How to Choose Between The Different Types of Metal

More often than not, our customers have a pretty clear idea of what type of metal they need. But, that's not always the case. We don't expect our customers to be complete experts. If you're unsure about variables related to temper or which thickness range is appropriate, we can help. Similarly, we're able to help customers understand which tolerances and capabilities the mills offer. That's an area of expertise we own. However, before reaching out to a metal service center to determine these finer details, you should have a strong idea of what material is right for your project.

characteristics of EAch Metal

As you are deciding which material is right for your needs, here are some traits and common uses to be aware of when choosing between the different metal types. As you go through the list of each material, you should be able to narrow down which material is right for your needs.

Beryllium Copper

ASTM B194 | Alloy 172

Also known as: BeCu, Alloy 25, Copper Beryllium

Stainless Steel

ASTM A240/A666 | AISI 301 | AISI 302/304

Also known as: Tempered Stainless Steel

Phosphor Bronze

ASTM B103 | Alloy 510

Also known as: Phos Bronze

Brass

ASTM B36 | Alloy 260

Copper

ASTM B152 | Alloy 110

Also known as: Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP)

Cold Rolled Steel

ASTM A1008/A1010

Also known as: CRS, Mild Steel

Cold Rolled Strip Steel

ASTM A109

Also known as: Strip Steel, Cold Rolled Strip

Spring Steel

ASTM A684 | AISI 1050 | AISI 1074 | AISI 1075 | AISI 1095

Also known as: Annealed Spring Steel

Tempered Spring Steel

ASTM A684

Also known as: High Carbon Steel, Black Oil Tempered Spring Steel Strip (1075), Blue Clock Steel (1095)

What a Metal Buyer Needs to Know

At the very least, we're hoping any customer who calls Mead Metals knows the material type and alloy they need, along with whether they'll need it in coil or sheet. Having these factors determined before reaching out to a service center will make getting the material you need a much simpler process. 

Here's how Mead Metals will help get you the rest of the way...

Understand A Metal Buyer's Needs

First, we take the time to understand a customer's application and the needs that come along with it. Sometimes, customers need a material that matches their print exactly, and other times, they can use something close and still get the desired results. 

If you're not 100 percent sure which temper is right for your application, we can advise you on this based on the specifics of your application.

Know What You Don't Know

While we're confident in our approach to helping customers and selling metal products, there are times when the staff at Mead Metals simply doesn't have the expertise to get you the information you need. It could be because a customer doesn't have enough information to create a clear picture of their needs, or it could be a situation where the information a customer needs is data that can only come from tests performed during melting.

Regardless, instead of recommending or selling a metal product that might work, we know when a customer's needs are outside of what we're able to offer. In these situations, we're up-front about it and oftentimes able to steer customers in the right direction. At Mead Metals, we're experts in the areas where we serve our customers, and we always want customers to get the right metal material for their project, whether or not it's through us.