2010 – 02 – The Definition of Properties

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Any given material will have its own specific characteristics and trait-based behaviors. When we speak about a material’s properties, we describe how the material responds to many different scenarios. A material’s properties are typically separated into its mechanical properties and physical properties. Mechanical properties detail how a material responds to attempts to break, bend, dent, twist, or scratch it. Physical properties detail the material’s weight, density, temperature response, and conductivity.

Manufacturers select materials based on how well their properties suit the tasks at hand, though sometimes choices can seem unclear. For example, one material may have some qualities that suit the task at hand, like strength, but may have other qualities that make it difficult to work with, like weight. When selecting a material, remember that there is no such thing as a “perfect” material – there’s just the material best suited for the job.