TRC Services Inc. offers a full suite of Sucker Rod Products and Services is designed to help your rod pumping operation work more efficiently in the most cost-effective manner.

"We found Leading Marks through a web search as we looked to improve our current dot peen equipment as we implemented the marking of the API monogram to our products." said  ​Stephen Ewing, Quality Manager at 
Total Rod Concepts (aka TRC Services Inc).

by Laurie Barcaskey

Labeling might seem like a small detail, but in many industrial settings, it plays a critical role in keeping operations organized, safe, and compliant. Whether you're identifying wires, components, bins, or panels, adhesive labels provide a simple, effective way to communicate essential information. From wire wraps to self-laminating styles and durable adhesive options, there’s a wide range of label types designed to meet the demands of harsh environments and tight tolerances.

Labeling offers a practical and non-destructive way to apply essential identification to parts and components, maintaining the integrity of the surface without introducing any physical deformation. This makes it particularly valuable in applications where substrates are delicate, finished, or require post-process inspection. Adhesive labels are available in a wide range of materials and formats, allowing them to be used across various operating environments.

Whether the need is for heat-resistant labels in a high-temperature production area, chemical-resistant options for exposure to solvents and coolants, or UV-stable materials for outdoor use, the adhesive technology behind industrial labels has advanced to meet nearly any demand. For added protection, tamper-evident labels can provide a clear visual indication if an item has been accessed or altered—making them ideal for applications where traceability and security are essential.

From a production standpoint, the decision between pre-printed and on-demand labeling comes down to workflow needs and flexibility. Pre-printed labels can streamline repetitive tasks, providing a consistent and cost-effective solution when the same information is applied across multiple parts or assemblies. They’re ready to go straight from the roll, minimizing downtime on the shop floor.

However, in more dynamic environments—where part numbers, serial codes, or job details change frequently—printing labels on-demand becomes the better option. It allows for immediate edits, custom designs, and job-specific data entry without waiting on a print house or large label order. This flexibility also reduces inventory waste and supports just-in-time manufacturing practices. With today's label design software and thermal transfer printers, in-house teams can generate professional-quality labels quickly, ensuring that the right information is always applied to the right part, at the right time.

Bringing label printing in-house gives manufacturers greater control and flexibility when it comes to how and when labeling is done. Instead of relying on outside vendors or pre-printed stock that may not reflect the latest revisions or job-specific details, in-house printing allows teams to create exactly what’s needed—on demand, right at the point of use.

This is especially useful in environments where parts are built to order, labels need to reflect specific lot numbers, or production schedules change frequently. Operators can update label content in real time, ensuring that the information being applied—whether it’s part numbers, barcodes, date codes, or inspection details—is always accurate and up to date.

Having printing capabilities at individual work cells also streamlines the labeling process. Instead of batching everything through a central location, labels can be created and applied as part of the normal workflow. This reduces movement, speeds up production, and supports lean manufacturing principles.
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For high-volume or high-mix applications, stocking blank label materials—such as thermal transfer rolls or pre-cut formats—enables just-in-time printing without tying up space or budget on pre-printed inventory that might go unused. You get the efficiency of on-demand labeling without sacrificing consistency or quality.

​If you want to see how these tools come together in a real production setting, check out the video below to see in-house label printing in action.

Pre-printed labels are a great option when consistency, branding, and visual clarity are top priorities. By having labels printed in advance, you ensure that every part or product leaving your facility carries a uniform, professional appearance that aligns with your corporate identity. This can include everything from logos and brand colors to standardized formatting, safety icons, or instructional graphics.

In environments where regulatory compliance or safety communication is essential, pre-printed labels help draw attention to key product information. Warnings, handling instructions, or usage limitations can be highlighted with bold graphics or color-coded backgrounds to improve visibility and reduce the risk of error on the shop floor or in the field. These labels also eliminate the variability that can sometimes occur with on-demand printing, especially in high-volume production where speed and consistency are critical.

Pre-printed labeling is also an efficient solution when the required content doesn’t change from job to job. Whether you're labeling wiring, panels, housings, or packaging, having a ready-to-apply roll of pre-designed labels cuts down on production time and reduces printer maintenance. And with modern label printing technologies, it’s easy to include variable elements like blank spaces or write-in fields to capture batch numbers, inspection initials, or date stamps during final assembly.
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In short, pre-printed labels combine professionalism with convenience—ensuring your products are properly identified, safely handled, and branded to reflect your company’s standards.

If you are looking for Tags and Nameplates we handle these marking tools too.

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.

Come and see what these high school students can accomplish or better yet, volunteer to help out.

You can also meet with Laurie Barcaskey, President of Leading Marks. Laurie is volunteering at this event that runs from April 13 @ 8:00 am – April 14 @ 5:00 pm.

There will surely be tons of sparks and lots of excitement!

Complete our registration form to let us know you will be joining us!

Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ is a manufacturing workforce development program of the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

The program is affiliated with the National Robotics League and is managed by New Century Careers.

BotsIQ is a manufacturing workforce development program whose goal is to provide a pathway for high school students to learn about rewarding career options in manufacturing.

