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Looking for the latest advances in industrial marking and traceability? Here's where to find Leading Marks' principal partners at IMTS 2026.  The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) returns to McCormick Place in Chicago from September 14-19, 2026, bringing together the latest advancements in manufacturing technology, automation, quality assurance, tooling, machining, and industrial marking. As the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere, IMTS is expected to feature more than 2,000 exhibitors, approximately 90,000 visitors, and over 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space. The event serves as a global gathering place for manufacturers seeking new solutions to improve productivity, traceability, quality control, and operational efficiency. For companies involved in product identification, part traceability, barcode marking, direct part marking, and industrial labeling, IMTS remains one of the most important events in North America. Manufacturers across aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, energy, and general industrial sectors attend the show to evaluate technologies that support Industry 4.0 initiatives, digital manufacturing strategies, and increasingly stringent traceability requirements. Visitors to IMTS 2026 will find a broad range of marking and coding technologies throughout the show floor, including laser marking systems, dot peen markers, scribe marking systems, inkjet coders, metal tags, identification labels, and automated traceability solutions. Several companies represented by Leading Marks are expected to be among the exhibitors showcasing these technologies. Arro-MarkArro-Mark has been helping manufacturers solve identification and traceability challenges for more than a century. At IMTS 2026, the company will showcase its extensive line of industrial markers, metal tags, stencils, inks, paints, and identification products designed for demanding manufacturing environments. Visitors looking for durable, low-cost solutions for part identification, inventory control, asset tracking, and process marking will find a wide range of products suitable for aerospace, metalworking, fabrication, maintenance, and general industrial applications. Arro-Mark's exhibit will demonstrate why traditional marking technologies continue to play an important role alongside today's automated traceability systems. MAX USA MAX is recognized worldwide for its industrial identification and wire marking solutions. The company's LETATWIN wire marking systems have become a standard tool for electrical panel builders, machine builders, utilities, and maintenance organizations seeking fast, durable wire and cable identification. At IMTS 2026, visitors can expect to see MAX highlighting its LETATWIN wire marking printers, consumables, and identification solutions designed to improve electrical assembly efficiency while supporting long-term traceability requirements. These systems continue to gain popularity among manufacturers seeking alternatives to hand-marked wire and traditional labeling methods. Mitee Bite Mitee-Bite Products has built a reputation as one of the industry's leading innovators in low-profile workholding solutions. At IMTS 2026, visitors can expect to see a wide range of clamps, fixture components, Pitbull® clamps, modular workholding systems, and custom fixturing solutions designed to maximize machine access while securely holding parts during machining operations. Mitee-Bite products are widely used in aerospace, medical, defense, automotive, and precision manufacturing applications where reducing setup time, increasing part access, and improving machining efficiency are critical. Their exhibit will provide manufacturers with practical solutions for getting more productivity from both new and existing CNC equipment. Tapmatic For decades, Tapmatic has been a trusted name in holemaking, tapping, threading, and deburring solutions for manufacturers around the world. At IMTS 2026, the company will showcase its extensive lineup of tapping attachments, self-reversing tapping heads, torque-control systems, thread-forming tools, and automated holemaking solutions designed to improve productivity and consistency in both CNC and manual machining environments. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore technologies that help reduce cycle times, extend tool life, and improve thread quality across a wide range of materials and applications. Tapmatic's exhibit is expected to highlight both proven products and new innovations aimed at helping manufacturers streamline one of the most common operations in metalworking. Tecnomark Tecnomark specializes in permanent marking and traceability equipment, including dot peen, scribe, and laser marking systems. The company serves manufacturers requiring durable identification marks capable of surviving harsh environments and the full lifecycle of a component. IMTS attendees should expect demonstrations of Tecnomark's integrated marking systems for direct part marking applications including serial numbers, 2D Data Matrix codes, QR codes, logos, and traceability information. These systems are commonly deployed in automotive, aerospace, medical device, and industrial manufacturing environments where permanent identification is critical. TBH TBH is known for industrial air filtration and extraction systems used with laser marking, laser engraving, and other manufacturing processes that generate fumes and particulate matter. As manufacturers increasingly adopt laser-based technologies, effective extraction and filtration have become essential for operator safety, equipment protection, and regulatory compliance. At IMTS 2026, TBH is expected to showcase filtration solutions designed specifically for laser marking and laser processing applications. These systems help manufacturers maintain clean operating environments while supporting reliable laser performance and longer equipment life. Visit Leading Marks During IMTS 2026As traceability requirements continue to expand throughout manufacturing, technologies such as laser marking, dot peen marking, wire identification, industrial coding, and fume extraction play an increasingly important role in modern production environments. IMTS 2026 provides a unique opportunity to compare solutions, discuss applications directly with manufacturers, and evaluate new technologies that can improve productivity and compliance. Leading Marks will be following developments throughout the show and highlighting innovative marking, coding, labeling, and traceability solutions from its principal partners and other industry leaders exhibiting at IMTS 2026.
