4 Steps to Take if Your Metal Product Arrives Damaged

Posted by: Chris Schwartz on August 16, 2017

If your metal shipment arrives damaged or below quality expectations, what's your course of action? Below I've outlined four steps to take if your metal order arrives damaged. 

What are Conflict Minerals?

Posted by: Sandy Crawford on August 9, 2017

Today, I'll be covering one important topic related to compliance within the metal industry: conflict minerals. Read on for an explanation of what these minerals are and why it's important for metal vendors and manufacturers to know where their metal products are sourced. 

Common Uses for Copper

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on August 2, 2017

Well-known and easily identifiable by its golden, reddish color, copper has a long history of use for decorative and functional purposes. In fact, its use by humans dates back thousands of years. Currently, copper exists in our homes, vehicles, and electronic devices. Today, I'll cover some of the unique properties and common uses for this versatile, time-tested alloy. 

We'll Work with You in Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)

Posted by: Jim Wilber on July 26, 2017

When you or your customer need a dozen pieces of sheet metal and your regular supplier only sells them by the hundred, what do you do? Do you order based on their quantity requirements and handle the surplus on your own? Or, do you seek out a supplier who fulfills minimum order quantities of metal products?

While many suppliers apply minimum order quantities to material shipments, there are a growing number of suppliers who specialize in providing high-quality metals in smaller quantities. 

It Matters Where Heat Lots Come From

Posted by: Mark Anderson on July 19, 2017

In the metal manufacturing industry, there are numerous steps a metal moves through in its journey from the mill, through the manufacturing process, and into the hands of the end user. As the material changes hands, there need to be measures in place to ensure the quality and the consistency of the metal.

For instance, heat lots. 

The Tradeoff Between Quality vs. Price of Metal Product [Infographic]

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on July 12, 2017

We've all heard the phrase, "you get what you pay for," and when it comes to metal purchasing, this phrase definitely applies. To help you see how the price of metal products is oftentimes related to quality, we put together a handy infographic.

Common Uses for Brass

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on July 5, 2017

This alloy metal is made of copper and zinc. Due to Brass's unique properties, which I'll go into more detail on below, it is one of the most widely used alloys. Because of its versatility, there are seemingly endless industries and products making use of this alloy. 

Here's Why Our Customer Service Gives Everyone the Royal Treatment

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on June 28, 2017

As a whole, the metal service center industry is not known for providing great customer service. While I cannot explain exactly why that is, I can speak to what actions we take to overcome that stigma. Mead Metals identified this industry-wide habit of providing lackluster customer service early on, and as a result, we have kept quality service a primary focus of our business. 

What Could Happen if Your Metal Vendor is Not Compliant

Posted by: Sandy Crawford on June 21, 2017

Whether your top concerns are related to quality or compliance, sourcing from a material vendor who's compliant with current standards and regulations is a must. Working with a company that verifies their certifications allows you to place your order knowing the materials you'll receive meet regulations. 

Why the Lowest Material Price isn't Always Better

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on June 14, 2017

Don't get me wrong, material price is important. We all have budgets to meet. But sourcing the lowest material price across the board and sourcing the lowest material price for your specific application are two very different things. When you have a project bound by quality requirements, sourcing at the lowest cost can drive costs up in other areas.