How to Change Material in SolidWorks?

To change materials in SOLIDWORKS, follow these detailed steps:

Accessing the Material Property

1. Open Your Part or Assembly: Launch SOLIDWORKS and either open an existing part or assembly file where you wish to change the material.
2. Locate the Design Tree: On the left side of the screen, find the FeatureManager design tree. This tree displays all components and features associated with your current project.

Modifying Material Properties

1. Select the Material Section: In the design tree, scroll to find the "Material" entry that represents the current material assigned to your part. This is typically located near the top of the hierarchy, under the part’s name.
2. Right-Click on Material: Perform a right-click (RMB) on the "Material" label. A context menu will appear with several options.

Editing the Material

1. Choose ‘Edit Material’: From the context menu, click on “Edit Material.” This action will open the Material Database dialog box.
2. Browse Material Options: In the Material Database, you will see various materials categorized by types or properties. You can either scroll through the list or use the search function to find a specific material.
3. Select Your Desired Material: Once you find the material you wish to apply, click on it to highlight, and then click the “Apply” button to assign that material to your part or assembly.
4. Click ‘OK’: After applying, confirm your selection by clicking "OK" to close the Material Database dialog.

Understanding Material Properties

1. Alter Material Properties if Necessary: If you need to change specific material properties (like density or mechanical properties), right-click on the material you just applied and select “Edit Material” again. Here, you can enter custom values in the provided fields.
2. Save Changes: After adjusting the properties, make sure to click “OK” to save any changes.

Viewing the Updated Material

1. Check Material in Design Tree: The updated material name should reflect in the FeatureManager design tree, confirming that the changes have been applied correctly.
2. Visualize Changes: Consider using the “RealView Graphics” feature for a more realistic render of how the material will appear in the final product.

Additional Tips

• Adding Custom Materials: If the existing materials do not meet your requirements, you can create a custom material by selecting the “New” option in the Material Database dialog, allowing you to set specific properties and save it into your material library.
• Importing Material Databases: SOLIDWORKS allows you to import additional material databases. If you have a third-party database, you can add it under the System Options menu.

FAQ

1. Can I change material properties for multiple parts at once?
Yes, you can select multiple parts in the assembly design tree, right-click on any selected material section, and choose “Edit Material.” This allows you to change the material properties for all selected parts simultaneously.

2. How can I see the physical properties of the material I’ve selected?
After selecting the material and clicking “Edit Material,” there will be a property table showing details like density, yield strength, and other material specifics. Be sure to review this information to ensure it meets your design criteria.

3. Is it possible to reset the material to the default settings after making changes?
Yes, you can reset the material of a part back to the default by right-clicking on the material entry in the design tree and selecting “Clear Material,” or by reselecting the default material from the Material Database.