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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:
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. compiled & written by Bernard Martin  Whether package marking lot numbers, expiration dates, case codes, 2D barcodes or general package date coding, Leading Marks has the replacement metal coding type and dies, type holders, hot stamping foil, hot melt ink rollers, rubber type, and thermal transfer ribbons needed to be your date coding supply specialist. Leading Marks can supply replacement products for nearly every OEM packaging machine including Markem-Imaje®, Norwood®, Kingsley®, Jones®, Norden®, Open Date®, Rommelag®, Videojet®, Diagraph®, Linx®, Domino®, and many more. Leading Marks can supply you brass and steel dies and Packaging Type used for coding, imprinting, labeling, embossing, and debossing. Our replacement packaging type and steel stamp dies are commonly used in cartoners, sealers, tube fillers, labelers, wrappers, thermoformers, pouchers and baggers (form/fill/seal), and imprinters for hot or cold marking of labels, tags, packages, cartons, boxes, plastic, and/or metal surfaces. Leading Marks carries a broad based package marking product lines to solve the widest variety of packaging marking applications and has the experience needed to make the very best recommendation for your situation. Take a look below at the wide variety of solutions! Metal Type and Logo Dies for Package Date Coding We can supply brass and steel logo dies and packaging type used for coding, imprinting, labeling, embossing, and debossing. They are the largest manufacturer of replacement metal coding type for all of the popular OEM equipment including Norwood® Imprinters, Markem® Touch Dry Coders, Jones® Cartoners, Open Date® Labelers, Norden® Tube Fillers, Kalix® Tube Fillers, and many more. Thier replacement packaging type and steel stamp dies are commonly used in cartoners, sealers, tube fillers, labelers, wrappers, thermoform and imprinters for hot or cold marking of labels, tags, packages, cartons, tubes, boxes, and plastic. Foils and Ribbons for Date Coding Leading Marks supplies a variety of thermal transfer ribbons for imprinting variable data such as production dates, expiration dates, storage life, bar codes, and more on a wide range of substrates and across many industries including food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and more. Industrial Inkjet Printers for Package Date Coding & Part Marking Leading Marks offers a variety of ThermalInkjet (TIJ) printers and configurations providing crisp high-resolution codes for both porous and non-porous products. Easy to use, hassle-free and afford able technology that can b e easily installed into both new and existing production lines. We supply inkjet printing systems to meet all of your direct part marking needs whether you need an inline inkjet printer or a portable inkjet printer. Hot Stamping Printers for Date CodingLeading Marks offers a complete line of hot foil stamping printers to meet all of your packaging requirements, including date coding, wire marking and heat shrink sleeving, and even decorative hot stamping for personalization.
