The assessment and evaluation of property data for materials selection purposes

Abstract Special requirements of property data for materials selection are analysed. The need for information about usage, manufacturing and availability properties has been emphasised. To be able to handle a typical situation where large numbers of materials and properties are involved, it is suggested that simplifications are introduced concerning technological properties such as corrosion resistance, machinability etc. The representation of properties at different levels of precision is introduced. The lowest level would typically involve a simple rating from 0–5. At the higher levels precise values are given for individual environments or processes. Representation of properties in such a way that data for different materials are directly comparable for many properties has been proposed. It is also important that data of different accuracy are distinguished and a guideline for ranking of accuracy of data sources is given.