INDUSTRIAL MARKERS:
THE “OFFICE SUPPLIES” GROW UP

Industrial markers have graduated from being just “office supplies” to key tools that help fabricators, welders and metalworking professionals meet their quality control standards, worker identification needs and part identification liability codes.

As manufacturing shows signs of improvement, the industrial markets and the vertical markets layered within must increase in production and efficiency. Manufacturers are being challenged to deliver the highest standards in terms of quality assurance and efficiency, forcing every level of production to be more accountable.

Everyone from owners, management, supervisors, operators and engineers must have reliable, dependable and innovative marking tools and machinery to practice quality testing and production reporting. As the shop floor landscape changes, it is becoming more evident that industrial markers have graduated from being just “office supplies” to key tools that help metal fabricators and welders meet their quality control standards, worker identification needs and part identification liability codes.

There are now industrial markers for seemingly every application imaginable, from grade marking, lumber crayons, liquid paint markers, temperature indication, solid paint (hot or cold) markers, low chloride formulations, permanent ink and specialty markers for niche jobs.

Metal fabricators want effective marking tools on the shop floor that are versatile, reliable and visibile and can make a mark on practically all types of metal and coated metal surfaces, including carbon and stainless steels, aluminum, powder coating to PVC plastics and epoxies.

Marks being made on metal surfaces must be either permanent or temporary, fineline and resistant to torch flame, or marks that retain high visibility on aluminum and stainless steel. Increasingly, marks must be made on array of plastics, rubber compounds, glass, ceramics and many other non-porous surfaces.

Welders, for example, may find themselves working in extreme conditions that call for precise marking tools that not only work and write in extreme cold or hot weather, but quickly dry and retain their mark for the duration of the job. The versatile B^® Paintstik^® stick marker is for them. Designed to mark on any material or surface, whether smooth or rough, clean or oily, this real lead-free marking tool in stick form combines long-lasting durability of paint with the same ease-of-use as a crayon.

For layout work, Silver-Streak^® and Red-Riter^® welders pencils provide torch resistant, highly visible marks on all types of metal surfaces and leave marks that illuminate when cutting or welding for extra visibility. Marks will not burn or run off like soapstone, but they will stay put even on oil, rusty or wet surfaces.

For fabricators working in extreme temperature applications, the B-Painstik performs in temperatures ranging from -50 deg F to 150 deg F (-46 deg C to 66 deg C). Not only are these B-Painstiks durable, they are versatile enough to mark on metal, wood, plastic, concrete, rubber, glass, cardboard and paper.

The Quik Stik^® next generation of solid paint markers make smoother, brighter marks that dry in only five to seven minutes. Users appreciate the durable plastic tube with a self-advancing mechanism that allows them to conveniently store the marker in their pocket or tool box without fear of the marker melting or crumbling when not in use.

For other metalworking applications, the Valve Action^® Paint liquid paint marker offers a resistance to fade and uses a low chlorides/low halogens paint formula that eliminates the need for a separate marker for the stainless steel fabrication and the nuclear power industries.

The next generation of liquid paint markers that can withstand and perform in extreme temperature environments are Pro-Line^® HP markers that can write on oily, wet, soapy or coated surfaces with a highly visible, durable permanent paint mark that dries quickly and resists wearing or fading. These markers use a ClipGrip cap with a robust, knurled design that enables easy removal when wearing gloves or even with greasy hands.

Supervisors and technicians often use color-coding to identify different actions throughout a job or line and to identify various shifts or operators at job stations. There are fluorescent markers and Ultra Violet markers that provide up to 19 color options for permanent and temporary marking functionality. Marking products must be both safe for the environment and for the fabricator to use in small or enclosed areas. Users should look for markers that are Xylene-free and void of any California Proposition 65, EPA HAPS or SARA 313 listed chemicals.   

As demands rise, it will be important for the marking industry to continue to innovate in terms of product research and development, expand as it relates to representation in the field and enhance training, whenever possible.

LA-CO Industries, Inc., 1201 Pratt Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-5746, 847-956-7600, Fax: 847-956-9885, www.laco.com, www.markal.com, www.allweathermarker.com.