The material names and property sets are stored in an external file, material.mtl, located in the Solid Edge ST5 Program folder.

You can create one local material name and property set for a document. This can be useful when you need a variation of a common material, such as when using steel or aluminum structural shapes. Type the new name you want in the Material Name box, then click Apply To Model. The material is then applied to only the current part, and the material.mtl file, located in the Solid Edge ST5 Program folder, is not updated.

When you select a material from the list, the material and mechanical properties for the material such as face style, fill style, density, coefficient of thermal expansion, and so forth are assigned to the part.

The material and mechanical properties are maintained when you place the part in an assembly, render the assembly, create a parts list on a drawing, define a bill of materials, and so forth.