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Disclaimer: The instructions provided in this guide are specifically for SOLIDWORKS Desktop. Please note that procedures and features may differ for SOLIDWORKS Connected (3DExperience). For accurate guidance on those platforms, refer to their respective documentation and support resources. 

How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is installed with a default material library of commonly used materials categorized by standard and type. Each material contains detailed material properties, e.g., tensile and yield strength, mass density, thermal expansion coefficient, and many more. 

 

SOLIDWORKS has also made it easy for users to create custom materials to store in their own custom material library by starting from scratch or by copying and pasting an existing material to modify its’ material properties. 

Create a New Custom Material

With a SOLIDWORKS part file open, right-click the Material feature in the FeatureManager Design Tree and then select Edit Material. At the bottom of the material category list is the blue Custom Materials folder. 

How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS

Right-click the Custom Materials folder and then select New Category. 

How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS

Apply a name to the new category folder. For this example, the new category is named Custom Metals. Right-click the new category and then select New Material.  

How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS

Apply a name to the new material. For this example, the new material is named Custom Tool Steel. Modify the material’s Properties to fit the new material.  

How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS

You can also apply custom appearances, crosshatches, and even add the new material to the favorites list. 

How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS

Click Save. The new material is now ready to be applied to SOLIDWORKS parts. 

Copying/Pasting an Existing Material to Modify

If you will be working with a material which is similar to an existing SOLIDWORKS material, then you can simply copy the existing material and paste it to the custom material folder and then rename and modify the material properties. 

 

The example below shows copying existing SOLIDWORKS material ABS from the Plastics folder, pasting it to a newly created Custom Plastics folder, renaming it to ABS – 3D Printed, and finally modifying the material properties. 

How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS
How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS
How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS

The copied material is now ready to be applied to SOLIDWORKS parts. 

Material Library File Location

Custom material files (.sldmat) are stored in SOLIDWORKS default file locations. If you are creating new or modifying existing materials to fit your needs, we highly recommend storing the Custom Material library to a customized location. This recommendation will help avoid losing the customized material library if your computer fails. You can also then share the file location with other SOLIDWORKS users to access the same customized materials. 

 

Material file locations can be updated in Tools > Options > System Options tab > File Locations, and then selecting Material Databases from the dropdown menu. Note, ProgramData is a hidden folder by default. You may need to adjust your Windows File Explorer view settings to make this folder visible. 

How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS
How to Create a Custom Material in SOLIDWORKS

You can also watch a short video on this topic here. 

Technical Support

Get help from our team by Calling us at 800-364-1652 x 2. You can also get assistance by clicking the Technical Support button or the Email Our Experts button below. 

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Last Updated On
byRick Braine
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