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NEWS

No More Smashed Fingers at Metalwerks When Peening Implemented

12/20/2023

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Technomark Easy connect hand held dot peen is a portable, wireless,
​energy self-sufficient, network-connected dot peen machine.
compiled & written by Bernard Martin
Technomark
"We found out about Leading Marks through the web.   We contacted Laurie and she did a great presentation and was able to teach the system during the sales call.  One of the things we liked best about working with Laurie is her expertise, She knows her products and their capabilities thoroughly." says Ed DeMailo, General Manager, at  MetalWerks Inc.
Metalwerks dot peen sampleMetalwerks dot peen sample
Metalwerks, Inc. has over twenty years of experience melting and processing vacuum melted specialty metals. They operate five vacuum melting furnaces and bar processing equipment at their facilities in Aliquippa, PA.  

Metalwerks serve customers in the medical, industrial, and aerospace industries as well as research and development projects.

​Typically alloy systems at Metalwerks include Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Ti, and Zr in quantities ranging from 300 grams up to 6000 pounds.  Through their network of outside processors they convert ingot into bar, plate, coil and/or sheet.


"The Easy, the Dot Peen marking system offers an unrivaled level of functionality.  Being easy to use while delivering an exceptional operating experience to the user. Easy is ideal for mobile use, since the unique and durable, yet the lightweight chassis allows a user to mark medium to large parts in even the most difficult and inaccessible locations." said Laurie Barcskey, owner of Leading Marks, LLC.
​
​​"The dot peen marking system has served us quite well:  No more smashed fingers, Clarity of the letters, and no problem training operators." says DeMailo.

I would recommend Leading Marks to other companies because they really understand and know their equipment.  They are great to work with !!!!"

If you have any questions about portable dot peen marking solutions, get in contact with Laurie! 

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Leading Marks Begins Representation of Technomark

3/30/2022

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Leading Marks Begins Representation of Technomark Graphix laser Connect Dot Peen Hand Held
PITTSBURGH, PA. -  Leading Marks LLC has been appointed as a manufacturers agent for Technomark North America in the territories of Pennsylvania, Western New York and Western Maryland effective May 1, 2022.

Technomark North America specializes in traceability solutions and industrial marking equipment, supplying laser and dot peen marking machines for production lines across the globe.  Technomark has been operating and supplying expertise with industrial marking equipment since 2000. In 2018, Technomark established a direct OEM presence in the USA with the opening of Technomark North America.

According to Laurie Barcasky, "I've been watching this company evolve over the past few years and I must admit that the the dot peen marker from Technomark is pretty sweeeeet.  It's bluetooth compatible, battery operated and the controller will work with both marking heads and can be used as bench model as well! There is nothing like it on the market! We can't wait to start showcasing this product to our customer!"

Today, Technomark North America is the only OEM of dot peen and laser marking systems with USA headquarters located in the south-central United States. Technomark has become the fastest-growing brand of permanent marking systems in the Americas region. Their centralized location allows them to lower your total cost of ownership (TCO) by reducing shipping costs and delivery lead times. 

Technomark has been at the forefront of industrial marking innovation, developing machines for seamless integration in manufacturing processes. 

Leading Marks LLC Consultive Approach

Your relationship with Leading Marks and Technomark North America shouldn’t be limited to a strict supplier-to-customer interaction. Both companies share a value in communication above all else, which is why our combined team is dedicated to finding ways to solve your traceability challenges through a consultative process.
​  

At Leading Marks we provide for Technomark North America customers:
  • Expert advice to qualify the best marking equipment for your production line
  • Sample marking via our application engineering review process
  • Equipment financing options (leasing and rental)
  • Machine repair and servicing
  • Product trainings to fit your specific needs
  • Trade-in credits for old equipment
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Laurie Barcaskey at The American Foundry Society Pittsburgh

3/24/2021

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Laurie Barcaskey, Founder & President of Leading Marks, LLC, spoke to The American Foundry Society Pittsburgh Chapter. on March 4 2021.  AFS Pittsburgh is a local chapter of The American Foundry Society based in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Laurie talked about pattern labeling, secondary marking of components, safety signage and labeling shipping identifications and how RFID is improving process control and traceability.   T

he video is about 15 minutes long and covers technology and where marking is used in foundries.
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Earning and Leaving a Mark

12/1/2020

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by Laurie Barcaskey
When people ask me what I do to earn a living and respond that I sell industrial identification systems, aka marking,  people often give me a puzzled look and ask “What is that?”
Most folks do not realize that marking surrounds them just about everywhere: food packaging, appliances, and cars. Marking guides us all day long–consider wayfinding signage on the roadways and in stores.

