FAQ Series: What Can a Metal Slitting Machine Do? [VIDEO]
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on August 7, 2019
There are many factors you might consider when looking for a metal service center, including customer service, quality of materials, and secondary services. One helpful secondary service is metal slitting.
Read MoreWhat are the Different Grades of Steel
Posted by: Mike Baufield on July 25, 2019
Steel is a combination of iron and carbon, but did you know there are more than 3,500 different grades of steel? A steel’s grade is determined by the amount of carbon, what other alloys it contains, and the way it has been processed.
Read MoreWhy is Copper the #1 Choice for Electrical Connectors
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on July 9, 2019
For nearly 200 years, copper has been the material of choice for electrical connectors. Copper has been used in electrical wiring since the invention of the electromagnet and the telegraph in the early 1800s, and became even more widespread with the invention of the telephone in 1876. Today, copper electrical connectors are still used in telecommunications, as well as power generation, distribution, and transmission.
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What are ASTM Standards?
Posted by: Mark Anderson on June 18, 2019
In your experience in the metal industry, you’ve likely come across ASTM standard designations, such as ASTM B194 for beryllium copper or ASTM B103 for phosphor bronze, but did you ever wonder what the “ASTM” stands for? These ASTM standards are crucial to ensure materials are safe and high-quality, performing the way they’re supposed to in your facility and as part of your final product.
Read MoreHow is Brass Used in the Automotive Industry?
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on June 6, 2019
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and can have many different properties depending on the balance of these two materials. Additionally, brass can include other metals such as aluminum, lead, and arsenic, which will each create a different alloy with its own unique properties.
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between Surgical Steel and Stainless Steel?
Posted by: Mike Baufield on May 13, 2019
It’s not uncommon to wonder about the differences between different types of steel. At least, it’s not uncommon around here. In our industry, understanding the small, unique differences between different steel varieties is big business. After all, choosing the best material for a given application is an important step in any project. In the case of metal materials, the characteristics of different materials will show up when they are cut, bent, punch-pressed, and otherwise processed.
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5 Professional Organizations the President of Mead Metals is Involved With
Posted by: Sandy Crawford on April 25, 2019
There's no shortage of professional organizations around today—several times a month, I'm solicited for membership by at least one organization. It’s vital to pick which ones you want to be a part of. Being the president of a company means making difficult choices about where you put your time and effort, especially when it comes to professional organizations. Time and time again, the following organizations have shown value to Mead Metals.
Read MoreHow is Beryllium Copper Used in the Consumer Electronics and Telecommunications Industry?
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on April 9, 2019
Did you know consumer electronics and telecommunications account for nearly half of all beryllium copper (BeCu) alloy consumption? Without it, we wouldn’t be able to communicate and live the way we do. This material is crucial. This cluster of metals goes by many different terms: CuBe and Spring Copper. Beryllium, cobalt, nickel, iron, and lead all make the useful copper alloy — giving it a unique group of properties, such as being highly conductive.
Read MoreAll You Need to Know About Steel Alloys
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on March 25, 2019
If you’ve ever wondered what the most commonly used metal in the world is, you might be surprised (or unsurprised for that matter) to find out that it’s steel. Steel is strong and widely used. Many objects that you and I interact with on a regular basis are made of steel. Yet, with its popularity and applicability, many people are relatively unaware of steel’s various properties, intricacies, and uses. If that rings true for you, you'll likely find some interesting information in this post.
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2019 Metal Industry Forecast
Posted by: Brian Rothstein on March 12, 2019
Over recent years, the metal industry has seen a dramatic boom. With this increase, you may question where the industry is heading. Will demand continue to grow or is the bubble due to burst? Below is a look at the metal industry and where it’s expected to go in 2019 and beyond