By now, you’ve done your homework and understand that manufacturing traceability and part marking are essential if you want to remain competitive. This is Industry 4.0, a time when consumers, regulatory agencies, and your partners throughout the supply chain demand greater transparency. And if you want to be a top player, enhancing operational efficiency and […]
“When you get into laser marking on plastics, you’re stepping into a tricky realm,” says laser applications guru Josh Christley. “In many ways, it’s totally different from marking metals. Metals are relatively straightforward. But plastics are complex; that’s what makes them so versatile. And with that complexity you get a touch of uncertainty.” We answer […]
If your manufacturing company is one of the many collecting industrial data today (that's around 90 percent of companies, according to GrayMatter), you’re aware of the positive business outcomes it can provide. From better supply chain management to greater quality control, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and waste reduction, industrial data holds endless opportunities. Yet, if […]
Whether you’re an OEM looking for a more effective track and trace solution, or a brand owner battling counterfeits and knock-offs, you know how much value permanent marking can add. But you also know that, for putting indelible bar codes, serial numbers, manufacturing data, or logos directly on parts and products, there is no one-size-fits-all […]
Does reading news about the "manufacturing skills gap" keep you up at night? Whether you're looking to hire manufacturing workers, get hired yourself, or hold onto your current job, it's true that massive changes in the industry are already affecting the in-demand manufacturing job skills. From automation to artificial intelligence (AI), the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” […]
When you’re shopping for gifts online this holiday season, do you really know who the seller is? Or better yet, do you know who else is trying to sell your product (or at least a look-alike)? Counterfeit products have become a major problem – for manufacturers and consumers alike. While shoppers are wasting millions of […]
Let me ask you something – How much time do you spend controlling your factory inventory? If you are a manufacturer or supplier who manually tracks and manages inventory, it's probably more hours than you'd like. And you’re not alone. At this moment, many supply chain or finance managers are at their keyboard updating their […]
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can a marking laser machine be used for other applications?” you may be surprised to discover just how versatile this technology can be. In addition to permanently marking products and parts for identification and traceability, there are some other valuable applications that can help you get more done in less time […]
Manufacturing has never been a walk in the park, but today more and more manufacturers tell me they’re thinking of it as a risky business. Let’s look at some of the reasons, and what we can do about them. First, there’s the impact of counterfeiting and diversion (C&D): Since 2010, the MSRP value of counterfeit […]
When you’re in the market for a part marking solution – whether it’s a stamping machine or laser engraver – it’s rarely a cut-and-dry process. Typically, there are plenty of factors at play, from the type of facility you’re manufacturing in, to the materials used, to your customer’s needs. What Do I Need My Marking […]