Metalcasting Congress returns to the Huntington Convention Center in Ohio on April 25-27, 2023. Explore the Future of Metalcasting at Leading Marks Booth 715!  See the latest trends in smart manufacturing! The newest equipment for your plant! The best in research and expertise. Get a head start on the competition by exploring tomorrow’s metalcasting advancements today. The Metalcasting Congress attracts attendees from across the foundry industry, as well as professionals from other businesses within the manufacturing supply chain. Leading Marks will be previewing improved efficiency and improved legibility for pattern labeling with the Boss Buddy embossing system, as well as secondary marking requirements with direct-part marking systems, dot peen, laser & stamps, ink marking, hand-held & automated systems and thermal transfer labeling solutions. Additional product solutions offered include: workbenches, air filtration, vision, handheld scanners and in-line options, soldering irons, machining accessories and more. Leading Marks will be demonstrating the following products in our booth #715 Boss Buddy The Boss Buddy makes it simple to produce pattern labels. With consistently embossed characters the end-results provide better legibility of heat numbers, date codes and other traceable cast in identification of cast products. EBS 260 Handjet Portable Printer The EBS Handjet product line is designed to deliver the highest performance. They are ideal for printing on porous and non-porous materials. Some of those substrates include foil, glass, metal, lumber, concrete, and various other surfaces. Durable Mecco Stamp Grip Durable Technologies' Safety First Stamp Grip provides improved hand protection and better marks. It provides a safer alternative for operators who prefer to hold stamps in-hand. Pocket sizes range from 1/4" to 1" square. Your hand stamp must be a minimum of 2.5" in length to work in the Safety First Stamp Grip. Visit Leading Marks at Booth 715 Visit Leading Marks in Booth 715  Marking 5 Lines of Code on Precast Concrete: Oil Crayons Versus EBS-260 Hand-Held Inkjet Printer The HandJet EBS 260 provides reimagined features and functionality for even more innovative, portable coding. The EBS-260’s print height has been doubled to 32 dots with print heights up to 2.2″ and will provide one to four separate lines of code. EBS has increased the capacity of the ink cartridge to up to 200,000 characters in a 7×5 matrix. Single- or multi-line messages from .276″ to 2.2″ high can be printed on both porous and non-porous substrates. It’s ideal for imprinting corrugated, paper, film, foil, glass, metal, lumber, concrete, and many other surfaces. At slightly-over 3.5-lb. the unit features a new redesigned hand grip improved ergonomic grip contours to ensure that handling is comfortable and well- balanced. In the video below, the portable, lightweight EBS-260 marks a 2.2” high pre-programmed text and the printer's built-in laser guidance ensure precise message positioning. The EBS-260 features a touch-screen controller, with a 3.5"-diagonal, hardened screen, enables the user to view the message being printed and make on-the-fly text adjustments. A big thank you to Oldcastle Infrastructure, an industry leader in engineered building solutions, in Elgin, IL. for this video.  Leading Marks can help you with traceability from the shop floor where machine to machine communication and data-collection is crucial to mobilizing reporting from the warehouse or in the field.
Traceability is common for collection, look-up and sharing of data. Whether it is Asset Tracking, EH&S Inspections, QA/QC Controls, Work-in-process, Assembly builds, or Field Service reporting industry is driving the need for traceability from cradle to grave. Why is traceability important for your organization? What’s the value-add with the potential of data collected through mobile apps or plant-floor software packages?
The Boss Buddy Accessory Package
Direct Part Marking
Ink Marking Solutions
Thermal Transfer Labeling
Related Manufacturing Equipment
Looking Ahead to 2021 Looking Ahead to 2021 we are excited about the solutions our vendor partners are providing to manufacturing operations, construction projects and food processing requirements. Whether your needs are for marking or the related equipment Leading Marks is prepared to help evaluate your applications with sample marks with the various technologies.
We strive to better understand your requirements based on the industry specifications, product and/or substrates to be marked, the environment it is subject to, available budget and other expectations that apply. To better acquaint you to the product solutions and the limited ability to visit during these continued uncharted times, we are preparing a schedule of webinars with our vendors. If you want to be alerted to the workshops, please email [email protected]. Exciting things are in store in 2021 as Leading Marks continues to Identify Solutions to suit your needs.Happy New Year!  Lets meet up at PittChem Day on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. This event, held at Heinz Field, is organized by the Chemical Association of Pittsburgh. The Chemical Association of Pittsburgh is a non-profit corporation formed to foster and promote interest and awareness in the local chemical industry and to encourage wider acquaintance among those engaged in the allied industries. The day long event will feature a number of speakers and some great networking opportunities As a sponsor, Leading Marks will be displaying solutions for marking solutions including:
 EBS260 Handjet printer JADCO Manufacturing, Inc. in Harmony , PA, is a leading global provider of wear resistant steel products to combat impact and abrasion challenges for over 40 years. Founded in August of 1980, JADCO offers an unparalleled array of proprietary products to optimize operations.
by Laurie Barcaskey  photo courtesy of EBS Inkjet-Systems Stamps & Stencils, Portable Devices, and In-Line Systems apply marks directly onto product without disturbing the product integrity and eliminates the need to apply labels where adhesive may be a deterrent. Electronic devices provide versatility of changing marking detail quickly and automatically. Varying ink options provide contrast to the substrate or when needed to define a process designation. Whether your need is in the manufacturing or packaging process, or at the final stage of shipping, current marking devices improve the process where industrial markers and stencils were common tools of the trade.
This article is part of the Fundamentals Series, a collection of in-depth guides covering essential marking technologies and processes. Explore the full series here to gain deeper insights into industrial marking solutions.
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