Frequently Asked Questions
What is MatWeb?
How do I search the MatWeb database?
Do you sell the materials on MatWeb?
Do I have to register?
What are the advantages of registering?
Will I receive lots of emails if I register?
What are the differences between Registered and Premium Memberships?
How do I request that MatWeb add data on certain materials?
How can I promote my company’s materials on MatWeb?
Where does the information in MatWeb originate?
What can the MatWeb Team do for my company?
How did the MatWeb database get its start?
What is MatWeb?
MatWeb is a free searchable database of engineering materials designed by engineers for engineers. The database includes thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, metals and alloys, ceramics, wood, fibers, stone, lubricants, inorganic salts, and other engineering materials. A wide range of search and comparison tools are available to facilitate access to the data.
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Do you sell the materials on MatWeb?
We do not sell any of the materials in the database. Most data sheets have supplier listings that provide links to their respective suppliers...look for the "Click here to view all available suppliers for this material." link on the data sheet. Tell manufacturers that you saw their materials in MatWeb!
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Do I have to register?
MatWeb is freely available and does not require registration. The vast majority of our users have not found it necessary to register. However, advanced features are only available to our Registered and Premium users. Over 4000 people register with us each month to enjoy the advanced features.
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What are the advantages of registering?
MatWeb's Premium Services provide you with our most advanced search engine, side-by-side material comparisons, data download capabilities, and exciting new tools. Limited access to all these features is available to our Registered Members (free).
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Will I receive lots of emails if I register?
We will not sell your email address (or phone or postal mailing address); see our privacy policy. We do not bombard our email list members with excessive messages - an average list member receives fewer than 10 emails from us per year, although this number varies with their activity on MatWeb. This includes periodic updates on MatWeb features as well as occasional messages from advertisers who rent our list for their targeted messages. You may log into your account to opt out of these messages entirely. You can also read more about our email list rental from the advertiser's perspective.
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What are the differences between Registered and Premium Memberships?
A Premium Membership enables a user to download data in various FEA/CAD formats including SolidWorks (.sldmat) and ALGOR (.xml) format. Premium members also can use up to 10 criteria from the Advanced Search page, compare up to 20 data sheets side-by-side, and sort results based on property value. A full list of these features can be found here: Benefits
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How do I request that MatWeb add data on certain materials?
We don't charge manufacturers/suppliers/compounders to add their technical data to MatWeb because we want to be as current and comprehensive as possible. Your company would benefit by getting exposure for your products in the widely used MatWeb database. We also welcome suggestions from users. Details on how to add materials can be found here: Add or Update Material Data
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How can I promote my company’s materials on MatWeb?
Advertise with MatWeb and benefit from:
- Targeted Demographics - Over 25,000 Users per Day
- Costs Commensurate with Exposure
- Contact Us for Specific Suggestions
Learn more about marketing opportunities on MatWeb by
online advertising to the materials community.
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Where does the information in MatWeb originate?
About 90% of the data sheets in MatWeb originate from testing by the manufacturers. Other data has been taken from handbooks, professional societies, and compilations/relationships by the MatWeb staff. Details of non-manufacturer references are available via a link to the reference(s) on the bottom left of the data sheet.
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What can the MatWeb Team do for my company?
In addition to providing the most comprehensive source of material data on the web, we would also like to become your company’s most valued technology partner. We have been in the business of web and database design for many years and we understand the materials industry. Our online product selectors have been licensed to improve clients web sites since 1998.
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How did the MatWeb database get its start?
The MatWeb database was started by a group of engineers who were excited about having a comprehensive database with material properties at their fingertips, so that they could avoid searching through volumes of technical articles and books or waiting for faxes or phone calls to be returned. This small group of engineers has grown to Automation Creations. MatWeb, LLC was spun off from Automation Creations in 2011.
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