by Bernard Martin

Connectivity and Communication
Today's industrial environments demand advanced connectivity, and Tempo meets these requirements with Ethernet TCP-IP, Profinet, and Ethernet IP compatibility. These features enable seamless integration into automated production lines and reliable communication with other equipment, aided by an integrated switch function.

Performance and Durability
The Tempo system delivers adjustable marking depth and force, allowing it to work effectively on a variety of materials, from metals to plastics. High-contrast, permanent marks, including intricate data matrix codes, enhance traceability. The system operates at speeds of up to three characters per second and is designed for continuous 24/7 operation. Its anodized aluminum chassis, steel covers, and protective casing ensure durability, even in demanding industrial environments. This robust design minimizes maintenance requirements, maximizing uptime and productivity.

Applications in Key Industries
The Technomark Tempo has applications across several industries. In aerospace, it ensures stringent traceability for critical components. In automotive manufacturing, it complies with VIN and part marking regulations, improving quality control. For medical devices, it supports Unique Device Identification (UDI) to meet regulatory standards.

Benefits of Tempo
The system’s fast marking speeds and seamless integration streamline production processes. High-precision marks improve traceability, allowing for clear identification and tracking of parts throughout their lifecycle. Additionally, its minimal maintenance requirements translate into significant cost savings over time.

The holiday season is here, and Santa Claus is busy checking his list.  Arro-Mark™ is  lending a hand to ensure that every gift and package is perfectly labeled with precision and style. Whether you’re marking gifts, labeling holiday decorations, or creating festive displays, they'’ve got the perfect marker for every need. 

When it comes to gift wrapping and personalization, the arroMARKER Permanent Ink Marker is a must-have. It’s perfect for adding those special touches to gift tags and wrapping paper, thanks to its quick-drying, waterproof, and highly visible ink. For a touch of metallic shimmer, the Mighty Marker Industrial Grade Permanent Paint Marker steps in, ensuring your gift packaging makes a lasting impression.

If you need something more robust for industrial-strength labeling, they’ve got you covered. The Mighty Marker Industrial Grade Permanent Paint Marker delivers bold, durable marks on metal, rubber, plastics, and more. It’s built to handle tough conditions with its waterproof and weatherproof formula. 

For labeling tools and machinery, the Arro-Mark Ball Point Paint Bottle Marker is a reliable option. It’s refillable, reusable, and recyclable, making it a practical choice that withstands extreme weather conditions.

For creative holiday decorations, unleash your artistic side with Flomaster Auto Body & Glass Markers. These are perfect for transforming windows into holiday canvases with snowflakes, ornaments, and festive messages on your CNC machinery. And don’t worry—they’re easy to remove with a little glass cleaner . If you’re crafting handmade ornaments or holiday cards, the Mighty Marker Water Removable is your go-to. With vibrant colors and precision, these markers make your designs stand out and are removable with just water, ideal for temporary holiday flair.

For outdoor marking needs, the Mighty Marker Degrease Resistant DG is your best bet. It’s built to endure the elements and provides ultra-permanent, ketone-based paint that’s perfect for outdoor equipment, holiday displays, or shipping packages.

For those looking for eco-friendly options, the Arro-Mark Ball Point Paint Bottle Marker is a standout choice. Refillable, reusable, and recyclable, it’s the environmentally conscious way to achieve high-performance marking.

No matter what you’re marking this holiday season, Arro-Mark™ has the tools to make it happen. Visit their website to browse their full range of markers and find the perfect fit for your festive needs. And don’t forget to order early—Santa’s busiest month is just around the corner!
​
Happy Holidays from Leading Marks & Arro-Mark™!

Benefits of Mitee-Bite’s New Workholding Solutions

• Increased Productivity - These innovative workholding tools are designed to speed up production by reducing setup times and improving part stability.
  
• Precision and Accuracy - With enhanced clamping strength and versatility, Mitee-Bite’s new products allow for more accurate and repeatable results in machining operations.
  
• Cost-Efficient -  By utilizing high-density workholding, manufacturers can machine more parts in a single cycle, reducing downtime and increasing throughput.
  

Why Choose Leading Marks for Mitee-Bite Solutions?
At Leading Marks, we provide top-tier workholding solutions to help manufacturers streamline their operations and increase machining precision. We are proud to offer Mitee-Bite's full range of products, including their latest innovations that can revolutionize your CNC machining processes.

