A materials property database is then utilized to compare necessary properties and list all materials which seem possible for use in the application. Each material that passes this screening test is compared in regard to product performance, producibility, cost, and availability, and a selection is made based on these trade-offs and their importance to the design. Experiments are then performed to obtain critical material properties in the specific conditions prescribed. This last step is sometimes skipped, but certain applications need design data properties to be more accurate and cost effective. This materials selection process is largely interrelated to the design performance requirements and the processing method, which makes the design process a circular and compromising process that maximizes performance and feasibility while minimizing cost.
Many techniques are available for effective screening and selection of candidate materials.
It is a complex process because there are so many materials with many different properties to be compared. A systematic approach to the selection process is essential in order to avoid overlooking possible candidate materials and keep the information more manageable. There are several quantitative techniques that exist, and all can be used in computer-aided selection if desired. Cost per Unit Property is a method where the cost of the material to provide a certain requirement is compared. Strength is combined with density and selling price to produce the cost of buying 1 MNm-2 of tensile strength.