The Complete Guide to Specialty Metals and Their Applications

Finding the right metal for your specific application can be challenging. With so many options available, each with unique properties and performance characteristics, how do you determine which specialty metal best meets your project requirements?

At Mead Metals, we've been supplying precision specialty metals to manufacturers and fabricators across diverse industries for over 60 years. Our expertise in specialty metals has helped countless customers find the perfect material for their applications.

This comprehensive guide explores the most commonly used specialty metals, their unique properties, and practical applications across various industries. Whether you're designing electronic components, manufacturing medical devices, or creating consumer products, understanding these metals' capabilities will help you make informed material selection decisions.

Specialty metals are high-performance materials engineered to deliver specific characteristics and superior performance in targeted applications. Unlike common structural metals, specialty metals are selected for their unique combination of properties — whether it's exceptional conductivity, remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, precise spring characteristics, or superior corrosion resistance.

These metals are often:

• Produced to tighter chemical composition specifications
• Manufactured with precise dimensional tolerances
• Processed to achieve specific mechanical properties
• Selected for specialized performance in demanding applications
• Critical in industries where standard materials would fail

Specialty metals represent the intersection of metallurgical science and precision engineering, enabling innovations across countless industries — from medical devices that save lives to electronics that power our modern world.

Overview

A109 Cold-Rolled Strip Steel is known for its uniform thickness, smooth surface finish, and tight tolerances. It’s an excellent choice for manufacturers requiring precision in stamped or formed parts.

Properties and Characteristics

A109 Cold-Rolled Strip Steel is a commercial-quality, low-carbon steel known for its:

• Excellent formability and drawability
• Consistent surface finish
• Good weldability
• Cost-effectiveness
• Dimensional precision

Common Applications for A109 Cold-Rolled Steel

• Automotive Components: Brackets, clips, and small structural parts
• Appliance Parts: Internal components, brackets, and housings
• Electronic Enclosures: Chassis and protective casings
• HVAC Equipment: Ductwork, brackets, and fastening systems
• Metal Furniture: Support components and decorative elements
• Shelving and Storage Solutions: Structural components and reinforcements

Industries That Utilize A109 Cold-Rolled Steel

• Automotive manufacturing
• Appliance production
• Construction
• General fabrication
• Consumer goods

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Cold Rolled Steel.

Need to purchase Cold Rolled Steel? Get a Quick Quote.

Overview

Annealed spring steel is heat-treated to improve ductility and make it easier to form or machine. It’s a versatile material used when strength and flexibility are required.

Properties and Characteristics

Annealed Spring Steel offers:

• High formability in the annealed state
• Excellent tensile strength when properly heat-treated after forming
• Good fatigue resistance
• Ability to retain shape after significant deformation
• Superior elasticity when hardened

Common Applications for Annealed Spring Steel

• Precision Springs: For machinery, automotive applications, and consumer products
• Clips and Fasteners: Where repeated flexing is required
• Electrical Contacts: In switches and connectors
• Medical Instruments: Surgical tools and diagnostic equipment
• Automotive Components: Suspension parts and specialized mechanisms
• Consumer Electronics: Internal components requiring flexibility and durability

Industries That Utilize Annealed Spring Steel

• Medical device manufacturing
• Automotive engineering
• Consumer electronics
• Industrial equipment
• Aerospace applications

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Spring Steel.

Need to purchase Annealed Spring Steel? Get a Quick Quote.

Overview

Beryllium copper (BeCu) combines high strength with excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance. It’s often used in environments where reliability and precision are paramount.

Properties and Characteristics

Beryllium Copper combines:

• Exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity
• High strength (highest of any copper alloy)
• Non-sparking properties
• Excellent fatigue resistance
• Good corrosion resistance
• Non-magnetic capabilities

Common Applications for Beryllium Copper

• Electrical Connectors: High-performance connectors for telecommunications and computing
• Springs and Switches: Where consistent performance in demanding environments is required
• Non-Sparking Tools: For use in explosive environments
• Medical Devices: Surgical instruments and implantable devices
• Aerospace Components: Critical parts requiring high reliability
• Plastic Mold Tooling: Inserts for improved thermal management
• Musical Instruments: Percussion instruments and components

Industries That Utilize Beryllium Copper

• Telecommunications
• Medical technology
• Aerospace
• Oil and gas
• Defense
• Plastic molding
• Musical instrument manufacturing

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Beryllium Copper.