By incorporating Mitee-Bite’s advanced workholding solutions, you can take your production capabilities to the next level, whether you're looking to improve 5-axis machining, enhance fixture design, or simply reduce setup times. We understand the critical role that workholding plays in manufacturing success, and we’re here to ensure you have access to the best products on the market.
At Leading Marks, we are committed to bringing you the latest innovations in manufacturing and workholding technology. As part of this mission, we’re proud to promote Mitee-Bite's new products, designed to enhance CNC machining and precision manufacturing processes. With these cutting-edge workholding solutions, you can increase your shop's efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve accuracy, leading to a more streamlined production cycle.
Revolutionizing Workholding with Mitee-Bite
Mitee-Bite is best known for its pioneering approach to low-profile clamping, high-density workholding, and other versatile solutions that cater to a wide range of machining applications. Their new products are no exception, pushing the boundaries of workholding innovation with increased versatility and precision.

New Workholding Products from Mitee-Bite
Mitee-Bite’s latest offerings are designed to accommodate the evolving needs of manufacturers across industries:

• X-Series™: The Future of Clamping Technology
  The new X-Series™ clamps provide stronger, more secure clamping force, ensuring the stability of parts even under the most demanding machining conditions. This innovative clamping solution offers the ultimate flexibility for complex part geometries, significantly improving fixture setup times and allowing for more intricate CNC machining operations.
  
• Grip-Lock™ Vise: Enhanced Holding Power
  The Grip-Lock™ vise combines robust holding power with precision alignment, making it ideal for 5-axis machining applications. This high-performance vise ensures reliable workholding even on tough-to-hold parts, reducing the need for additional fixturing or clamps.
  
• Pitbull® Clamps: High-Density Workholding
  The Pitbull® Clamp has long been a favorite for machinists, and now, Mitee-Bite has taken it to the next level. The updated Pitbull® clamp provides superior holding power for high-density workholding, making it perfect for tight spaces and maximizing CNC mill bed utilization.
  

Benefits of Mitee-Bite’s New Workholding Solutions

• Increased Productivity - These innovative workholding tools are designed to speed up production by reducing setup times and improving part stability.
• Precision and Accuracy - With enhanced clamping strength and versatility, Mitee-Bite’s new products allow for more accurate and repeatable results in machining operations.
• Cost-Efficient -  By utilizing high-density workholding, manufacturers can machine more parts in a single cycle, reducing downtime and increasing throughput.
  

Why Choose Leading Marks for Mitee-Bite Solutions?
At Leading Marks, we provide top-tier workholding solutions to help manufacturers streamline their operations and increase machining precision. We are proud to offer Mitee-Bite's full range of products, including their latest innovations that can revolutionize your CNC machining processes.

By incorporating Mitee-Bite’s advanced workholding solutions, you can take your production capabilities to the next level, whether you're looking to improve 5-axis machining, enhance fixture design, or simply reduce setup times. We understand the critical role that workholding plays in manufacturing success, and we’re here to ensure you have access to the best products on the market.

As we gear up for PACK EXPO International, we’re excited to invite you to visit EBS at booth #S-12345 to experience the latest in industrial marking technology: the EBS 1600.

This year, EBS is showcasing its newest innovation in DOD (Drop on Demand) inkjet printers, designed to revolutionize how manufacturers and packaging professionals mark their products with precision, reliability, and ease.

What Makes the EBS 1600 a Game-Changer?
The EBS 1600 stands out as a versatile and powerful tool that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. Whether you're marking products, packaging, or parts, this printer ensures your operation runs smoothly and efficiently. Here’s what you can expect:

• High-Resolution Marking: With its high-precision inkjet printing capability, the EBS 1600 delivers superior resolution for alphanumeric characters, barcodes, and graphics, ensuring that every mark is clear and consistent.
• Fast and Flexible: The EBS 1600 is designed for high-speed environments, allowing you to keep up with the demands of modern production lines without sacrificing quality. Plus, it can handle a wide range of materials and surfaces, from paper and cardboard to plastics and metals.
• User-Friendly Interface: The EBS 1600 comes with an intuitive touch-screen interface, making setup and operation easier than ever. You don’t have to be a technical expert to get this printer up and running quickly.
• Durability for Tough Environments: Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the EBS 1600 is perfect for industries where reliability is crucial. Its rugged design ensures that it can continue operating efficiently in demanding production settings.