If people still look surprised by the role of marking in their lives, I ask if they know how recalls on food and automobiles are managed.

​The traceable identification applied to food products and automotive components have date codes, lot numbers and other identifiers elements such as bar codes.

​These marks help manufacturers identify the range of items impacted by product failure or other criteria for return.
Laurie Barcaskey
Laurie Barcaskey, Founder, Leading Marks LLC.
Construction uses marking to show the connection points for a building’s structure, utility supply lines and the directional flow of things like gas, water, and sewage. These marks allow for a building to be erected correctly and support on-going maintenance.
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How those marks get applied differs based on the component, the substrate it is made of, the environment it will be exposed to, the cycle time required to apply the mark and ultimately a company’s budget available to invest in the equipment or solution.

Having been in the industry for almost 40 years and one of the few women in this specialty, I enjoy explaining how I got started. 
After our family business was sold in 2002, I joined a small industrial distributor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This company focused on providing solutions to electrical and mechanical contractors specifically for pipe & valve labels and wires & panel identification.


​This broadened my knowledge of marking to include technologies such as thermal transfer and a variety of ink marking applications.  It also introduced me to the construction industry.
​
It is my appreciation for how buildings are constructed, and things are made that piques my interest for providing marking solutions.
Leading Mark’s participates in other events to support Manufacturing such as Manufacturing Day, a event designed to encourage students to consider a career in industrial jobs
Leading Mark’s participates in other events to support Manufacturing such as Manufacturing Day, a event designed to encourage students to consider a career in industrial jobs
I am the third generation of a marking family whose involvement began when my Grandfather purchased a marking company in 1928. I grew-up cutting my teeth on steel hand stamps and direct-part marking. To say the least, I have graduated from the “School of Hard Knocks” as anyone from a family business can attest. Currently, I am the only family member remaining in the field of marking.
It is not unusual that one day of field calls will take me from a machine shop producing automotive, aerospace, or medical instruments, to food producers, to metal refineries and then onto a construction job site.
Boss Buddy Part Marking
Laurie Barcaskey continued the family tradition of finding solutions by creating the Boss Buddy to provide a solution for foundry pattern labeling.
Knowing my customers and becoming their partner for business needs, includes understanding the challenges they face every day and finding solutions. Leading Marks “Boss Buddy” package was created specifically for the sand-casting industry.

​This tailored set of accessories allows foundries to upgrade their pattern labeling process as current solutions become obsolete or improve a very cumbersome process.

​There is also a package that can emboss metal tags that get applied to product post casting or for rugged environments.

From my work with customers, I have seen how difficult it is for manufacturing and construction to find and keep qualified technical staff. 
The focus on college degrees has left all the trades in short supply of skilled staff to produce items we all rely on.  Recognizing that I can make a difference, I have chosen to be involved in the SW BotsIQ program.

​This career-development program is coordinated through the National Tooling & Machining Association.

Everyone in the program gains something whether they are a student or working in the field. It is so encouraging to interact with these high school students.
Leading Marks President, Laurie Barcaskey is an active supporter of the Bots IQ program.
Leading Marks President, Laurie Barcaskey is an active supporter of the Bots IQ program.
Their enthusiasm to plan and build something and then compete with other high schools at the annual Bots Tournament in southwestern PA is exciting and fun.

​The mechanical and life skills the students gain is critical to setting them up for success as they look for jobs, attend trade school, or seek degrees.  The suppliers and manufacturers who support them gain direct insight to future employees and the local educational systems and networking opportunities with other professionals. It is a win-win for everyone.

Becoming Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certified opens the doors to opportunities with government and large corporations who value diverse suppliers. This certification also enables me to encourage young women involved in the SW Bots program or just starting their careers within manufacturing and construction. While these industries are inviting more women to be a part of their organizations, there are still many more efforts needed to diversify and level the playing field.

Now that you know all of this about me and a bit of the background of Leading Marks, what is the solution we can help you with?

About the Author

Laurie Barcaskey of Leading Marks is an authorized manufacturer’s representative with 30 years of experience and shop floor knowledge of solutions for industrial identification, part traceability and pipe testing. Laurie is the third generation of one of the marking industry’s most innovative and enduring family legacies, tracing back to 1889.

