Material Selection

The task of design engineers and product developers is to select the right material selection for the components in a technical system, as there is no one material available which can be used universally.

The following criteria play a decisive role in material selection:

• Safety (strength characteristics)
• Specific gravity (weight expenditure)
• Price
• Availability
• Workability (castable, hot or cold forming properties, machinable, weldable)
• Hardness and hardenability
• Elongation and toughness
• Damping capability
• Corrosion resistance
• Surface condition and treatment
• Behavior at high and low temperatures
• Resistance to ageing

The optimum material constitutes a compromise between the requirements and possibilities of the various area:

• Development and design(use characteristics)
• Production (production characteristics)
• Material and Business Administration (costs)
• Planning and scheduling (dates).