Why Visit the EBS Booth at PACK EXPO?
At PACK EXPO International, you'll not only have the chance to see the EBS 1600 in action, but you’ll also get hands-on demonstrations from experts who can show you how this new printer can be tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you're in the food and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, logistics, or manufacturing, the EBS team will be on hand to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect solution for your marking requirements.

PACK EXPO is the perfect opportunity to network with industry leaders, discover the latest advancements in packaging and automation, and explore how technologies like the EBS 1600 can enhance your production processes. Don’t miss your chance to experience this cutting-edge technology up close.

Plan Your Visit
PACK EXPO International will be held from November 3-6 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Make sure to add EBS booth #S-12345 to your show agenda. We look forward to seeing you there and introducing you to the future of industrial marking with the EBS 1600!

By Bernard Martin

In the heart of Midland, PA, Valmont Coatings, a renowned galvanizer's facility, faced a unique challenge—marking short-run products with variable information in an efficient and legible manner. Laurie Barcasky from Leading Marks stepped up to the challenge, testing the capabilities of the EBS-260 Handjet on galvanized pipes at Valmont Coatings, and the results were nothing short of transformative.

This was a trial run with a customer testing an EBS260 Handjet Hand Held Ink Marking Device This is a galvanizers facility that needed a method of marking short run products with variable information in an efficient and legible way.

​The EBS-260 Handjet’s print height has 32 dots with print heights up to 2.2″ and provides one to four separate lines of code. The capacity of the ink cartridge to up to 200,000 characters in a 7×5 matrix. The large, highly-readable screen made it easy to adjust print parameters at the touch of a finger, ensuring optimum printing results without interrupting work flow.

Now with over a year in place after the test Valmont Industries has purchased additional EBS260 Handjets to keep up with production. They have found the tool exceptionally easy to use and easy to program.

​EBS-260 Handjet: A Powerful Solution for Part Marking
The EBS-260 Handjet emerged as the ideal solution for Valmont Coatings' part marking needs. Its impressive features and functionalities played a pivotal role in streamlining the marking process on galvanized pipes, ensuring efficiency, clarity, and adaptability to variable information. Some key features of the EBS-260 Handjet include:

• Variable Print Heights - With 32 dots and print heights of up to 2.2 inches, the EBS-260 Handjet accommodates the diverse size requirements of galvanized pipes, providing flexibility for different product specifications.
• Multiple Lines of Code - The EBS-260 Handjet allows for the printing of one to four separate lines of code on each pipe, facilitating the inclusion of critical information such as batch numbers, specifications, and more.
• High-Capacity Ink Cartridge - The ink cartridge boasts a remarkable capacity of up to 200,000 characters in a 7x5 matrix. This ensures sustained marking capabilities, reducing the need for frequent cartridge replacements and minimizing downtime.
• User-Friendly Interface - The large, highly-readable screen simplifies the adjustment of print parameters, allowing operators at Valmont Coatings to fine-tune settings with ease at the touch of a finger. This feature ensures optimum printing results without disrupting the workflow.

Hot-Dip Galvanizing the Steel City
Valmont Coatings, also known as "Pittsburgh Galvanizing", located in Midland, PA, is a leading galvanizer's facility specializing in protective coatings for various industries. With a 54’ galvanizing kettle and lifting capacity of up to 40,000 pounds, they can process material up to 90' long with a progressive dip. As a critical player in the supply chain, Valmont Coatings faced the challenge of marking short-run products efficiently, requiring a solution that could adapt to variable information. 

Success and Expansion: A Year After the Test
With over a year in place after the successful EBS-260 Handjet test, Valmont Industries has not only embraced the technology but has also expanded its usage. The facility now boasts additional EBS-260 Handjets to keep up with production demands. The ease of use and programmability have been key factors in Valmont's decision to integrate this tool into their operations seamlessly.

