Mead Metals Blog: Metal Industry Information

How We Help Our Customers Figure Out What Metal They Need

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on February 28, 2022 | 5 min. read

More often than not, our customers have a pretty clear idea of what types of metal they need. But that's not always the case. Sometimes a customer comes to us asking, “What types of metal will I need for this project?” When we’re faced with that question, it always helps to start at the beginning.

Amazing and Surprising Benefits of Stainless Steel

Posted by: Mark Anderson on February 22, 2022 | 4 min. read

Stainless steel is one of the most widely used metals for construction materials. Due to its strength, versatility, and recyclability, stainless steel is the go-to metal choice for a variety of projects including architecture, landscaping, interior construction, and engineering.

In this article, we’ll discuss what stainless steel is used for, what it’s made of, types of stainless steel (focusing on the 300 and 400-grade series), and the many cost benefits when choosing your construction materials.    

How Do We Handle Metal That Doesn't Meet Our Quality Standards?

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on January 11, 2022 | 3 min. read

The quality of your materials often makes or breaks a project. You can’t afford to risk investing time and money in a steel and metal service center that sources from low-quality providers or skimps on quality control measures.

At Mead Metals, quality control and customer satisfaction are our driving purpose. We always prioritize trust and transparency when communicating with clients about our sourcing practices. So here’s an inside look at how we identify, correct, and handle “reject” materials before they have a chance to leave our warehouse.

A Guide to Copper Alloys: Brass vs. Phosphor Bronze

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on January 5, 2022 | 4 min. read

Copper has been valued by mankind for over 10,000 years. Its unique properties, malleability, ductility, and pleasing aesthetic appearance make it a top candidate for a wide variety of purposes. It also makes friends easily by forming to any number of useful alloys and binary compounds. 

Brass and phosphor bronze are two copper alloys that retain many of copper's valuable qualities while holding unique characteristics of their own. Collectively, copper, brass, and bronze are called the “Red Metals.” You may think of these three when picturing old candelabras, light fixtures, and statues. But due to their similarities, many people may find it difficult to tell these metals apart.

So what’s the difference between copper, brass, and phosphor bronze? The infographic below and the accompanying article will answer all the questions you have about the differences between these metals, what they are used for, and how to identify them.

What Metals Are Magnetic?

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on November 29, 2021 | 4 min. read

There are three elemental metals that are magnetic: 

• Iron
• Cobalt 
• Nickel 

What is the Difference: Tempering vs. Annealing?

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on November 16, 2021 | 3 min. read

Tempering and annealing are both methods of heat treating metal. The purpose of heat treating is to intentionally alter the physical (and chemical) properties of metal to get it ready for manufacturing. Heat treatments can affect many properties of a metal product, including strength, hardness, formability, ductility, malleability, and machinability.

What are ASTM Standards?

Posted by: Mark Anderson on September 9, 2021 | 2 min. read

In your experience in the metal industry, you’ve likely come across ASTM standard designations. You’ll find phrases like ASTM B194 for beryllium copper or ASTM B103 for phosphor bronze, but what are ASTM standards, exactly?

ASTM safety standards are crucial to ensure materials are high-quality, and performing exactly the way they’re supposed to in your facility. Below we’ll give you a quick review of what ASTM means, and why it should matter to you.

4 Questions to Ask Your Metal Supplier

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on June 29, 2021 | 3 min. read

When searching for and qualifying a new metal supplier, here are our responses to four of the most common questions.

Employees Will Help U.S. Become Number One Economy in the World

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on February 25, 2021 | 4 min. read

If you knew today that the U.S. economy would look stronger and better 10—or even 100—years from now, would you change the way you plan, forecast, and manage your day-to-day activities? How about your outlook and plans for 2021?

Our Biggest Bend Test: A Manufacturer’s Reflections on COVID-19

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on September 30, 2020 | 3 min. read

Whether you’re looking at the industrial level or the individual one, COVID-19 has made a lasting impact. At the beginning of 2020, nobody really knew what the impact would be, and to a degree we still don’t. Undoubtedly, the ways we live and work have changed. I believe every area of industry has a unique story to tell. Here’s an inside look at our experience as a specialty metal vendor located in St. Paul, MN.