Material selection is a step in the process of designing any physical object. In the context of product design, the main goal of material selection is to minimize cost while meeting product performance goals. The proper material selection technique involves carefully defining the application requirement in terms of mechanical, thermal, environmental, electrical and chemical properties.
Material selection process starts with carefully defining the requirements and narrowing down the choices by the process of elimination.
Manufacturing methods play a key role in selecting appropriate material and should be given consideration.