Category: Max USA - LEADING MARKS

Wire Labeling for Machine Builders & Maintenance Teams: The MAX Letatwin Griptube

5/20/2025

By Bernard Martin

Wire Labeling for Machine Builders Maintenance Teams The MAX Letatwin Griptube Solution

Proper wire labeling is critical for efficiency, safety, and compliance in manufacturing. Traditional methods, such as shrink tubing, require heat application, adding time and safety risks during installation and maintenance. The MAX Letatwin Griptube offers a heatless, wrapless alternative that simplifies the process while improving durability and safety.

A Smarter Solution for Machine Builders & Maintenance Teams
For machine builders, clear and durable wire identification ensures smooth installation, troubleshooting, and system modifications. Maintenance teams rely on effective labeling to reduce downtime, improve workplace safety, and meet compliance standards. The MAX Letatwin Griptube provides a fast, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional shrink tubing.

Key Advantages Over Traditional Wire Labeling

No Heat Required – Eliminates the risk of wire damage and improves workplace safety.
Faster Application – The wrapless design allows for quick and secure installation, reducing labor costs.
Superior Grip & Durability – The patented design provides a tight, slip-resistant fit, ideal for high-vibration environments.
Chemical & Wear Resistance – Withstands exposure to oils, chemicals, and abrasion in industrial settings.
Compliance Ready – Meets industry standards for clear, long-lasting wire identification.

Built for Industrial Applications
MAX Letatwin Griptube is ideal for automation, robotics, electrical panel building, and general manufacturing. Its pre-printed customization options further improve legibility in dense wiring environments.

Upgrade Your Wire Labeling Process
Machine builders and maintenance teams looking for a safer, faster, and more reliable wire labeling method can benefit from the MAX Letatwin Griptube. Say goodbye to shrink tubing and experience a streamlined approach to wire identification.

For more details on integrating MAX Letatwin wire labeling into your workflow, contact Leading Marks today.

Fundamentals of Signage Machines

3/12/2024

Machines that Make the Signs for the Times

Whether it is the elegant requirements of architectural signs, meeting ADA (Americans with Disabilities ACT) wayfinding requirements, or durable safety signs that survive rugged environments how you make the sign matters.

Leading Marks is an authorized distributor of the GravoTech engraving systems and the MAX USA Bepop 4-color thermal printers. Specializing in identification requirements, Leading Marks believes in presenting options that allow the customer options to meet the expectations of the job and work within the available budget for the capital investment.

Engraving Machines

GravoTech, a leader of direct part marking machinery, offers a complete line of rotary and laser engraving machines. The rotary systems come in compact units for simple tasks of creating small legend plates, switch plates and more.

IS200: Small engraving machine that is rotary and portable

IS200: Small engraving machine that is rotary and portable

Larger rotary engravers have varying field size for larger signs – and are great for light duty routing decorative designs specific to architectural projects.

The GravoTech gantry lasers support the engraving a wide range of materials. The CO2 or fiber laser sources fulfill needs of cutting and engraving with power sources starting at 25W up to 150W. Systems with a combination of sources are also available.

Leading Marks also supports engraving requirements post sale with sign holders, modular frames, engraving materials and other associated supplies.

Gravotech LS100 EX: The signage and small series CO2 laser machine

Gravotech LS100 EX: The signage and small series CO2 laser machine

Thermal Printers

Safety signage and labeling is a critical part of the safety process for manufacturing and construction alike — especially for specialty contractors such as electrical and mechanical. ANSI and OSHA requirements give guidelines to help identify areas where danger or caution should be exercised during operation and/or maintenance of equipment.

Max USA CPM-200GU 8 inch Wide Sign and Label Printing & Cutting Machine with process color capability

The MAX USA thermal printers can be found in manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, educational & health care facilities and many more places of operations. MAX USA has been recognized worldwide as a leader of industrial tools and office products.

The Bepop printers enable you to respond immediately when safety incidents occur – no more waiting for outsourced items or needs to purchase minimum quantities.

Safety signage
Evacuation Maps
Shadow boards

The 4-color MAX USA Bepop printers are available in two sizes: 4” and 8”. An investment in either machine allows you to make signs on-demand. They even allow you to cut to size.

Signs to Go

If you are not sure investing in capital equipment for your label and sign needs makes sense, Leading Marks also provides stocked and made-to-order solutions too. When these needs arise, it is always helpful to understand your needs.