Need to purchase Beryllium Copper? Get a Quick Quote.

Overview

Brass is a copper-zinc alloy valued for its malleability, corrosion resistance, and attractive finish. Its acoustic properties also make it ideal for musical instruments.

Properties and Characteristics

Brass offers:

• Excellent malleability and formability
• Good electrical and thermal conductivity
• Attractive gold-like appearance
• Natural antimicrobial properties
• Corrosion resistance
• Good acoustic properties

Common Applications for Brass

• Plumbing Fixtures: Faucets, valves, and fittings
• Decorative Hardware: Door handles, hinges, and cabinet pulls
• Musical Instruments: Brass instruments, components for string and percussion instruments
• Electrical Components: Terminals, connectors, and sockets
• Marine Hardware: Fittings, propellers, and navigational equipment
• Ammunition Casings: For firearms applications
• Architectural Elements: Decorative trim, railings, and accent pieces

Industries That Utilize Brass

• Plumbing and construction
• Musical instrument manufacturing
• Marine engineering
• Electrical manufacturing
• Firearms and defense
• Architecture and interior design
• Jewelry and decorative arts

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Brass.

Need to purchase Brass? Get a Quick Quote.

Overview

Cold-Rolled 1008/1010 Steel is low-carbon steel with excellent surface quality and formability. It’s commonly used for deep-drawn or stamped parts.

Properties and Characteristics

Cold-Rolled 1008/1010 Steel features:

• Excellent formability and drawability
• Smooth, clean surface finish
• Tight dimensional tolerances
• Good weldability
• Moderate strength
• Cost-effectiveness

Common Applications for Cold-Rolled 1008/1010 Steel

• Automotive Body Parts: Panels, brackets, and structural components
• Appliance Housings: Frames and enclosures
• Office Equipment: Filing cabinets, desk components, and furniture
• Electrical Enclosures: Junction boxes and control panels
• HVAC Components: Ductwork and supports
• Metal Stampings: For various consumer and industrial products
• Construction Hardware: Fasteners, brackets, and reinforcements

Industries That Utilize Cold-Rolled 1008/1010 Steel

• Automotive manufacturing
• Appliance production
• Office furniture
• Construction
• HVAC systems
• General metal fabrication

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Cold Rolled Steel.

Need to purchase Cold-Rolled 1008/1010 Steel? Get a Quick Quote.

Overview

Copper is a highly conductive and corrosion-resistant metal widely used in electrical and thermal applications. Its antimicrobial properties also make it valuable in medical and sanitary environments.

Properties and Characteristics

Copper provides:

• Superior electrical conductivity
• Excellent thermal conductivity
• Good corrosion resistance
• Antimicrobial properties
• High ductility and malleability
• Attractive appearance
• Recyclability

Common Applications for Copper

• Electrical Wiring: Residential, commercial, and industrial
• Plumbing Systems: Pipes, tubes, and fittings
• Heat Exchangers: Radiators, condensers, and cooling systems
• Renewable Energy Systems: Solar panels and wind turbine components
• Electronics: Circuit boards, connectors, and semiconductors
• Antimicrobial Surfaces: For healthcare and public spaces
• Architectural Elements: Roofing, gutters, and decorative features

Industries That Utilize Copper

• Electrical engineering
• Plumbing and construction
• HVAC and refrigeration
• Renewable energy
• Electronics manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Architecture and design

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Copper.

Need to purchase Copper? Get a Quick Quote.

Overview

Phosphor bronze is a copper alloy containing tin and phosphorus, prized for its strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance.