Transforming Part Marking with EBS-260 Handjet
The success story at Valmont Coatings highlights the transformative impact of the EBS-260 Handjet on part marking for galvanized pipes. Its adaptability, efficient variable information printing, and user-friendly interface make it an invaluable tool for industries with diverse part marking needs. As Valmont Industries continues to thrive, the EBS-260 Handjet stands as a symbol of innovation, efficiency, and success in the realm of industrial part marking.

written and compiled by Bernard Martin

The mark of distinction often comes in the form of a well-branded logo or design. How you present that logo can make a big statement.  And nothing makes a more impactful statement than a branding iron!  Hexacon Branding Irons stand out as industry leaders in branding iron marking solutions. Among their diverse offerings are the Plug Tip Branding Irons, Screw Tip Branding Irons, and Drill Press Branding Irons – each designed to meet the unique needs of different applications.  

Branding is one of the most practical and economical way to permanently mark almost any material. Fine furniture and other works of art are frequently branded to advertise a trademark, logo, or manufacturer's name or to individualize a craftsman's work. Branding is also used to identify tools or equipment for personal or security purposes.

​Hexacon Branding Irons represent a pinnacle in the art of customization, offering high-quality branding solutions for a diverse range of industries. Renowned for their precision and durability, Hexacon Branding Irons are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring clear and lasting impressions on a variety of surfaces. These branding irons are versatile, allowing for the creation of distinctive logos, serial numbers, or other markings. The innovative design and engineering of Hexacon Branding Irons make them user-friendly, providing a seamless experience for operators.

All branding iron wattages include 200, 300, and 550 watts and are also available in 220V.

Hexacon's Plug Tip Branding Irons are known for their simplicity and precision. With an easy-to-use plug-and-play design, these branding irons are perfect for artists, woodworkers, and small businesses looking to add a professional touch to their creations. The plug tip design ensures quick and efficient ​branding, making it an ideal choice for those who value ease of use without compromising on quality.

​Plug style branding irons are made for light to medium duty branding applications.  Dies are inserted into the heating element and are secured with a set screw. 

​APPLICATIONS: Woodworking and Artisan Crafts - Plug Tip Branding Irons find their place among woodworkers and artisans, allowing them to brand their creations with ease and accuracy.

For those who seek customization without limitations, Hexacon's Screw Tip Branding Irons offer a perfect solution. These branding irons come equipped with interchangeable screw-on tips, allowing users to switch between various designs effortlessly. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of industries, from leatherworking to metal fabrication. The durable construction ensures consistent and clear branding, even on challenging materials.

Screw tip style branding irons are made for medium to heavy duty branding applications and can fit a much larger die than the plug style irons.  Maximum die to heater contact and very efficient heat transfer is guaranteed by a tapered seat which is unique to Hexacon.  

APPLICATIONS: Custom Manufacturing - Screw Tip Branding Irons are favored in industries that require frequent changes in branding designs, providing a customizable solution for manufacturers of diverse products.

Hexacon's Drill Press Branding Irons represent the epitome of power and precision. Ideal for large-scale manufacturing and industrial applications, these branding irons are designed to be used with a drill press for added efficiency. The controlled and consistent pressure applied by the drill press ensures uniform branding, making these irons a valuable asset for industries where precision is paramount.

Drill Press style branding irons are made for medium to heavy duty branding applications.  Maximum die to heater contact and very efficient heat transfer is guaranteed by a tapered seat which is unique to Hexacon.  This Branding Iron is made to fit all drill presses with ½” chuck for repeatable and consistent semi-automatic branding.  Additional deflector disks diffuse convection currents while 4 springs let the branding die self-level allowing uniform impressions.
​
​APPLICATIONS: Industrial Production - Drill Press Branding Irons cater to the needs of large-scale production, offering a reliable and efficient solution for industries where precision and speed are crucial.

Hexacon Branding Irons offer a versatile and reliable solution for industries that require precise and customizable marking on various materials. Their applications span across manufacturing, craftsmanship, and branding, providing a valuable tool for creating distinct and enduring impressions.

