Method and Apparatus For Making Rfid Labels

Methods of cutting and applying RFID straps including microchips, by means of rotating vacuum and cutting cylinders to vary the feed rate of the strap web and/or the angular velocity of the cutting cylinder to avoid contact between the cutting blade and the superposed element on the strap web while severing the strap web at the desired cutting position. In one embodiment, the feed rate of the strap web is controlled. In a second embodiment, the strap web is fed at a substantially constant rate while the angular velocity of the cutting cylinder is controlled to avoid damage to the microchips. In a third embodiment, the feed rate of the strap web adjacent the desired cutting position is reduced and then accelerated and returned to normal by a deflecting arm.