• Name – Reference field containing the specific name of the material.

• Description – Reference field containing material descriptors.

• Material Type – Reference field containing the generic name of the material type.

• Unit Cost – Cost per mass of the unconverted raw plastic pellets.

• Max Draw Ratio – aPriori calculates the overall draw ratio based on the component’s geometry. The calculated draw ratio must not exceed the maximum draw ratio for the material shown in this field.

• Normal Forming Temp – The temperature at which the sheet is normally formed. A higher normal forming temperature requires additional time for heating and cooling the sheet, resulting in a higher cycle time and associated cost.

• Upper Forming Temp – A temperature at the upper end of the range at which the material can be formed.

• Lower Forming Temp – A temperature at the lower end of the range at which the material can be formed.

• Set Temp – The temperature at which the sheet is considered structurally stable for release from the mold. A higher set temperature means the sheet becomes stable more quickly, resulting in a lower cooling cycle time and associated cost.

• Density – Material density. More dense materials result in a greater mass per sheet and affect cost based on the material’s unit cost.

• Morphology – Reference field that affects average cooling thermal diffusivity. Crystalline material has a lower average thermal diffusivity than amorphous material, resulting in a higher cycle time and associated cost.

• Average Thermal Diffusivity – Measure of thermal inertia of a material. Material with a higher thermal diffusivity value conducts heat more quickly relative to its volumetric heat capacity, resulting in a lower cycle time and associated cost.