1. Woodworking and Furniture Manufacturing - Hexacon Branding Irons are perfect for adding logos or serial numbers to wooden products, giving them a professional and personalized touch.
2. Metal Fabrication - Industries working with metal components can use Hexacon Branding Irons to mark products for identification, traceability, or branding purposes.
3. Leather Goods Production - Hexacon Branding Irons are excellent for customizing leather products such as belts, wallets, and accessories with brand logos or unique markings.
4. Food and Beverage Packaging - In the food and beverage industry, Hexacon Branding Irons can be used to brand packaging materials, ensuring product authenticity and quality.
5. Craftsmanship and Artisanal Products - Artisans and craftsmen can enhance the uniqueness of their creations by using Hexacon Branding Irons to mark their work with individualized symbols or signatures.
6. Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing - Hexacon Branding Irons are valuable for marking parts and components in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, aiding in quality control and traceability.
7. Promotional Products - Companies producing promotional items can use Hexacon Branding Irons to imprint their logos on a variety of materials, creating branded merchandise.
8. Textile and Apparel - Hexacon Branding Irons are ideal for marking fabrics and apparel items with logos, sizes, or other information in the textile industry.
9. Electronics Manufacturing -  Hexacon Branding Irons can be employed to mark electronic components for identification or traceability purposes, ensuring quality control.
10. Ceramics and Pottery - Artists and manufacturers in the ceramics industry can use Hexacon Branding Irons to add unique marks or logos to their creations, enhancing their artistic value.

​Hexacon Branding Irons have established themselves as leaders in the field, providing innovative solutions for a variety of industries. Whether you're a small artisan looking to add a personal touch to your creations or a large-scale manufacturer requiring precision branding on an industrial scale, Hexacon's Plug Tip, Screw Tip, and Drill Press Branding Irons offer the versatility and quality needed to leave a lasting mark on your work. Elevate your branding experience with Hexacon – where precision meets innovation.

If you've got questions please get in touch with us!

by Bernard Martin

On July 24, 2024, Laurie Barcaskey, President of Leading Marks LLC, helped to lead a "Foundry in a Box" workshop at BotsIQ as part of the "Girls Exploring Engineering" program. This session focused on metal manufacturing and offered young women a unique, hands-on experience in the world of engineering and foundry work.

BotsIQ, a workforce development program by the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation, nurtures youth’s interest in manufacturing careers. The program offers hands-on learning experiences to foster STEM education, provides technical resources to schools, and connects students with industry mentors. BotsIQ aims to bridge the skills gap and build a competent future manufacturing workforce, making it the perfect setting for this workshop.

The "Foundry in a Box" workshop was one of the highlights of a weeklong camp dedicated to encouraging girls to explore various engineering fields. Joining Duraloy Technologies, Laurie Barcaskey, helped to guide the participants through the "Foundry in a Box" process, a program sourced from the American Foundry Society and the Foundry Education Foundation. This collaboration aimed to introduce the fundamentals of metal casting in a fun and interactive way.

The participants had the opportunity to design and create their 3-D printed patterns, which were then used in the foundry process during the workshop. This not only allowed the girls to engage with advanced manufacturing technology but also to witness the transformation of their designs into tangible metal products.

The "Foundry in a Box" workshop provided a valuable introduction to the metal manufacturing industry, sparking interest and enthusiasm among the young attendees. By offering such hands-on experiences, programs like these play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Leading Marks is proud to have been a part of this initiative, helping to empower and inspire the future leaders in engineering.

The TBH Compact and Modular LN 200 series stands out as a robust solution designed to efficiently extract laser fumes during soldering and laser processing. 

The TBH Compact and Modular LN 200 series systems boast high-performance turbines that enable extraction over larger distances, offering decentralized arrangement possibilities. Rigorously tested by the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) in accordance with DIN ISO standards, the LN 200 series guarantees effective filtration of gases and vapors, ensuring a safe working environment.

Understanding the differences between the models of the LN200 series will help you determine which is the best fit for your application.  Below you will find the distinctive features of the LN 230, LN 260, and LN 265 as we highlight their applications and differences.

• All models within the LN 200 series conform to stringent standards, including DIN ISO 12012-1 (2013), 15012-4 (2016), and ISO 21904, ensuring reliable performance and adherence to industry benchmarks.
• The LN 200 series meets the protection level for safe extraction according to directive TRGS 528, underscoring its commitment to occupational health and safety.

The TBH Compact and Modular LN 200 series presents a comprehensive lineup of laser fume extraction systems, each tailored to specific needs. Whether prioritizing space efficiency, versatility, or maximum extraction power, users can find an ideal solution within the LN 230, LN 260, and LN 265 models, all while ensuring compliance with industry standards for a safe and healthy working environment.

