Mead Metals Blog: Steel

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.    

What are the Different Grades of Steel?

Posted by: Mark Anderson on November 3, 2021 | 3 min. read

Most people think that steel is just a pre-set combination of iron and carbon, but did you know there are more than 3,500 different grades of steel? You can find a  steel’s grade by measuring the amount of carbon, the other alloys it contains, and the way the manufacturer processes it.

How is Cold Rolled 1008/1010 Steel Used in the Construction Industry?

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on September 20, 2021 | 3 min. read

If you were to make a list of all the metals used in construction applications, that list would get pretty long, pretty fast. Metals are a choice building material for those looking to create strong, long-lasting structures that are both durable and sustainable. And steel fits that bill perfectly.

What are the Strongest Metals?

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on November 19, 2019 | 3 min. read

What is the world’s strongest metal? This is one of those questions that sounds simple enough but is actually quite complex. When it comes to metal, making direct comparisons based on strength doesn’t work. Why? First of all, because there isn’t a single, universal scale for strength. At best, there are four. In today’s blog, I’m going to outline these four types of strength as they relate to metallurgy before giving some insights and comparisons of the metals leading the pack in terms of strength. Let’s get started. 

Why is Stainless Steel Not Magnetic?

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on October 24, 2019 | 2 min. read

Many of us have an immediate association when we think about stainless steel — anything from kitchen appliances, medical instruments, components for renewable energy technologies, and building construction may come to mind. When you really think about it, chances are you’ll find something made from stainless steel nearly everywhere you look. 

How is Cold Rolled Steel Used for Home Design and Decor?

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on October 8, 2019 | 2 min. read

When you think of steel, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? For a lot of people, their minds go to construction, where steel beams form the foundation of sky-high buildings. Others might first think of the automotive industry, where steel accounts for up to 60% of a vehicle’s total weight. The fact of the matter is steel, in some form or another, is around us much of the time. In our buildings, in our vehicles, and even in our home decor.

All About Steel: Cold Rolled vs. Cold Drawn vs. Hot Rolled

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on August 20, 2019 | 3 min. read

In the steel industry, you may have heard the terms “cold rolled,” “hot rolled,” and “cold drawn.” Understanding how these types of steel are processed, as well as proper applications for each type, is crucial in making sure you are getting the right material for your project. Buying the correct type of steel will save you both time and money, and ensure you are offering the best quality products to your customers.

What is the Difference Between Surgical Steel and Stainless Steel?

Posted by: Brian Rothstein on May 13, 2019 | 2 min. read

It’s not uncommon to wonder about the differences between different types of steel. At least, it’s not uncommon around here. In our industry, understanding the small, unique differences between different steel varieties is big business. After all, choosing the best material for a given application is an important step in any project. In the case of metal materials, the characteristics of different materials will show up when they are cut, bent, punch-pressed, and otherwise processed.

All You Need to Know About Steel Alloys

Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on March 25, 2019 | 3 min. read

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.