EMS employee, the thermobimetal strip, is mentioned by name in the current season of HBO’s “The Last of Us”
Here at Engineered Materials Solutions (EMS), we prefer to avoid the spotlight. We feel much more comfortable behind the scenes.
You may never have heard of us, but we can assure you: you have used EMS’s distinctive clad metals countless times without realizing it.
At work, at home, in the car, on a plane – EMS clad metals can be found almost everywhere.
So you can imagine our surprise when our long-standing employee, the thermobimetal strip, was mentioned by name by none other than Pedro Pascal’s character Joel Miller in the HBO hit series “The Last of Us.”
And Joel is right: thermobimetal does indeed respond perfectly to temperature. It expands when heated or contracts, triggering simple yet repeatable mechanical responses that keep modern life running smoothly.
And apparently it is also quite useful during a fungal-induced apocalypse.
Where you have already encountered thermobimetal (without realizing it)
Thermobimetal is ubiquitous because it functions the same way every time.
The principle is simple: engineers select two or more perfectly matched metals in a precise ratio and specific thickness to create a strip that expands at one temperature and contracts at another.
The result is precision and control. When the bimetal reaches its set temperature, it moves to close or break a circuit.
Even in the most complex and smallest designs, the bimetal strip is reliable, durable, and precise.
Household appliances
When your kettle switches off precisely when the water reaches the perfect temperature for your second cup of tea (you made the first one 30 minutes ago but left it on the counter next to the kettle; it is still sitting there…), that is the work of thermobimetal.
Automotive industry
When your car, truck, or electric vehicle uses a network of sensitive switches not only to keep you moving but also to maintain optimal temperature in the engine and transmission, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, that is thermobimetal.
Temperature control
When your thermostat “pings” in the other room on Christmas morning and keeps the room at a perfect 22 degrees (we will not tell anyone, but honestly, that is a bit high), that is thermobimetal.
The serious side of thermobimetal
While the joke was fun, EMS thermobimetal is no gimmick.
Whenever temperature control applications are critical, engineers worldwide choose EMS clad metals because they are:
Simple to use – Our claddings are manufactured with specific use cases in mind, making them easy to integrate into existing designs to improve them or develop new, more efficient ones.
Highly reliable – Each strip is manufactured to consistent quality, ensuring your systems deliver the same performance even under the harshest conditions.
Dimensionally accurate – Tight tolerances and precise rolling ensure each strip fits exactly where it belongs – no surprises and no readjustments.
Individually controlled internal stress – Each batch is manufactured with a defined stress state, providing you with predictable bending and switching performance.
Reproducible – From the first small test batch to series production, you can trust that your results will remain consistent batch after batch.
Effective in real-world applications – This is not laboratory theory; our bimetal is already used worldwide in kettles, cars, circuit breakers, and control systems.
Available for testing – We know you want proof. We offer small quantities so your team can conduct testing, prototyping, and performance validation before series production.
When you choose EMS thermobimetal, you receive not only a reliable material but also over 100 years of experience in developing, innovating, and perfecting customized metal composite solutions.
A word from thermobimetal himself!
When asked about his apparent lack of interest in his sudden fame, thermobimetal is said to have replied: “Well, we basically invented the clad coins for the U.S. Mint in 1964, so I am used to being money,” before he took off, even though his shift still had several hours to go.
He may be quite full of himself, but we love having thermobimetal on the EMS team!
Would you like to work with thermobimetal?
Contact thermobimetal yourself!
Do you have a project that requires precise temperature control? We look forward to hearing from you. Let us know what you are working on – whether you are still in the concept phase, ready for a prototype, or taking the next step toward production: EMS can help you:
Email – solutions@emsclad.com
Whether you need bimetal, clad coins, or innovative custom solutions – EMS ensures (quietly and discreetly) that everything works better, longer, and smarter.