Uncover the seven-step journey to continuous improvement, seamlessly aligning with the Pro-Line's CPB's modular design and customizable features. From identifying opportunities to celebrating achievements, explore a transformative approach to workbench design and efficiency enhancement.

compiled & written by Bernard Martin

In the pursuit of operational excellence, businesses often turn to methodologies like Kaizen to foster continuous improvement. Kaizen, a Japanese philosophy centered around making small, incremental changes for improvement, is exemplified in Pro-Line CPB.  

Pro-Line's Complete Packaging Workbench (CPB) becomes a powerful ally in implementing the Kaizen cycle, providing a versatile platform for organizations to design and optimize their workbenches. Let's explore the seven-step Kaizen cycle and how it aligns with the features of the CPB.

1. Identify Opportunities for Improvement: Begin the Kaizen cycle by identifying areas for improvement. Pro-Line's CPB, with its modular design and customizable features, provides an ideal starting point. Evaluate the current packaging workbench setup and identify aspects that could be enhanced for better efficiency, organization, and ergonomics.
2. Design Your Ideal Workbench: Leverage the flexibility of the CPB to design an ideal workbench that aligns with your specific needs. From selecting the right work surface material to incorporating accessories like shelves, bins, and dividers, customize the CPB to optimize the packaging process. Pro-Line's design tools and expertise facilitate the creation of a workbench tailored to your unique requirements.
3. Implement Changes: Once the ideal workbench design is established, implement the changes seamlessly with the CPB. Its modular nature allows for easy installation and adjustments. Whether integrating additional storage options or reconfiguring the layout, the CPB ensures a smooth transition during the implementation phase.
4. Monitor and Measure Results: Kaizen emphasizes the importance of monitoring and measuring results. With the CPB in place, track key performance indicators such as packing time, workflow efficiency, and ergonomic improvements. The workbench's adaptability allows for ongoing measurement and adjustments, ensuring continuous refinement.
5. Standardize Processes: Standardizing processes is a crucial step in sustaining improvements. The CPB's modular components and standardized accessories enable organizations to establish consistent packaging processes. Standardization reduces variability, enhances quality, and fosters a culture of efficiency.
6. Reflect and Repeat: Reflection is integral to the Kaizen cycle. Use the CPB as a reflective tool, gathering feedback from workers about the new workbench design. Assess the impact on productivity, identify any unforeseen challenges, and refine the workbench accordingly. The CPB's adaptability makes it easy to repeat the cycle of reflection and adjustment.
7. Celebrate and Recognize Achievements: Celebrating achievements is a crucial aspect of Kaizen. Acknowledge the efforts of the team and recognize the positive impact of the CPB on packaging operations. Pro-Line's CPB, with its capacity for continuous improvement, supports a culture of recognition and motivation within the workplace.

Pro-Line's Complete Packaging Workbench (CPB) seamlessly aligns with the principles of the Kaizen cycle, providing a platform for continuous improvement in packaging workstations. By identifying opportunities, designing customized solutions, and leveraging the adaptability of the CPB, organizations can achieve sustained efficiency gains. The CPB becomes not just a workbench but a catalyst for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in packaging operations.

E-Commerce and Fulfillment Centers
With the demands of e-commerce always increasing and where order fulfillment demands efficiency, the CPB excels. Its thoughtfully designed workspace provides an organized hub for packing, labeling, and preparing shipments. With integrated storage solutions, the CPB ensures that packers have easy access to materials, minimizing handling time and optimizing the packing process.

Manufacturing and Assembly Lines 
For manufacturing environments, the CPB serves as an ideal companion to assembly lines. With its modular design and customizable features, it adapts seamlessly to various production needs. Workers can efficiently package and label products without interrupting the flow of the assembly line, contributing to a smoother production process.

Pharmaceutical Packaging
In the pharmaceutical industry, precision and cleanliness are paramount. The CPB's stainless-steel construction and clean, organized layout make it an ideal solution for pharmaceutical packaging workstations. Its design supports compliance with stringent hygiene standards, ensuring the integrity of pharmaceutical products during the packaging process.

