SOLIDWORKS has introduced some extra flexibility when it comes to transferring material properties of inserted parts into another part file. Previous versions of SOLIDWORKS offered one option: Insert > Part > Transfer> Material. In SOLIDWORKS 2021 this option has been updated to specify Body Material and Part material.
This may seem like a minimal change but it packs a powerful punch when used correctly.
So, what is the difference between Body Material and Part Material?
Part Material is defined by setting the Material inside the Feature Manager Design Tree by Right-clicking on Material> Edit Material > Choose your material > Apply.
Body Material is specified separately from the Part Material by allowing you to select individual bodies within your model. Body Material overrides the specified Part Material.
To set the Body Material go to the Feature Manager Design Tree and find your Solid Bodies folder > Right-click the body> Material > Edit material > Choose your material> Apply
In the Feature Manager Design Tree below, we have a part material, which asks on a global level, and the individual body material, acting on a local level.
Now that we understand what each transfer option is referring to we can dive into the functionality of this update.
There are 4 possible material outcomes.
1.) Not Choosing Either Option
Part Material or Body Material, to transfer: This means that the inserted part file it will adopt the material that has been specified in the host environment. The Feature Manager Design Tree below shows our two inserted solid bodies with no applied material only the part material specified in the host environment.
2.) Choosing Part Material only
This option transfers the material specified at the part level and will change the part material of the environment it is entering. You will also receive the following message from SOLIDWORKS.
3.) Choosing Body Material only
This option transfers body material properties but If you have a part material assigned to this part file, then it will adopt the material properties of the file it is being inserted into.
4.)Choosing both Body and Part Material
This is a combination of options 2 and 3. You will keep the material properties of your solid bodies but also change the part material of the host environment.
I hope this part of the What’s New series gives you a better understanding of the new features and functions of SOLIDWORKS 2021.