About Quick Text Searches

The current MatWeb Quick Search allows for simple text strings only. It cannot accept Boolean search terms (such as AND, OR, or NOT), single or double quotes ( ', " ), or wildcard characters ( * or % ). The quick text generally search handles these types of search terms for you, using the following methodology:

• MatWeb searches for an exact match first, in the Common Name field as well as the most relevant text fields (including Subcategory, Keywords, and Manufacturer but excluding Material Notes).
• If no results are returned, we then search in the Material Notes field for an exact match.
• MatWeb then searches for your search terms in various combinations, alternating between the most relevant fields and Material Notes:
  • each word ANDed together
  • each word ANDed together, using wildcard characters (finds partial matches; if you entered "alumin" this would match "alumina" and "aluminum")
  • each word ORed together
  • each word ORed together, using wildcard characters
• If any of the above searches are successful, you are presented with the results along with a "Broaden Search" button. This button will allow you to continue (broaden) your search to the next available search option, as if your original search returned no results.

Examples:

• "Chi Mei" and polymers will be modified to Chi Mei polymers
• poly ethylene returns 5 materials, while polyethylene returns over 1000
• nylon6 returns 2 materials, while nylon 6 returns over 1000
• metals returns 7 materials, while metal returns over 1000