How to Use the SOLIDWORKS Material Library

The SOLIDWORKS material library lets you assign material properties to parts and bodies. Materials affect mass properties, section properties, appearances, simulation inputs, and drawing information. Using the library consistently helps models communicate both geometry and real-world material intent.

Apply a material to a part

In a part file, right-click Material in the FeatureManager tree and choose Edit Material. Select the material category and specific material, then apply it to the part. The selected material can update density, appearance, and other properties.

After applying the material, check that it appears in the FeatureManager tree. This quick check helps confirm that the part has a real material assignment rather than only a visual appearance.

Use materials in assemblies

In an assembly, each component usually carries its own material from the part file. If mass properties look wrong, open the part and check whether the material is assigned correctly. Assembly mass calculations depend on the part materials and densities.

For multi-body parts, confirm whether each body should share the same material or have body-specific material assignments. This matters for weldments, molded inserts, and simplified assemblies.

Check mass properties

After assigning material, use Mass Properties to confirm weight, center of mass, and related values. This is especially important for designs where material choice affects handling, cost, strength, or balance.

If the mass looks unrealistic, check units, density, suppressed bodies, and whether the correct configuration is active. A material assignment is only useful if the model state is also correct.

Configurations can make this more complicated. If one configuration suppresses bodies or uses a different material, check the mass properties in the exact configuration that will appear on the drawing or BOM.

Material appearance vs material properties

Changing an appearance is not the same as assigning a material. Appearance changes how the model looks. Material changes physical properties such as density and may also set a default appearance. Make sure the part has the correct material, not only the correct color.

Create or use custom materials

If the library does not contain the material you need, a custom material can be created in a custom library. Use reliable property data for density, elastic modulus, yield strength, and other values if the material will be used for calculations or simulation.

Do not edit the default library casually. A separate custom library is easier to back up, share, and maintain without overwriting standard SOLIDWORKS data.

For company or project standards, keep custom materials named clearly and avoid near-duplicate entries. Two materials with similar names but different density values can lead to confusing mass, costing, or simulation results.

Troubleshooting

If mass is wrong, check density and unit settings. If drawings do not show material correctly, check custom properties and drawing notes. If a custom material is missing on another computer, confirm that the custom material library is available in the SOLIDWORKS file locations.

Use the material library as part of the design data, not just a visual setting. Correct material assignment makes models more useful for drawings, BOMs, simulation, and engineering review.

Before sending a model to another user, confirm they can access any custom material library if the material definition matters. Otherwise, document the material in drawings or custom properties.

If a material must be traceable, include the grade, standard, temper, or supplier-specific designation in the model properties or drawing notes. That makes the material choice clearer than relying on the library name alone.