Mead Metals Blog: Metal Services

Stainless Steel vs. Carbon Steel: What’s the Difference?

Posted by: Mark Anderson on January 27, 2023 | 10 min. read

Different Types of Steel

Steel is the most common metal in the world, making it a versatile material for construction, manufacturing, and many other applications. It is a ferrous alloy composed of approximately 99% iron and 1% carbon. The four types of steel are alloy steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, and tool steel — with stainless and carbon being the most used by volume.

What Is Annealing in Metal?

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on January 16, 2023 | 3 min. read

As anyone in the metal industry will tell you, not all metals are created equal. But that’s because metals are made differently depending on their unique uses. For example, tempering and annealing are methods of heat-treating metal, but both have their differences when it comes to the desired outcome. 

For the purposes of this article, let's focus on the definition of annealed metal, the process for annealing metal, and how it's used.

How Long Does Copper Last Outside?

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on August 31, 2022 | 2 min. read

As many of us in the industry know, Copper (CU) tends to be one of the most sought-after metals for outdoor use. Copper’s properties make it durable and highly resistant to corrosion and weather, allowing it to stand the test of time for hundreds to thousands of years. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why many manufacturers, architects, and construction professionals rely on copper for outdoor applications.

Tempering Steel

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

Did you know that tempered steel has been around for centuries? In feudal Japan, bladesmiths would make weapons using tempered metal. They would often place clay around parts of a steel sword, stick it into a furnace and then quench the blade in water.

Although the product may look a little different today, tempered steel is just one of the many heat-treated materials offered here at Mead Metals. To truly comprehend tempered steel, it’s important to understand the benefits of heating steel as a method of strengthening metal.

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.

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.

How to Choose Between The Different Types of Metal

Posted by: Mark Anderson on May 24, 2021 | 7 min. read

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.

Mead Metals Customer Feature: Engel Diversified Industries

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on January 12, 2021 | 2 min. read

The customer relationships that stand the test of time have so much to teach us. Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to someone who’s worked with Mead Metals to source material for over 28 years—as long as they’ve been with the company. Below, I’ve shared some highlights from this conversation with the VP of Sales and Marketing at Engel Diversified Industries. 

Why Edge Rolling and Conditioning Matter

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on October 12, 2020 | 3 min. read

Nobody, and I mean nobody, wants to get caught on a raw or ragged edge of metal. For all of its uses and applications, metal requires care during handling. After it's cut or sheared, metal material can be left with sharp, uneven edges. These edges can easily scratch or cut handlers, and it can also be difficult to feed through machines for processing. Edge rolling and conditioning effectively eliminates these issues. 

What Secondary Services Can I Get with My Metal Materials?

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on May 18, 2020 | 2 min. read

When you’re in the market for metal material the first thing you need to find is a supplier who carries — or is able to source — the type of metal you need. Next, it’s about quantity. Some vendors only deal in larger quantities, making it difficult to source smaller volumes, like five or fifteen pounds. Once you’ve found the material type and the quantity, the next consideration is whether you need sheet or coil and what lengths and widths of materials you require.