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Leading Marks LLC Certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

7/9/2020

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Leading Marks LLC Certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Pittsburgh, PA, 07/9/2020. 
Certified Women's Business Enterprise
Leading Marks LLC specializing in marking and traceability, is proud to announce national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the WBEC-East, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
​
With the award of this certification Leading Marks anticipates a stronger partnership with the construction industry; specifically with electrical and mechanical sub-contractors.

​As companies look to re-shore to the United States, Leading Marks looks to strengthen partnerships with Fortune 500 companies where supplier diversity is an important part of their supply-chain management. Through the interactions with customers, we will strive to be an inspiration to other women considering career opportunities in the construction and manufacturing industries.

Women Owned Small Business SBA
WBENC’s national standard of certification implemented by the Women’s WBEC-East is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection.

​The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.
​
By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs.

About Leading Marks

Leading Marks, LLC partners with contractors and manufacturers to improve their marking & traceability processes. Solutions focus on improving legibility and safe operation while providing cost-savings and innovative methods to capitalize on use of technology. Specializing in industrial identification solutions, Leading Marks assists with:
  • Direct-part marking systems
  • Equipment
  • Thermal transfer labeling systems
  • Pre-printed options
  • In-line and hand-held ink marking devices,
  • Air filtration equipment
  • Crimping tools & connectors
  • Industrial grade lighting devices
  • Machining accessories
  • Soldering tools
Leading Marks serves a wide variety of industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction energy, medical, metalworking & fabrication, pharmaceuticals, and more.

About ​WBENC

Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 13,000 certified Women’s Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and over 300 Corporate Members. More than 1,000 corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands as well as many states, cities, and other entities accept WBENC Certification. For more information, visit www.wbenc.org.
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Visit Leading Marks booth at NSC Northeast

1/8/2020

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National Safety Council NSC Northeast Safety Conference & Expo
Visit Leading Marks President, Laurie Barcaskey, at the NSC Northeast Conference & Expo. 
The NSC Northeast Safety Conference & Expo is the National Safety Councils regional conference that will be held:
  • Date: March 12-13
  • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Venue: David Lawrence Convention Center’s Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom

Leading Marks will be featuring several products in our display including the Max USA BePop (labeling) and TBH (filtration).  Join us at booth #520 as we highlight the products available to enhance workplace safety.
  • Work safe
  • Work smart

Avoid workplace hazards and accidents by making sure:
  • signage is visible and clear
  • airborne pollutants are removed

MaxUSA Bepop

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Max USA is well known for its innovative label printers and cutters.  Print the signs you need when your need them. 

​Available models can print and cut labels from 4″-8″ wide.  Review the PDFs below and then come talk with us about how we can support your labeling efforts!

TBH

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TBH's expertise has been developed over the last 25 years and supports many different industries.

Various manufacturing processes cause hazardous & toxic fumes, gases, aerosols and particulates which can be harmful to you and your employee's health.

​TBH offers one of the broadest range of modular products that extract fumes or filter particulates.  Check out the datasheets below and then work with us to improve air quality at your facility.
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Leading Marks Displays at Rising Rust Belt

8/27/2019

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Join Leading Marks at the Rising Rust Belt, a Regional Revitalization Economic Summit.  

​Laurie Barcaskey, Founder of Leading Marks, will be highlighting industrial marking products and solutions. ​
Leading Marks Rising Rust Belt a Regional Revitalization Economic Summi
Updating your marking systems provides a great foundation for improved manufacturing processes which in turn lead to safer workplaces and cost savings.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – As the leaders of three area chambers of commerce worked to become better acquainted with one another, they realized that their communities were, by and large, facing the same issues. That realization led to a regional conference this fall focusing on regional redevelopment.

The inaugural Rising Rust Belt Regional Revitalization Economic Summit is planned for Oct. 6 and 7. Hosted by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce, it will be held at the Park Inn by Radisson in West Middlesex, Pa. 
​
The leaders of all three chambers – James Dignan, Youngstown/Warren’s president and CEO; Sherris Moreira, Shenango Valley’s executive director; and Alex McCoy, Lawrence County’s executive director – are all relatively new to their positions, with each having joined their chamber within the past three years.
Park Inn by Radisson
3377 New Castle Road
West Middlesex, PA

Date: Monday, Oct. 7, 2019
Times: 8 am – 4 pm. 
​A continental Breakfast & Buffet Lunch are included.
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Leading Marks Set to Demonstrate Robotic Part Marking at Haas Demo Day

6/3/2019

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Haas Demo Days
On Wednesday June 12th, from 10 am to 5 pm, Leading Marks will be at the Haas Demo Day.  Come and speak with Laurie Barcaskey about improving your marking processes and combining it  with tracking/traceability by using automation and marking tools such as dot peen, laser scribes, and roll marking tools.  

