In direct integration mode with Pro/ENGINEER, if the composition selection mode is MCAD, aPriori selects the MCAD composition from the part, if available. Otherwise aPriori selects the VPE default material (Steel, CR-1020).

In CAD-independent mode, aPriori selects the VPE default material (Steel, CR-1020).

In both direct integration and CAD-independent mode, you can use aPriori’s selection or else manually select a material composition and override the material unit cost. To manually specify a material, select Edit > Material Selection in the Manufacturing Process pane (see also Selecting material in Manufacturing Process Information). You can override the unit cost if desired.

Material Stock can be selected from a list of common stock sizes or from virtual stock. Actual stock can be automatically or manually selected. Material cost is based on the cost per kilogram of a material as indicated in the Material Selection dialog. If a stock size is available and selected, the cost per kilogram will reflect the stock’s material rate.

If a part’s dimensions do not match an available material stock, aPriori creates virtual stock. The virtual stock is either a 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of stock or, if the smallest enclosing rectangle of the part is larger than 4 feet by 8 feet, a sheet is the size of the smallest enclosing rectangle.

The user can override the unit cost if desired. aPriori chooses to use actual or virtual stock based on the part thickness.