Before Adding a New Material

Before adding a new material to SpoolFab, first check that the material is not already present, perhaps not under the category expected. One way to do this check is to select Edit, Master Files, Copy Mat’ls, then paste into Excel.

Use Format, AutoFit Column Width to display the full contents of each cell, then search for a distinctive part of the material description. For example, if you need to use A333-Gr.6, press Ctrl-F and in the search box enter just A333. Then inspect the entries found –perhaps it has been called “A333-G6” or “A333-Grade 6” etc. If you find your material is already present, the Excel column letter will correspond to the SpoolFab category you need to use, which is F in this case.

To Add a New Material

Decide which category letter is appropriate for the new material. Make sure the corresponding weight factor (density relative to carbon steel) is appropriate for the new material, as per the screenshot below.

Let’s say you decide to use category F-Low Temp Carbon Steel. Display the above window by selecting Edit, Master Files, Material Categories. Put the focus on row F, then select Utilities, Edit Materials for Low Temp Carbon Steel. The materials in category F are then displayed as shown overleaf.

‍Edit an Existing Material Description

To edit an existing description put the focus on the appropriate row and select Edit, Edit Description. Don’t make the description too long or it may overflow the available space on the Bill of Materials, especially if a wordy modifier such as “PTFE Lined” applies. Don’t include in the description anything that should be in the modifier, such as “Y/Jkt” or “SMLS”. Bear in mind that you are changing how that material is described on any existing drawings that reference it. <cf>

Adding a New Material

‍If you are sure you need to add a new material, click Show Unused Rows. You may need to drag down the bottom of the window to display additional rows. Put the focus on an unused row such as row H as shown below. Press the spacebar to make X appear in the In Use? Column. Select Edit, Edit Description and enter the new material description. Keep the description short.

Click OK to save your changes. <cf>‍

Material Modifiers

The third letter of the material code represents the modifier. To review the available modifiers, select Edit, Material Seams. The default settings are shown below.

You can add your own modifiers, but it is suggested you not add any until you actually need them. Because changing a modifier affects existing drawings that use it, it is far harder to dispense with a modifier than it is to add one.