/SMT) components, one thing you'll need is a good pair of tweezers. These tweezers are a great pair of every-day tweezers. They're anti-static, anti-magnetic and made of hard stainless steel. The tips are fine and pointy to pick up any size...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/421)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/421/guides)
### Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types

[Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080)
Having a 3D printer without filament is sort of like having a regular printer without paper or ink. &nbsp;And while a lot of printers come with some filament there's a good chance you've been printing up a storm and need something new. &nbsp;That's why we've started carrying a...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2080/guides)
### Premium Digital Stainless Steel Calipers

[Premium Digital Stainless Steel Calipers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1724)
The most useful tool we've ever laid our hands on. These calipers are really good quality and an excellent choice if you need something better than a cheap 'disposable' pair of digital calipers but you're not quite ready for a set of high-end Mitsutoyo calipers. These digital...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1724)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1724/guides)
### Micro 3D Printer - Black - Retail Edition

[Micro 3D Printer - Black - Retail Edition](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2933)
The magic of 3D printing is now more affordable and accessible than ever! Meet The **Micro 3D Printer** by [M3D](https://printm3d.com/), the first truly consumer 3D printer. Sporting a compact design, user-friendly software, and replaceable print beds and nozzles,...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2933)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2933/guides)
### PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer - Black - Assembled

[PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer - Black - Assembled](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1760)
New from Printrbot, the Metal Simple is a brand new rock solid, all metal, fully-assembled Printrbot Simple! As opposed to the [Printrbot Simple Kit](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1735), all of the laser cut wood parts have been replaced by rock solid metal and assembled. In...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1760)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1760/guides)
### Ultimaker 2+ 3D Printer

[Ultimaker 2+ 3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2673)
The **Ultimaker 2+** is one of our favorite 3D printers on the market. It's a well-built open-source compact machine with an excellent UX.&nbsp;Every inch of the Ultimaker 2+ is designed to create the most effortless and reliable 3D printing experience ever!&nbsp;<a...></a...>

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2673)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2673/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Drone Claw](https://learn.adafruit.com/drone-claw.md)
- [Computer Space Mini Arcade](https://learn.adafruit.com/computer-space-mini-arcade.md)
- [FPV Mini Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/fpv-mini-ground-station.md)
- [3D Printed Raspberry Pi A+ Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-raspberry-pi-a-plus-case.md)
- [Forecast the Weather at Home with a No-Code Barometer ](https://learn.adafruit.com/dps310-analog-barometer.md)
- [Raspberry Pi Pokemon Finder](https://learn.adafruit.com/pi-zero-pokemon-lure-module.md)
- [Hot Wheels GoPro 3D Printed Car Mount](https://learn.adafruit.com/hot-wheels-gopro-3d-printed-car-mount.md)
- [Mini Commodore PET with Charlieplexed LED Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-commodore-pet-with-charlieplexed-led-matrix.md)
- [3.5" PiTFT OctoPrint Rig](https://learn.adafruit.com/3-dot-5-pitft-octoprint-rig.md)
- [RFID iPhone](https://learn.adafruit.com/rfid-iphone.md)
- [Darth Faders](https://learn.adafruit.com/darth-faders.md)
- [NeoTrellis Game](https://learn.adafruit.com/neotrellis-box-game.md)
- [Micro USB Dock for Circuit Playground](https://learn.adafruit.com/micro-usb-dock-for-circuit-playground.md)
- [Glowing Viking Rune wayFinder](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-viking-rune-artifact.md)
- [No-Code Pool Party Notifier](https://learn.adafruit.com/pool-party-notification-device.md)
