Comparison Tables

A comparison table shows data values from datasheets of selected records side by side for easy comparison. For each data table (such as MaterialUniverse), you can create a comparison table and compare up to 20 records.

  • You can view a comparison table at any point for a table by selecting Tools > Comparison Table, or from within a selection project.
  • For any given data table (such as MaterialUniverse), you can only have one comparison table active at a time.
    • When you create a selection project based on that data table, the comparison table is automatically cleared.
    • When you save the selection project, its comparison table is saved as part of the project.
    • When you close the selection project, the comparison table is automatically cleared, and when you reopen a selection project, its comparison table is restored, and replaces any current comparison table.
    • However, you can create and use comparison tables for two or more different data tables (such as MaterialUniverse and Global Polymers Plastics) at the same time.
  • Before a comparison table can be viewed, it must contain at least one record. If you have set a reference record for a data table or selection project, this is automatically added to the relevant comparison table.
  • You can add a maximum of twenty records to a comparison table, including the reference record. If you try to add further records, they will not be added.
  • If a reference record has been set for that data table, it is automatically included in the comparison table. The reference record is shown in the first column. For all other records in the comparison table, any data values that differ from the reference record value by more than a specified percentage are highlighted.
  • The comparison table includes all data properties (excluding long text, short text and functional data), plus any calculated properties that have been defined as part of the current selection project.
To create a comparison table:
  1. In the Select window, from the Results pane, select records to include in the comparison table.
    1. To select a record, check the box in the left-hand column.
    2. To deselect a record, clear the box.
    Tip: Records can also be added by right-clicking the record name and selecting Add To Comparison Table.
    Note: You can add a maximum of 20 records to a comparison table, including the reference record. If you try to add further records, they will not be added.
  2. Click Comparison to create the comparison table.
  3. Optional: After adding records to a comparison table, you can modify the comparison to highlight the information that you are comparing:
    OptionDescription
    Data properties Select the properties to display:
    • All Data - displays all available data properties (excluding text and functional data properties, but including any calculated properties).
    • Project Data - shows only the properties that are used in the current selection project.
    Range data For data in a range:
    • Ranges - show range data as a range (maximum and minimum value).
    • Averages - show range data as an average value.
    Reference deviation Choose how numerical data values are displayed relative to the reference record:
    • Values - show numerical data values as absolute values
    • Percent Change - show numerical data values as a percentage change relative to the reference record
    Any numerical data values that differ from the reference record value by more than a specified percentage are highlighted. You can specify this percentage threshold using Highlight % Change.
    Note:
    • For non-numerical data values (such as discrete or logical values), all values that differ from the reference record are highlighted.
    • For numerical data values, differences greater than the threshold percentage are highlighted regardless of whether the numerical data values are shown in the table as percentages or absolute values.
    • The percentage change for each data value (V) is calculated as a percentage of the reference record value (VR) as (V-VR)/VR
    • For range data, (V-VR) is calculated as the minimum difference between the end-points of the two range values (the difference between the upper bound of the smaller range value and the lower bound of the larger range value)
    • Data values for the reference record are shown as absolute values