This is accomplished by inviting students to participate in an exciting, hands-on high school robotics competition.

Laurie Barcaskey, President of Leading Marks LLC, will be at the 3rd Annual Associate Night for NTMA Akron and discussing solutions for marking machine components. There will also be several products on display as a focus of the discussions:

• Laser Marking
• Tapmatic Marking Heads

The event, held on March 20th from 5:30pm to 8pm will be held at the Hilton Fairlawn on 3180 W Market St, Akron, OH 44333. 

The mini-tradeshow style event is free for NTMA members and $15 for non-members. 
Drinks will be available and light appetizers will be provided.

Laurie Barcaskey, President of Leading Marks LLC, spoke at the American Foundry Society’s February meeting in Scottdale, Pa. 

Thomas Erie, Inc. is a Girard, PA based company that produces quality metal stamped parts. They serve markets such as electronics, automotive and aerospace Their capabilities include stampings from 0.25 to 0.55 mm, Gasketing, embossing & anodizing.

Thomas Erie, Inc. is part of the Thomas Group, the world’s largest independent supplier of tinplate and aluminum components for the aerosol, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The Thomas Group employ 500 people worldwide. They produce stamped and deep drawn parts on progressive tools and transfer presses in Germany, the USA, Spain, China and Argentina. 

"We have been working with Laurie Barcaskey since 2014." said Foster Nickel the Toolroom Manger.

Foster explained, " We originally purchased an Automator Laser Engraver for marking our parts only for identification purposes.  One day shortly after purchasing the engraver we found ourselves with a rush order for some debossed parts and the vendor we typically purchase our graphite anodes from could not meet our customer’s timeline. "

"We don't have a high speed mill able to make the fine detail on the anodes required to meet our customer specifications and typically outsource this item.  We were able to utilize the laser engraver to cut the graphite anode and then using our EDM sinker make our own debossing tool with laser point accuracy." said Foster, "This cut our lead time down from weeks to minutes and eliminated the cost of outsourcing completely."

​Foster found Leading Marks' Laurie Barcaskey very helpful.  "Laurie offers good pricing, provides good service and is able to answer our questions. We would recommend her for your next project!"

Get in touch with Laurie with any questions!

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

When I started Leading Marks in June of 2014 it was exciting, frightening and everything entrepreneurs prepare for (and some things they don’t!) Over the last three years I have researched and chosen vendors and products that are current with innovative solutions and supportive staff. This includes global names in the marking and traceability arena. Some I’ve known for years and others only more recently.

My interaction with you on these projects allowed me to gain insight to other manufacturing challenges. And I value the lessons I have learned, the information you have shared, and most of all for becoming not only my customer, but my friend.

The one lesson I have learned is that “Traceability” is not an isolated need for any one particular industry.

Traceability pertains to assets, and assets are defined by the organization, and the process. The asset has attributes that help define and track through the various process to help organizations capitalize on the information captured for delivery updates, insure stock availability, confirm proof of delivery, proof of work, and a multitude of other aspects that minimize an organizations risk.

Should you be considering a project with me now, I hope to gain your trust and partner with you to implement the solution. Should you be considering a new marking or traceability project – give me a shot!

Neff Automation in Warrendale, PA  specializes in providing automation products and solutions to enhance manufacturing and assembly processes and improve productivity in a wide variety of industries. We focus our activities toward manufacturing process improvement, productivity enhancement, total cost management and downtime reduction.  Neff offers Automation Products, Sub-Assembly, Custom Designed Solutions and Inventory Optimization.

"Neff Automation, previously Intek Systems, once shared office space with Laurie Barcaskey. Since she started Leading Marks, Neff have partnered with her for our marking requirements. She also makes referrals to us when automation is required." said, Rob Kozminski, Panel Shop Foreman at Neff.

"Leading Marks was able to help change our process for making panel plates. Previously we were going outside to engrave 2-ply materials, which caused lost production time for travel. With the new thermal printing process we are now able to print in-house and make adjustments to layouts as needed, and this printing process has also expanded our printing capabilities. It also allows us to use the printed label as a template for drilling holes for switches at the same time." continued Rob.
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"We would definitely recommend Leading Marks.  Laurie is easy and pleasant to work with, and responds to emails and questions quickly. We appreciate her broad knowledge on marking technologies and that if she doesn’t know the answers she will put us in contact with someone who does."

For more information on thermal transfer labeling on rigid plastic, get in contact with us!

Join Leading Marks Founder, Laurie Barcaskey and the Pittsburgh Business Times to mix, mingle and network with Pittsburgh business professionals at BizMix at an evening networking reception. This event will be held in the second floor private event space at Roland's Seafood Grill in the Strip District.

Would you like to discuss your current marking projects with Leading Marks?  Laurie will he talking about industrial strength solutions for

• Marking 
• Traceability

This event will be hosted by Roland's Seafood Grill and held on Thursday, May 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Standard reservations are $35.

Your reservation includes:

• Delicious hors d'oeuvres and appetizers
• Two drink tickets

Payment for BizMix must be received prior to the event. For questions or additional information, contact Dena Trusiak at 412-208-3814 or [email protected].