​
Leading Marks will be demonstrating the automation process of marking with the assistance of Neff Automation and their collaborative robot.

Automated Marking using Robotics

NEFF automation Leading Marks Haas Demo Day
Automate your marking process to limit repetitive work injuries and ensure consistency.  Using a bot to place work pieces in a slot prior to marking can:
  • ensure consistency
  • limit repetitive work injuries
Automation also provides an opportunity to verify marked piece readability when combined with a camera.   Automation can be easily achieved with marking systems such as dot peen, laser, scribe systems as well inline marking tools.

The Demo day will be held at the Haas Factory Outlet – Pittsburgh at 549 Keystone Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086. Learn more and register online for HAAS Demo Day. 

​ Registered attendees get to enjoy live demonstrations of Haas equipment, a free lunch and receive a limited edition T-shirt.

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MAJR Products Cuts Production Time in Half With JetStamp

3/13/2019

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According to James Horomanski at Majr Products  "We learned about Leading Marks via google when we searched for “new marking equipment.” Laurie not only responded to our email but she came out to see our processes and learn more specifics about our marking and production needs.
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Reiner Jetstamp
MAJR Products Corporation, a Veteran Owned Small Business, based in Saegertown, PA is a leading manufacturer of EMI shielding and radio frequency shielding products. MAJR’s products include a variety of shielding gaskets, shielded ventilation panels, and EMI shielded windows. ​
Mr. Horomanski continues "Initially we were interested in a dot peen system; but we began looking at other options when testing revealed that the indentations damaged our product’s EMI protection. Laurie suggested that we consider the Reiner JetStamp and it has been a lifesaver."

Prior to using the Jetstamp MAJR Products had to roll the mark onto the part using a 2-part epoxy ink with rubber rib type, and then affix a label. It was a messy process that resulted in poor quality marks – especially once the type was worn. "Now Majr just use the JetStamp, a hand-held, ink marking system, to label parts with the required information. The time needed for this element of our production has been cut in half, if not more." says Horomanski.
"We needed to speed up other elements of our current production processes. Since Leading Marks also handles manufacturing tools, Laurie introduced us to the Hexacon line of soldering tools.

Hexacon offers a wide variety of head styles that allowed us to complete soldering tasks more easily, particularly in some tight areas and these additions to our production line have been extremely helpful."


James had some very good things to say about Laurie and her company Leading Marks as well:

​"Laurie is very helpful and responsive. She checks in to make sure things are working and solves problems, including warranty issues, quickly when they arise. I would definitely recommend Leading Marks."
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Leading Marks Highlights from 2018

1/2/2019

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by Laurie Barcaskey
Newsletter: December 2018 Identifying Solutions, Improving processes Leading Marks LLC ● Tel. 412-366-4733 ● www.leadingmarks.com ● sales@leadingmarks.com Continued from Page 1. Advanced Manufacturing Day 2018
It’s been an exciting year for manufacturing with the upsurge in orders due to a stronger economy. Many companies are experiencing extraordinary demands for products; at the same time they are challenged to meet delivery schedules.

The demands on the industrial sector are made more pressing by the shortage of skilled workers; a situation that doesn’t show much sign of changing soon.

We think it is an appropriate time to reflect on the ways Leading Marks is working with to improve both the marking processes on the shop floor and assist in building tomorrow’s workforce for manufacturing.
Leading Marks participated in a number of events, but we thought we would highlight the following ones:
  • Advanced Manufacturing Day
  • Pitt Chem Day 2018
  • Manufacturing Day
  • Project of the Year with Carlisle Brake & Friction

​Read our 2018 Winter Leading Marks Newsletter to learn more about these events and see information about our highlighted products:
  • MAX Bepop Printers, Safety Labels & Signs On-demand
  • Technifor Dot Peen & Lasers, Direct-part Solution Leader
  • Jetstamp Ink Devices Replacing Rubber Stamps

About the Author

Laurie Barcaskey of Leading Marks is an authorized manufacturer’s representative with 30 years of experience and shop floor knowledge of solutions for industrial identification, part traceability and pipe testing. Laurie is the third generation of one of the marking industry’s most innovative and enduring family legacies, tracing back to 1889.
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736 West Ingomar Road, #707
Ingomar, PA  15127
Tel: 412.366.4733
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