It is also helpful to know the environment for which the label and sign will be used, and the driving need for it. With this information we can recommend the applicable material the sign should be made of meeting ANSI and OSHA requirements. Artwork in digital format expedites the ability to respond quickly.

Common standard and customized signs are available for biohazard and hazardous materials, safety, first aid, lockout tagout, machine operation and personal protection. Even rugged applications for aerial, pipelines, substations, traffic signals and other rugged industrial or construction site requirements.

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.

Department of Labor's National Emphasis Program Targets Warehouses and Distribution Centers

1/11/2024

Signage plays a crucial role in communicating and mitigating potential hazards

written by Bernard Martin

Department of Labor's National Emphasis Program Targets Warehouses and Distribution Centers

In July 2023, the Department of Labor made a significant announcement aimed at fortifying workplace safety across the nation. The unveiling of a new national emphasis program specifically targets warehouses and distribution centers, recognizing the unique challenges and potential hazards inherent in these environments. With a focus on reducing and preventing workplace hazards, this initiative underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of employees across diverse industries.

From the OSHA News Release:

"In the past 10 years, warehousing and distribution centers have experienced tremendous growth with more than 1.9 million people employed in the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows injury and illness rates for these establishments are higher than in private industry overall and, in some sectors, more than twice the rate of private industry.

"Our enforcement efforts are designed to do one thing: lead to permanent change in workplace safety," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. "This emphasis program allows OSHA to direct resources to establishments where evidence shows employers must be more intentional in addressing the root causes of worker injuries and align their business practices with the goal to ensure worker health and safety."

Under this three-year emphasis program, OSHA will conduct comprehensive safety inspections focused on hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operations, material handling and storage, walking and working surfaces, means of egress and fire protection.

The Department of Labor's initiative comes as a proactive response to the evolving landscape of workplace safety. Warehouses and distribution centers, pivotal components of the supply chain, often contend with a multitude of hazards ranging from tripping and fall risks to more complex issues like equipment identification and emergency evacuation procedures.

What can you start to do right now to address this three year focus program is a comprehensive evaluation of your signage.

Key Area of Focus:
Signage and Identification

Department of Labor announces national emphasis program aimed at reducing, preventing workplace hazards in warehouses, distribution centers

To align with the goals of the national emphasis program, companies operating in warehouses and distribution centers should prioritize the review and enhancement of various safety measures.

Signage plays a crucial role in communicating and mitigating potential hazards. Here are key items that companies should start reviewing related to signage:

Lock-Out / Tag-Out Procedures

Ensure that clear and comprehensive signage is in place to communicate lock-out/tag-out procedures for machinery and equipment.
Periodically review and update signage to reflect any changes in equipment or safety protocols.

Emergency Evacuation Routes

Clearly mark emergency evacuation routes with visible signage throughout the facility.
Conduct regular drills to ensure that employees are familiar with evacuation routes and assembly points.

Tripping & Fall Hazards

Identify and label potential tripping and fall hazards, such as uneven flooring or exposed cords.
Implement consistent and standardized signage to alert employees to these risks.

Pipe Labeling / Container Labeling

Ensure that pipes and containers containing hazardous materials are clearly labeled.
Review and update labeling regularly to reflect any changes in the types or locations of materials.

Shelving & Location ID

Implement a systematic shelving and location identification system to enhance efficiency and reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
Clearly label storage areas, shelves, and aisles for easy navigation and inventory management.

Equipment ID

Clearly mark and identify all equipment, including forklifts, conveyors, and other machinery.
Use standardized symbols and colors for quick and easy recognition.

Prioritizing Safety in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

As the Department of Labor emphasizes the importance of workplace safety in warehouses and distribution centers, companies must proactively review and enhance their safety measures.

Implementing clear and effective signage related to lock-out/tag-out procedures, emergency evacuation routes, tripping and fall hazards, pipe/container labeling, shelving and location ID, and equipment ID is a crucial step toward creating a safer work environment.

By investing in these initiatives, companies not only ensure compliance with regulatory standards but also foster a culture of safety that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.

If you would like some assistance in developing developing signage to help you with compliance please feel free to reach out to us.

Max BePOP Printers: Efficient Sign and Label Printing and Cutting Machines for Diverse Industries

7/11/2023

Edited by Bernard Martin

MAX Bepop CPM-100G5

Max BePOP printers are cutting-edge machines that combine high-quality printing and precise cutting capabilities, making them ideal for sign and label production. With a range of advanced features, these printers cater to various industries, offering unparalleled efficiency and versatility. In this article, we will explore the key features of Max BePOP printers, highlight the industries they are best suited for, and provide application examples that showcase their exceptional capabilities.