Laboratory Environments
Laboratories require specialized workbenches that can accommodate a variety of tasks. The CPB, with its modular accessories and ergonomic design, caters to the needs of laboratory technicians. From packing and labeling research samples to organizing supplies, the CPB enhances workflow efficiency in a laboratory setting.

Electronics Manufacturing and Testing
 In the electronics industry, precision and organization are critical during the packaging and testing phases. The CPB's anti-static work surface and customizable features make it an excellent choice for electronics manufacturing workbenches. Workers can efficiently package and test electronic components without the risk of electrostatic discharge.

Shipping and Receiving Departments 
Shipping and receiving departments require versatile workstations that can handle a variety of tasks. The CPB, with its integrated storage options and ergonomic design, creates an efficient workspace for managing incoming and outgoing shipments. From unpacking received items to packing outbound orders, the CPB streamlines shipping and receiving operations.

Customizable Solutions for Any Industry One of the standout features of the CPB is its adaptability to diverse industries and applications. Pro-Line offers customizable solutions to tailor the CPB to the specific needs of each industry. Whether it's specialized storage options, additional shelving, or specific accessories, the CPB can be configured to optimize efficiency in virtually any workspace.

​If you are considering adding or upgrading your marking process, laser technology might serve you well. However, the investment requires doing some homework to ensure the system you choose will optimize your capabilities and allow room to grow. Whether looking for a dedicated workstation or integrating the marking into a production line, identifying the primary features to fit your budget need consideration. Finding the best partner to provide the solution becomes important. What one machine shop finds suitable for them does not always prove the best for another shop.

Laser marking offers more flexible technology over chemical etching, which it most commonly replaces. Programming through the software provides the ability to quickly change marking details without having to print a mask specific to each marking file. Upgrading from dot peen can prove beneficial, however for applications where stress fractures might be a concern, you may want to think again.

Understanding Marking Areas
Within the laser marking solutions you will find different power sources that are specific to the types of materials you need to mark. Fiber sources are most suited for metals and some plastics, while CO2 sources best serve organic materials like wood, leather, and glass, along with some other plastics. Applications where heat may impact the product, or high contrast is needed there are other specialized laser sources such as UV, Green, Mopa and Solid State.

When referring to laser marking systems, the "marking area" is the maximum surface area on which the laser can engrave, etch, or mark at one time. This area is crucial for determining the size of the designs or texts that can be applied without repositioning the material. The size of this marking area is largely determined by the lens that is used in the laser system.

Standard Marking Area
The industry standard for a marking area is often cited as 4 inches by 4 inches (approximately 102mm x 102mm). This size is suitable for a wide range of applications, offering a good balance between size and precision for many products and components. However, specific requirements can vary, and so laser systems are equipped with lenses that can offer both smaller and larger marking areas.

Role of the Lens
The lens in a laser marking system functions similarly to a lens in a camera or a magnifying glass. It focuses the laser beam to a precise point on the material's surface. The characteristics of the lens, including its focal length, determine the size of the marking area and how finely the laser can focus.

• Smaller Lenses: These can focus the laser beam to a very fine point, allowing for detailed marking on a smaller area. They are ideal for applications requiring high precision and fine details.
• Larger Lenses: Lenses designed to cover a larger marking area can focus the laser over a wider surface. While they allow for marking larger designs or texts, the focal point is less concentrated compared to smaller lenses. This means that while you can mark larger areas, the level of detail might be slightly reduced compared to using a smaller lens.

Impact on Focal Distance
The focal distance is the distance between the lens and the material being marked. It is critical for achieving clear, precise marks:

• With larger lenses, the focal distance increases. This is because the lens needs to be further away from the material to correctly focus the laser beam over the larger area. A longer focal distance can lead to variations in the intensity and distribution of the laser's power across the marking area, which can affect the uniformity and quality of the mark.
• Dispersing Power Differently: As the focal distance increases with larger lenses, the laser's energy can be dispersed over a wider area. This dispersion can result in variations in mark depth and quality, especially at the edges of the marking area. It's crucial to adjust the laser's power and speed settings accordingly to ensure consistent results across the entire marking area.

The choice of lens impacts both the size of the marking area and the quality of the marks produced. Understanding the relationship between the lens size, focal distance, and laser power distribution is essential for optimizing laser marking processes to achieve the desired outcomes on various materials and for different applications.