on October 21, 2021 | 3 min. read
If you think you can go to two different metal service centers and get the same value-add services, you’d be mistaken. Depending on the equipment, capabilities, and general know-how of the center you work with, these locations could offer entirely different services than other metal service centers nearby.
When you’re hoping to work with a metal service center, it’s important to do your research. And if you’re looking for a great place to start, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of the common value-add services that metal service centers have to offer.
What is a Metal Service Center?
A metal service center generally manages metal material for smaller companies without large amounts of storage space. Most often, the service center buys in bulk from the manufacturer and resells to smaller businesses when they need it.
But what is a metal service center’s benefit to larger businesses? That’s where value-add services come into play. Larger companies outsource to metal service centers so they won’t need to buy bulky equipment. By managing this value-add equipment and keeping metal service center institute professionals around, these centers can treat metal for companies to use however they need.
Leveling/Cut-to-Length/Blanking
Leveling is the process of unrolling metal coils and cutting them into flat sheets. For the most part, a metal service center will cut material beforehand, and shape them into standard stock lengths like 96" or 120”.
The capabilities of leveling or cut-to-length lines can vary. In some cases, leveling can correct material memory by running coil through sets of rollers. In other cases, service centers will stretch the material before cutting. Regardless of how they process the coils, make sure to let them know what you’re using the material for so they can help you find the best shape or product for your unique application.
Blanks, on the other hand, are smaller sheets of metal, meaning they’re much easier to handle. When you have a nonstandard size request, some service centers have the equipment to size a custom flat product that will add value to your process. Between the minimal excess scrap, the tight diagonal tolerance, and the lower stress levels than with full-sized sheets, blanks are often a valuable alternative.
Slitting
Slitting involves modifying the width of material in coil form. So while leveling has to do with material length, slitting impacts the material’s width. Metal service centers use custom machinery to slit material into the proper width for future processing. By slitting, these centers can:
- Create consistent product
- Provide tight metal tolerances
- Reduce waste/scrap
Having metal service centers slit your material to the width you need can be a huge timesaver for your project and make the process easier.
Edge Rolling/Edge Conditioning
Edge rolling and conditioning services give coil and strip a cleaner edge. Sharp edges and edge imperfections can happen when cutting metal. But when service centers go the extra mile to give metal products a cleaner edge, you get a more consistent product, which is easier to process and manufacture. A radiused edge also makes material safer to handle.
The Value of Value-Add Services
At Mead Metals, we not only provide value-add services, but our employees have the industry knowledge and all-around expertise to execute these services to the highest standards.
Our niche is high-quality, specialty metals available in both large and small quantities. And with our top-notch value-add services, we give our customers the materials they need, with the specs they need them to be, at a much faster rate.
Contact us today to get a free quote on our unmatched value-add services.