The Key Features

High-Quality Printing
Max BePOP printers utilize advanced printing technologies to deliver sharp, vibrant, and professional-quality prints. Whether it's intricate designs, text, or images, these printers ensure accurate reproduction with stunning color accuracy.

Precise Cutting:
Alongside printing, Max BePOP machines excel at precise cutting. With their integrated cutting systems, these printers can effortlessly create custom-shaped labels, stickers, and signs, saving time and eliminating the need for manual cutting.

Versatility in Media Handling
Max BePOP printers are designed to handle a wide range of materials, including vinyl, adhesive films, paper, textiles, and more. This versatility allows for the creation of labels and signs for various applications, such as product labeling, retail displays, event signage, and industrial safety signs.

User-Friendly Software
The accompanying software for Max BePOP printers offers an intuitive interface that simplifies the printing and cutting process. It enables users to import designs, adjust settings, and precisely position and resize graphics, ensuring seamless production and minimal wastage.

Industries and Applications

Retail and Point-of-Sale (POS)
The Max BePOP printers find extensive use in the retail industry for creating eye-catching product labels, shelf tags, and promotional signage. The ability to print and cut on-demand allows for quick updates and customization to match changing marketing strategies.

Packaging and Labeling
Max BePOP printers are well-suited for packaging and labeling applications. They enable the production of high-quality product labels, barcode stickers, and packaging inserts, ensuring brand consistency and compliance with industry standards.

Manufacturing and Industrial
In the manufacturing sector, Max BePOP printers streamline the production of industrial labels and safety signs. They can swiftly create warning labels, equipment tags, and instructional signs, enhancing workplace safety and efficiency.

Events and Exhibitions
Max BePOP printers are valuable assets for event organizers, enabling the creation of banners, posters, backdrops, and signage. With quick turnarounds and precise cutting capabilities, these printers cater to the dynamic and time-sensitive nature of event promotions.

Some Application Examples

Beverage Bottling
Max BePOP printers allow beverage manufacturers to produce custom labels for their bottles, showcasing branding elements, nutritional information, and regulatory details accurately. The precise cutting feature ensures labels fit perfectly, enhancing the product's overall appeal.

Retail Store Signage
Retailers can utilize Max BePOP printers to design and print vibrant window displays, hanging signs, and floor decals. The ability to cut various shapes enables the creation of attention-grabbing visual merchandising elements, attracting customers and boosting sales.

Warehouse and Logistics
Max BePOP printers find utility in the logistics industry, where labels play a crucial role in inventory management and tracking. These printers can generate barcode labels, shipping tags, and custom packaging labels, improving operational efficiency and reducing errors.

Max BePOP printers offer a powerful solution for sign and label printing, combining high-quality output with precise cutting capabilities. With their versatile media handling and user-friendly software, these machines cater to a diverse range of industries such as retail, packaging, manufacturing, and events.

From customized product labels to vibrant retail signage, Max BePOP printers provide exceptional performance, ensuring professional results and increased operational efficiency.

Give us a call if you would like a demo!

Leading Marks to Exhibit at Manufacturing Advanced Expo

3/22/2022

See the latest technology for thermal printing 4-color labels. The MAX Bepop printer allows you to print label kits for automated work cells and cuts them as well. The complimentary Letatwin printer enhances your wire marking with plastic tubing and labels for terminal blocks.

Leading Marks to Exhibit at Manufacturing Advanced Expo may 3 may 5 202

Join Leading Mark on Tuesday May 3 in Kersey, PA or Thursday May 5 in Erie, PA from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm for the Manufacturing Advanced Expo showcasing the latest advancements in automation technology, robotics, manufacturing, and how they affect and compliment the skilled workforce in northwest Pennsylvania.

Vendors will demonstrate the latest manufacturing technology for a smarter and more productive shop floor. Educational sessions will highlight advanced technology and applications.

In addition to the MAX Bepop and Letatwin printers on display in our booth, you can also learn about the full range of industrial identification solutions available from Leading Marks. This includes direct-part marking lasers, dot peen, and impact marking, handheld and in-line ink systems and industrial equipment such as air filtration, soldering irons and work benches.

TUESDAY MAY 3
Manufacturing Advanced Expo
Red Fern
421 Old Kersey Road
St. Marys, PA 15846
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

THURSDAY MAY 5
Manufacturing Advanced Expo
Ambassador Center
Hemingway Ballroom
7794 Peach Street
Erie , PA 16509
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Traceability for Collection, Look-Up and Data Sharing

9/15/2021

Traceability Leading Marks identification wrench

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?