Properties and Characteristics

Phosphor Bronze combines:

• Excellent spring properties
• High fatigue resistance
• Good electrical conductivity
• Superior corrosion resistance
• Low friction characteristics
• Wear resistance
• Good formability

Common Applications for Phosphor Bronze

• Electrical Contacts: In switches, relays, and connectors
• Precision Springs: For electrical and electronic equipment
• Musical Instrument Strings: Guitar, piano, and other string instruments
• Bearings and Bushings: For machinery with heavy loads
• Marine Hardware: Propellers, shafts, and underwater components
• Fasteners: For corrosive environments
• Welding and Brazing Rods: For joining dissimilar metals

Industries That Utilize Phosphor Bronze

• Electronics manufacturing
• Telecommunications
• Musical instrument production
• Marine engineering
• Industrial machinery
• Chemical processing
• Oil and gas

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Phosphor Bronze.

Need to purchase Phosphor Bronze? Get a Quick Quote.

Overview

Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, durability, and strength. Mead Metals supplies multiple grades, making it suitable for everything from industrial to medical use. 

Properties and Characteristics

Stainless Steel offers:

• Exceptional corrosion resistance
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Excellent heat resistance
• Good formability (depending on grade)
• Aesthetic appearance
• Hygienic properties
• Sustainability and recyclability

Common Applications for Stainless Steel

• Food Processing Equipment: Commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
• Medical Devices: Surgical instruments and implantable devices
• Architectural Features: Facades, railings, and decorative elements
• Automotive Components: Exhaust systems, trim, and structural parts
• Chemical Processing Equipment: Tanks, pipes, and valves
• Appliances: Refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines
• Aerospace Parts: Fasteners, brackets, and specialized components

Industries That Utilize Stainless Steel

• Food and beverage
• Medical and pharmaceutical
• Architecture and construction
• Automotive manufacturing
• Chemical processing
• Consumer appliances
• Aerospace

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Stainless Steel.

Need to purchase Stainless Steel? Get a Quick Quote.

Overview

Tempered spring steel is heat-treated to achieve high strength and durability while maintaining flexibility. It’s frequently used in applications requiring repeated flexing.

Properties and Characteristics

Tempered Spring Steel provides:

• High yield strength
• Excellent elasticity
• Superior fatigue resistance
• Good tensile strength
• Ability to withstand repeated stress
• Dimensional stability
• Wear resistance

Common Applications for Tempered Spring Steel

• High-Performance Springs: For demanding industrial applications
• Automotive Suspension Components: Leaf springs, coil springs, and stabilizers
• Power Tools: Internal components requiring high durability
• Agricultural Equipment: Cultivator tines and specialized components
• Electrical Switches: Where consistent performance is required
• Industrial Machinery: Critical components in manufacturing equipment
• Transportation Systems: Railway components and heavy vehicle parts

Industries That Utilize Tempered Spring Steel

• Automotive engineering
• Industrial manufacturing
• Power tool production
• Agricultural equipment
• Electrical systems
• Heavy machinery
• Transportation

Want to learn more? Check out Common Uses for Spring Steel.

Need to purchase Tempered Spring Steel? Get a Quick Quote.

Selecting the right specialty metal can make the difference between a project that lasts and one that falls short. Whether you’re sourcing copper for electrical systems, stainless steel for medical equipment, or spring steel for industrial applications, consider these key factors:

At Mead Metals, we understand that standard material specifications don't always meet specialized application requirements. Our team offers:

• Custom Specifications: We can provide materials with precise chemical compositions and mechanical properties tailored to your application.
• Specialty Processing: Our capabilities include precision slitting, custom tempering, and specialized surface treatments to meet your exact requirements.
• Material Expertise: Our metallurgists and technical specialists can help you select the ideal material for your application, considering all performance, manufacturing, and economic factors.
• Quality Assurance: All materials undergo rigorous testing and certification to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards and your specific requirements.
• Just-in-Time Delivery: Our inventory management and delivery systems ensure you get the materials you need when you need them, minimizing your inventory costs.

Contact our team today to discuss your specialty metal requirements and discover how Mead Metals can provide the perfect material solution for your application.