Manufacturer for defence, mining, and construction elevates precision with TRUMPF TruMark 5000

Queensland Gaskets (QG), a Brisbane-based leader in advanced manufacturing, has been delivering custom solutions to key industries such as defence, mining, construction, and renewable energy for over 70 years. Under the leadership of Managing Director Carl Quarterman, the company continues to innovate, ensuring high standards of product quality and customer satisfaction. In a recent interview, Carl highlighted his role in driving the company’s overall operations and strategic direction, focusing on business growth, product innovation, and aligning QG’s technical capabilities with evolving industry needs. As their partnership with OSAAP Australia expanded, QG recognised the need for advanced marking capabilities to maintain competitiveness, leading them to collaborate with Headland for a comprehensive solution.

About Queensland Gaskets: Queensland Gaskets is an Australian-owned company, established in 1953, specialising in advanced manufacturing. The company employs high-precision techniques such as 5-axis waterjet and laser cutting with modern digital tools like CNC routing. Their expertise in rapid prototyping, concept development, and the global sourcing of high-performance materials allows us to deliver custom solutions to a wide range of industries, including defence, mining, construction, utilities, and renewable energy.

Based in Brisbane’s Salisbury industrial area, Queensland Gaskets supports engineering and manufacturing businesses by delivering precise, reliable, and tailored products. They utilise advanced technologies such as AutoCAD and smart manufacturing to efficiently deliver complex engineering solutions. Committed to quality and sustainability, QG holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications and manages projects from concept to assembly, offering comprehensive technical support throughout. More about Queensland Gaskets

Challenge

To meet the increasing needs of their customers and their expanded services, they identified the need to improve their marketing capabilities. They required a system that could efficiently manage tool marking, label making and foam marking to improve product identification and traceability for their customers.

This need became more pressing with their new strategic partnership with OSAAP Australia, leaders in precision CNC foam insert solutions. Queensland Gasket’s collaboration with OSAAP highlighted the opportunity to set new standards for operational efficiency across various industries. To achieve this, they recognised the necessity of advanced equipment to enhance our manufacturing processes, leading them to invest in the TruMark 5000 Station.

Solution

After a detailed evaluation of their needs, Queensland Gaskets engaged with us due to our reputation for supplying high-quality equipment and exceptional customer service. We have the industry expertise and ability to tailor solutions to QG’s unique requirements making us the ideal partner. Together, we identified the TruMark 5000 Station as the best solution to meet QG’s advanced marking needs.

The TruMark 5000 offers precision tool marking, label making, and foam marking capabilities. Its features include high accuracy, ease of use, and enhanced safety, which significantly improved QG’s ability to manage product identification and traceability for a wide variety of clients. The TruMark 5000 also allowed QG to offer additional services, such as QR code generation, helping to expand their market reach.

Implementation

The integration of the TruMark 5000 Station into QG’s operations was seamless, with minimal disruption to their existing processes. Headland’s team provided comprehensive support throughout the setup, including training sessions to ensure QG’s staff could efficiently operate the new technology. This smooth transition allowed QG to quickly begin using the TruMark 5000 in their production line, improving their overall workflow.

The implementation of the TruMark 5000 Station has led to several tangible benefits for both customers and employees at Queensland Gaskets (QG):

• Customer satisfaction: Customers now prefer laser etching over traditional stickers or labels, as the etched markings, such as QR codes, names, and labels, are permanent, tamper-proof, and always visible. This ensures long-term durability and reliability, enhancing the overall product experience.
• Improved file management: The TruMark 5000’s programmable system with extensive storage allows for efficient file retrieval and reuse. When customers return with new tools or equipment, QG can easily access previous designs, ensuring consistent markings and faster turnaround times.
• Employee benefits: The TruMark 5000 offers enhanced safety features and ergonomic design, promoting a healthier work environment. Employees benefit from safer, more user-friendly operations, increasing job satisfaction and reducing physical strain.

Results

Since implementing the TruMark 5000 Station, QG has experienced significant improvements in productivity and efficiency. The machine’s precision and speed have enhanced our marking processes, leading to better product quality and faster delivery times.

• Enhanced product quality: The precision of the TruMark 5000 ensures consistent and accurate markings, enhancing overall product quality. This is crucial for industries requiring durable, clear markings, such as QR codes and serial numbers, which remain legible over time.
• Expanded market reach: The TruMark 5000 has allowed QG to offer new services, such as tool and plastic case etching, as well as QR code generation. This capability has attracted new customers and expanded QG’s market presence.
• Tool-specific etching capabilities: Unlike the existing CNC laser cutter, the TruMark 5000 is ideal for precision tool etching, significantly improving efficiency in marking a variety of materials.
• Improved safety and usability: The TruMark 5000’s user-friendly interface and enhanced safety features have led to greater employee engagement and easier operation, boosting productivity.

Innovation and competitive advantages

The adoption of the TruMark 5000 Station has positioned Queensland Gaskets as an industry leader providing a competitive advantage by offering a broader range of services. The advanced marking capabilities, including precise laser etching for traceability, serialisation, and branding, have helped differentiate our products in key industries such as defence, aviation, and aerospace. This technology enables us to deliver permanent, high-quality markings essential for asset management and tool organisation, improving operational efficiency for our clients. As a result, we are recognised as a provider of bespoke solutions that meet our customers’ critical needs.

Lean and Sustainable Manufacturing

Queensland Gaskets’ investment in the TruMark 5000 supports its sustainability goals by incorporating lean manufacturing principles. The TruMark 5000 reduces the need for consumables like labels, minimising waste and its digital file management system eliminates the need for paper-based processes. This system allows efficient storage and retrieval of designs, enhancing traceability and reducing resource consumption. The precision and durability of the laser markings also extend the lifespan of products, aligning with the QG’s commitment to Australia’s Sustainable Development Goals through responsible resource management.

Customer experience

Queensland Gasket’s customers have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the laser etching capabilities of the TruMark 5000. The permanent, tamper-proof markings are preferred over traditional stickers or labels, as they offer superior durability and visibility over time. Additionally, the machine’s programmable system has streamlined file management for repeat orders, enabling QG to deliver consistent, high-quality results with improved turnaround times.

Client testimonial

“Our experience with Headland and the TruMark 5000 Station has been excellent. The machine’s precision and efficiency have greatly enhanced our operations, and Headland’s support has been exceptional.” – Carl Quarterman, Managing Director

Queensland Gasket shared several positive remarks about their experience with us. They chose Headland for two main reasons:

1. Our strong commitment to understanding their specific needs
2. Our ability to provide tailored solutions

They were particularly impressed by our proactive approach to service and support, which they consider one of our greatest strengths.

If recommending us to similar businesses, Queensland Gasket would emphasize:

• Our exceptional customer service
• The high quality of our products
• Our unwavering commitment to ongoing support

These factors, they believe, make us a reliable and valuable partner for any business seeking our services.

Are you struggling with inefficient product marking processes or looking to enhance your traceability and branding capabilities in industries like defence, mining, or construction?

Contact our TRUMPF experts to revolutionise your manufacturing process. Discover how precision laser marking can enhance your product quality, streamline operations, and give you a competitive edge in the defence, mining, and construction industries. Let’s discuss how we can tailor a solution to meet your unique challenges and drive your business forward.