Auto-trigger of reports and work orders based on data collected
Quicker reporting
Query and filter of data
Minimize down-time on the production line or field operation
Trends & variations evaluation

Leading Marks Partners with MAX USA for the Distribution of Their Thermal Printers.

5/12/2021

Leading Marks is proud to partner with MAX USA for the distribution of their thermal printers.

MAX has been recognized worldwide as a leader of industrial tools and office products. The MAX thermal printers can be found in manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, educational & health care facilities and many more. Thermal printing solutions include the Letatwin and Bepop printers.

About the Letawin Thermal Printer

The Letatwin printer is a compact printer designed on-demand printing of tubing, tape, and wires.

The Letatwin printer has an enhanced feeding system that provides you with a marking speed of 1-1/2” (40mm) per second. It is developed for maximizing productivity of wire and tube marking jobs.

This compact package includes the Letatwin printer with an integral keyboard and PC Editor software for connected design of labels. Data can be transferred to a USB flash drive for printing away from the PC. It easily accepts data from Windows Excel or a .csv file reducing the time for data entry.

Consumables include heat shrink vinyl tubing and polyester tape. The heat shrink vinyl tubing is suited for 1.5 diameter to 8.0 mm diameter tubes and wires. The tubing is available for flat or round requirements and can be half-cut for ease of applying. The polyester tapes come in a variety of colors in widths from 5mm to 12mm.

MAX LETATWIN LM-550A2BH Thermal Printer

MAX LETATWIN LM-550A2BH is portable, high speed thermal transfer printer for control panel marking, wire numbering, and device labeling.

The MAX LETATWIN LM-550A2BH is portable, high speed thermal transfer printer is ideal for control panel marking, wire numbering, and device labeling. Using thermal transfer technology, it is ideal for printing directly onto heat-shrink and PVC tubing and for printing on MAX polyester tapes for marker strip labeling.

Unique features include the ability to make half-cut or full cut parts, a warming element and optional battery power capability. The enhanced MAX software LETATWIN PC Editor and driver can be downloaded from the MAX USA website.

Connect to a computer and print directly to the machine, or save marker data to the machine's large internal memory and take it with you on-site. Engineered for high productivity and robust environments, including a shock resistant rubber keyboard, you will use your LETATWIN trouble free for many years to come.

What makes the Bepop Thermal Printer Unique?

3/31/2021

Leading Marks is proud to partner with MAX USA for the distribution of their thermal printers.

Sourcing labels and signs can often be a challenge and not permit you to meet the delivery requirement without a minimum charge. This is where the MAX Bepop printers allow you to capitalize on your investment by permitting you to print on-demand with the specific message needed for the situation.

The Bepop printers are 4-color thermal printer that can print in standard ANSI color or 4-color CMYK high resolution colors. In addition to a 1” per second print speed, it cuts labels to size or outline shape without the need of costly dies at 4.7” per second.

The user-friendly software allows you to design labels for your needs or utilize standard templates pre-stored in the library. A complete library of standard icons are also included with the software. The Bepop printers come in two model sizes; one for 4” wide materials and one for 8” materials.

MAX Bepop CPM-200GU 8 inch wide sign and label printing and cutting machine

MAX Bepop CPM-200GU 8" wide sign & label printing and cutting machine.

APPLICATIONS

ANSI and OSHA Agency Required Signage
Health & Safety Signs
Product & Asset Labeling
Visual Management Signs
Pipe Marking / GHS Labels
5S / Kaizen / Kanban Labels
Wire and Cable Marking
Custom Labels
Shadow Boards
Warehouse shelf identification

MAX has been recognized worldwide as a leader of industrial tools and office products. The MAX thermal printers can be found in manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, educational & health care facilities and many more. Thermal printing solutions include the Letatwin and Bepop printers.

BePop Printer Enables Matalco to Implement New Ideas Within Minutes

2/24/2021

Matalco Now the Largest Remelter in North America

Matalco Inc.’s three operations are strategically located in Brampton, ON, Canton, OH, and their state-of-the-art $100 million facility in Lordstown, OH positioned them as the largest remelter in North America.

At their Canton, Ohio, facility, Matalco makes new products and aluminum billets from recycled materials. They are using the Bepop printer to make safety-related labels and PPE diagrams.

