A Material represents a manufacturing input used to make or supply a product. It can describe a material grade, specifications, physical properties, handling information, and cost. It belongs to the manufacturing item family.
When to use it
- Use it for a material input such as an alloy used to make a housing.
- Use it when the grade, form, properties, or handling conditions need a managed reference.
Key information
- Material definition: material ID, grade, specifications, type, and category.
- Physical context: material form, density, dimensions, and weight.
- Use and storage: consumption method, shelf life, and storage condition.
Common relationships
- Material links an Item or Product to its material definition.
- Material Usage connects a Manufacturing Assembly or Manufacturing Component to a material it uses.
- Made From identifies the material from which a manufacturing assembly or component is made.
Working with this record
Describe the grade and intended use precisely. Check which engineering or manufacturing records reference the material before changing its definition. Treat storage and specification information as details to review for the application, rather than assuming one material name covers every condition.
Example
Aluminum Alloy Grade A is a Material used for Housing H-100. Its record describes the grade and specifications. The housing is the Mechanical Item; the alloy is the material input associated with that definition.
Choosing the right type
Choose Material for the manufacturing input. Choose Mechanical Item for the engineered part made from it. Use a Document for a material specification that needs its own managed information record.
