SolidWorks Material Weight Calculator
A specialized tool for engineers and designers for calculating weight of material using SolidWorks models by inputting volume and selecting a material.
Weight Calculator
Enter the total volume from SolidWorks’ ‘Mass Properties’ tool.
Please enter a valid, positive number for volume.
Enter density if your material is not in the list.
Please enter a valid, positive number for density.
Calculated Mass (Weight)
—
Calculation Breakdown
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume in Standard Unit | — |
| Material Density | — |
| Mass in Grams | — |
Material Weight Comparison Chart
Chart displays the weight of the given volume for different common materials.
What is calculating weight of material using SolidWorks?
Calculating the weight of a material using SolidWorks involves a two-step process. First, you use the SolidWorks software to model a 3D part or assembly and determine its total volume using the built-in ‘Mass Properties’ tool. Second, you use that volume along with the material’s density to calculate the final mass (commonly referred to as weight). This calculator is designed to perform that second step accurately and instantly. Engineers, product designers, and manufacturers rely on this calculation for shipping estimates, structural analysis, material cost estimation, and ensuring a design meets its weight requirements. Understanding this process is a key part of the SolidWorks mass properties workflow.
The Formula for Calculating Weight from Volume
The fundamental principle for this calculation is a simple physics formula. The mass of an object is its volume multiplied by its density.
Mass = Volume × Density
To ensure an accurate result, the units for volume and density must be compatible. For example, if your volume is in cubic centimeters (cm³), your density should be in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Our calculator handles these unit conversions automatically.
| Variable | Meaning | Common Units | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | The amount of matter in the object, often called weight. | grams (g), kilograms (kg), pounds (lb) | 0.01 g – 50,000 kg |
| Volume | The amount of 3D space the object occupies. You get this from SolidWorks. | cm³, in³, m³ | 10 mm³ – 100 m³ |
| Density | The mass per unit of volume for a specific material. | g/cm³, kg/m³, lb/in³ | 0.9 g/cm³ (Plastics) – 19.3 g/cm³ (Gold) |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Small Aluminum Electronic Housing
- Inputs:
- Volume from SolidWorks: 150 cm³
- Material: Aluminum
- Calculation:
- Volume = 150 cm³
- Density of Aluminum = 2.70 g/cm³
- Mass = 150 cm³ × 2.70 g/cm³ = 405 grams
- Result: The housing weighs approximately 0.405 kg (or 0.89 lb).
Example 2: Large Steel Frame Weldment
- Inputs:
- Volume from SolidWorks: 75,000 in³
- Material: Steel
- Calculation:
- First, convert volume to cm³: 75,000 in³ × 16.3871 = 1,229,032.5 cm³
- Density of Steel = 7.85 g/cm³
- Mass = 1,229,032.5 cm³ × 7.85 g/cm³ = 9,647,905.1 grams
- Result: The frame weighs approximately 9,648 kg (or 21,270 lb). This demonstrates the importance of a material density chart for heavy fabrications.
How to Use This SolidWorks Weight Calculator
- Find Volume in SolidWorks: Open your part or assembly file. Go to the ‘Evaluate’ tab and click on ‘Mass Properties’. Note the ‘Volume’ from the dialog box.
- Enter Volume: Type the volume value into the “Part / Assembly Volume” field in the calculator.
- Select Volume Unit: Choose the unit that matches the one shown in SolidWorks (e.g., cubic millimeters, cubic inches).
- Select Material: Choose the corresponding material from the dropdown list. The calculator will use its standard density. If your material isn’t listed, select “Custom Density” and enter it manually.
- Interpret Results: The calculator instantly displays the final mass in a large, clear format (kg or lb). You can also see a breakdown of the calculation and a chart comparing your part’s weight in different materials. For complex projects, you may want to consult a guide on CAD weight estimation.
Key Factors That Affect Weight Calculation
- Model Accuracy: The final weight is only as accurate as your 3D model. Ensure all features, especially thin walls and small holes, are modeled correctly.
- Material Density Value: The density of alloys can vary slightly between manufacturers. For precision projects, use the specific density from your material supplier’s datasheet.
- Unit Conversion: A common source of error is mixing up units (e.g., entering a volume in in³ but thinking it’s cm³). Always double-check your units.
- Hollow vs. Solid: Ensure your model reflects the true nature of the part. A hollow part has significantly less volume and weight than a solid one.
- Assembly Components: When calculating for an assembly, make sure you have assigned the correct material to each individual part within SolidWorks before checking the total volume.
- Temperature: For most solids, temperature has a minor effect on density and weight. However, for applications with extreme temperature changes, this effect may become significant. This is a topic for advanced how to calculate volume of a 3D model analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I find the volume in SolidWorks?
- In your part or assembly, click the “Evaluate” tab on the CommandManager, then click “Mass Properties”. The volume will be listed in the pop-up window.
- What if my material is not on the list?
- Select “Custom Density” from the material dropdown. This will reveal a new input field where you can type in the exact density of your material and select its units.
- How accurate is this calculation?
- The calculation itself (Volume x Density) is precise. The accuracy of the final result depends entirely on the accuracy of your input volume and the density value you use.
- Is mass the same as weight?
- In common language, yes. In physics, mass is the amount of matter (constant everywhere), while weight is the force of gravity on that mass (changes depending on the planet). This calculator computes mass, which is what is typically needed for engineering and logistics on Earth.
- Can I calculate the weight of a SolidWorks assembly?
- Yes. The process is the same. Open the assembly file, go to Mass Properties to get the total volume of all components, and use that value in the calculator. This works best if all parts are the same material. If they are different, you should calculate each part’s weight individually and sum them up.
- Why does the calculator show a chart?
- The chart provides a quick visual comparison of how your design’s weight would change if you used a different material. This is very useful for lightweighting exercises and material selection studies. You can see the impact by consulting a SolidWorks simulation guide.
- What are typical densities for common materials?
- Plastics like ABS are around 1.04 g/cm³, Aluminum is 2.7 g/cm³, Titanium is 4.5 g/cm³, Steel is about 7.85 g/cm³, and Copper is 8.96 g/cm³.
- My result seems wrong. What should I check first?
- The most common error is a unit mismatch. Double-check that the volume unit you selected in the calculator matches the volume unit reported by SolidWorks exactly.