In addition, Matalco is making labels for things around the plant to improve visual literacy such as daily production information, safety metrics, and labels for hard hats to show certification information. They plan on expanding their use of the tool to label storage locations to make sure things are put away and improve efficiency.

Before they purchased the MaxUSA Bepop printer, Matalco would have to call a graphics designer, create a PO, have it printed elsewhere, and pick the labels up. According to Emily Seibert, the Environmental Health and Safety Specialist at the Canton facility, “Today if we have an idea, boom, we can do it today. We don’t have to wait a week…we can do it right here.”

Emily stated that the system was pretty easy to use and user-friendly from the start, particularly f you are familiar with Microsoft tools like Powerpoint and Paint.

The information for this testimonial from Leading Mark’s customer came from the video shown below. Watch it to learn more about Matalco’s experience with the MaxUSA Bepop CPM-100HG5 label printer.

Look Ahead: Good Things are on the Horizon!

1/13/2021

2020: a year of less than clear vision presents a challenge to see what the future holds for all of us.

This year has left an unforgettable mark in our memories and on our world. With all of the challenges to meet with customers to evaluate applications it has been a good year for Leading Marks.

Allow me to indulge you with some details on a few notable installations of marking systems and related manufacturing equipment.

The Boss Buddy Accessory Package

Boss Buddy Foil Tape

Boss Buddy Foil Tape

The Boss Buddy accessory package continues to be well received for pattern-labeling requirements in the sand cast foundries, and was even featured in Modern Casting magazine for the installation at Goulds Pumps.

This package improves the process by eliminating the “Spin-To-Win” rotation of a wheel one character at a time and replacing it with one press stroke embossing multiple characters at one time. Look for a new video of the package in January.

Direct Part Marking

Gravotech dot peen

Gravotech Deep dot peen

With high volume requirements of marking nameplates for regulators, this manufacturer chose to upgrade from an outdated rotary engraver that could engrave approximately 20 nameplates at one time to a Gravotech dot peen marking system equipped with an automatic plate feeder. The unique challenge presented with a variety of curved nameplates is now being well served with faster and more consistent markings. For lower volume requirements they further invested in a custom fixture that mounts on the base of the dot peen and extends over the feeder to accommodate the marking of square, rectangular and round shaped nameplates.

Ink Marking Solutions

Reiner Jetstamp 970

Reiner Jetstamp 970

Whether it was component marking or packaging for the food industry, the Reiner Jetstamp 970 and 1025 handheld ink marking devices solved solutions for several companies.

One manufacturer replaced their 2-part epoxy rubber rib stamp process and is now achieving much clearer marks in less time. Another installation at a food processing plant provided a back-up ink marking solution that kept product shipping out the door. Their application stream-lined the process utilizing bar code scanner data entry.

EBS260 Handjet

EBS260 Handjet

The EBS EBS260 Handjet ink device increased in popularity with installations for packaging requirements on poly-mesh bags and replacing stenciling on steel plate — adding to our fabricators and lumber processing facilities already using the equipment.

These stand-alone systems are currently applying date codes, shipping details, heat numbers and more in a variety of operations and in different colors! And one of the steel processors capitalized on the process by adding bar code data entry.

Thermal Transfer Labeling

Bepop CPM-100HG5

Bepop CPM-100HG5

The MAX USA Bepop CPM-100HG5 simplified the labeling process for their mold cables and now have wrap-around labels on-demand to fit a variety of cable sizes.

The ease of printing and cutting with the details required on the labels per job provides savings in cost and time. The options for different color vinyls and ribbons provides many options for varying products.

Related Manufacturing Equipment

TBH DF Filtration System

TBH DF Filtration System

The TBH line of air fume and filtration systems has proven to be a great asset for our current laser marking customers. They are no longer spreading undesirable fumes into the general work area and improved their maintenance requirements on the system by eliminating debris in the work chamber.

TBH developed a special system design for using systems of the DF series in dental/ medical/ aesthetic fields of application in order to meet the high demand on hygiene and cleanability. Filter and extraction systems protect patients, medical staff and doctors from potentially infectious air, i.e. air contaminated with germs, bacteria/ viruses and particles or aerosols. In order to keep as few system parts as possible from contamination, simple and reliable cleaning/ disinfection as well as a convenient filter change are important.

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!

HOME
ABOUT
CONTACT

BRANDS
LINE CARD
NEWS

736 West Ingomar Road, #707
Ingomar, PA 15127

Tel: 412.366.4733

©2023 Leading Marks LLC All Rights Reserved

website design: Rapid Production Marketing