Problem

When using "Import Data from Model" in SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation 2023 SP0 to 2024 SP4, custom materials not derived from SOLIDWORKS Materials won't be detected or imported due to missing material ID properties. This issue is documented in bug report BR10000375675. This article explains how to reproduce and fix the problem. The bug is resolved in 2024 SP5.

The issue can be reproduced with the steps below in SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation 2023 SP0 to 2024 SP4:

1. Create a custom material and apply it to one of your bodies. 
2. Create a flow study with conduction enabled
3. Right-click the solid materials folder and click "Import Data From Model"
4. The scan for materials will not include any custom materials. The expected result is to see these materials and import them into the study and the Engineering Database. 

Solution 1: Upgrade SOLIDWORKS

The bug BR10000375675 for this issue is fixed starting in SOLIDWORKS 2024 SP5. Upgrade to SOLIDWORKS 2024 SP5 or newer to get the bug fix.

Solution 2: Create Material Using SOLIDWORKS Material

Materials created by copying a SOLIDWORKS material will have a material ID applied by default. To create a material, follow the steps in How do I Add New Materials to the SOLIDWORKS’ Database?. Once the material is created and applied to the model, it will be detected by the "Import Data from Model" feature.

Solution 3: Edit the Material Database in Notepad

1. Locate the Custom Material using Windows File Explorer. Typically, the custom materials library is stored in the location found in System Options > File Locations > Material Databases. In most cases, the path should resemble "C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 20XX\Custom Materials\Custom Materials.sldmat"

   

2. Right-click the file, select "Open With...', and open the file with a text editor such as Notepad
3. Search for the Custom Material

4. The first line of the Material will appear as:
   <material name="NewTest" description="-" propertysource="" appdata="">

   

5. Add "matid" to this line. The number assigned is arbitrary, so the line is now:
   <material name="NewTest" matid="85" description="-" propertysource="" appdata="">

6. Save and close the file
7. In SOLIDWORKS, reapply the material to the part/body.
8. The "Import Data from Model" feature will now detect the custom material

Attached is an example of a Material Library that is not fixed and one that is fixed.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.