Why 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.
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.
Read MoreCopper Alloy 110 for Thermal Conductivity
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on February 7, 2019
Copper alloy 110 has the second highest electrical conductivity of all metals. If you’re wondering which metal is at the top, it’s silver. But, you won't see silver wiring in electrical applications. Besides being considerably more expensive, silver lacks copper's other desirable qualities - like ductility and malleability. So, for the majority of applications requiring electrical and thermal conductivity, copper is a popular option.
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Minnesota Business Partner Creates New Product
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on January 24, 2019
A Minnesota entrepreneur just launched a product he’s been working on for the last 35 years. Why am I talking about this here? Because that Minnesota entrepreneur worked with Mead Metals to source metal material for his product. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Instead, let’s take a moment to meet Tom McMullen and the ClipDifferent Pro.
Read MoreMead Metals Customer Feature: KMC Stampings
Posted by: Brian Rothstein on November 16, 2018
Back in 1998, KMC Stampings was looking for a company they could work with who would support their needs and help them with some of their more niche requests. Specifically, they were looking for a materials vendor that could supply them a variety of materials in small quantities. You see, their existing vendors dealt in large quantities and didn’t carry the variety of materials they were seeking. That was when they first learned about Mead Metals. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…
Read MoreA Look at Mead Metals' Full Inventory
Posted by: Mike Baufield on November 5, 2018
As an industry-leading metal supplier, maintaining adequate inventory is an essential component of meeting the needs of our customers. It is our coil and sheet metal inventory that allows us to maintain efficient turn times and provide our customers with accurate lead times.
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Mead Metals Customer Feature: Sons Tool Inc.
Posted by: Brian Rothstein on October 10, 2018
When it comes to smaller, niche metal service centers like we are at Mead Metals, every customer and every customer relationship is extremely valuable. We’re thankful anytime they’re willing to provide feedback or share their testimonial. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with a Purchasing Manager from one of our long-term customers and learn what he appreciates most about working with us.
Read MoreBrass vs. Phosphor Bronze
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on September 10, 2018
While no two metal alloys are the same, some do have similarities with each other. Understanding the differences between similar alloys is an important step in ensuring you get the best material type based on your application. Because both brass and phosphor bronze are alloys of copper, they share some similarities, but they have distinct differences too.
Read MoreRed Iron Range Hoods - A Mead Metals Success Story
Posted by: Brian Rothstein on August 16, 2018
One thing we haven’t had much of an opportunity to do on our blog is featuring our customers. Until now, that is. Today, we’re featuring Mike Route. Mike is a Wisconsin-based artist and award-winning blacksmith and owner/operator of Red Iron Studios. Among his custom and technical ironwork, Mike has found a unique and interesting application for copper sheet metal: custom range hoods. Let’s learn a little more about Mike and his work.
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How to Spot Quality Issues in Your Metal Product
Posted by: Chris Schwartz on July 19, 2018
While many variables can cause issues in metal materials, it's important to recognize and identify any issues that could affect your project. Today, I'll cover a few common quality issues seen in metal products and explain the best time to spot them.
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