Posts by Brian Rothstein

What’s the Difference Between Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids?

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on February 6, 2023 | 11 min. read

There are 118 different elements on the periodic table, and each one is unique depending on its chemical properties. Elements are categorized into three main groups: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Let’s discuss each classification, their properties, and some real-world examples. 

Metal Compared - Tempered Spring Steel 1075 Vs 1095 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on December 2, 2022 | 2 min. read

At the end of the day, you want to source materials that suit your project's purpose. Sometimes the focus is on performance and endurance. In other applications, the final product's appearance may be more important than functionality.

Whatever your needs may be, know that Mead Metals will listen to the specifications of your project and help you secure the suitable material for your application. 

What are the Strongest Metals?

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on October 26, 2022 | 4 min. read

What is the strongest metal on earth? It may sound like a simple question, but the answer is quite complex because comparing metals based on strength doesn’t work as you'd think. Why?

For starters, there isn’t a universal scale for strength. At best, there are four. Keep reading to discover these four different types of strength as they relate to metallurgy. From there, you will gain better insight into metals leading the pack in terms of strength.

Red Iron Range Hoods - A Mead Metals Success Story

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on September 6, 2022 | 2 min. read

Since our start in 1961, Mead Metals has had the opportunity to work with a variety of skilled blacksmiths, business owners, and artisans. Today we would like to feature Mike Route — a Wisconsin–based artist, award-winning blacksmith, and the owner/operator of Red Iron Studio. Among his professional ironwork, Mike has found a unique application for copper sheet metal: custom range hoods. Let’s learn a bit more about Mike, his work, and how Mead Metals helped him get where he is today.

The Mead Metals Reject Policy

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on July 21, 2022 | 5 min. read

In addition to providing the highest quality materials for our customers, Mead Metals is committed to delivering exceptional customer service throughout every interaction. It’s one of the main reasons our company lives up to its ISO certification and remains one of the nation’s premier distributors of specialty metals.

How Market Volatility Affects Steel Prices and What That Means for Order Quantities

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on July 20, 2022 | 3 min. read

If you’ve paid any attention to the news over the past two years, you’ve noticed markets across many industries falling victim to volatility brought on by lagging production and increased demand. Many influences have caused this, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the potential recessions many countries are currently facing. 

Steel is no stranger to fluctuating market conditions, and many fear the possibility of a volatile steel market where demand and price plummet, leaving suppliers with large quantities of steel and nobody to purchase. Let’s look at what market volatility is, what it means to the steel industry, what some of the causes may be, and how it affects demand and price. 

How Much Lead Time Does a Metal Service Center Need?

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on July 12, 2022 | 2 min. read

Metal service centers provide an essential role within many industries, all of which seem to be working in a just-in-time environment. Knowing a material order's lead time and whether or not it’s a time you can rely on can make a world of difference, especially when a failure to meet deadlines can have a significant impact on your bottom line. So, let’s get back to the question: how much lead time does a metal supplier need? Like with many situations, the truest answer is also the least satisfying: it depends.

A Look at Mead Metals' Full Inventory

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on June 21, 2022 | 5 min. read

Since 1961, Mead Metals has taken pride in our ability to respond to customers’ requests quickly and consistently. Our superior inventory is one of the main reasons we can prioritize the success of our customers and their businesses. We also have experience and expertise in procurement and quality assurance, making us a trusted source for top-tier metal products. Whether your needs are large or small, Mead Metals is committed to helping you fulfill them with high-quality inventory and services.

What Sets Mead Metals Apart?

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on June 17, 2022 | 2 min. read

Since our start in 1961, Mead Metals has taken pride in our customer service, the quality of our materials, and our record of on-time delivery. We know that customer satisfaction is what keeps our business strong. It’s also what we believe in as part of the Midwestern culture we like to call “Minnesota Nice.” 

A Metal Supplier with On-Time Delivery, Every Time

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on June 14, 2022 | 2 min. read

When working with Mead Metals, you can rest assured knowing your order will arrive on time. Our company tracks how well we meet or exceed quoted lead times, and we’ve found our estimates to be accurate 99.98% of the time. So when you receive a quoted delivery date, you can be confident that your materials will arrive when expected.