How to Import Materials using Database Management

How to Import Materials using Database Management

NOTICE: The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS  back up your data before executing a data Import.

The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve importing and exporting from the Database Management window. For general information regarding the Database Management tool, or how to access it, see Database Management Utilities (Overview).

This simplified article provides a brief tutorial for importing Materials using the Database Management Utility.

All records associated with the selected Material(s) are transferred by default. These records include Sheet Sizes and Categories. If hardware materials are transferred, any associated drawing files are collected and transferred.


Fig. 01 – Database Management Utility – Import Materials 

  1. Select IMPORT from Selected Source to Current Configuration > browse to the file location containing the MicrovellumFactory.sdf to be imported > select the MicrovellumFactory.sdf.
  2. Select the Materials tab. 
  3. The middle panel is populated with data from the database selected in Step 1. Select the Material(s) to be imported from this central panel.
    4. When pulling from an archival database, chances are not everything in the external database needs to be imported. The middle panel in the image above allows you to select only the items you wish to import. The items specified appear in the panel on the right. Items can be selected from multiple categories at once. 
  4. Select Transfer.

Resolving Duplicates

When importing from a database that includes data duplicated from the Factory Database, like an archival database, the Resolve Duplicate Names window appears.


Fig. 02 – Resolve Duplicate Names

There are three options to resolve duplicates:

  1. Skip – Does not change the existing item, and an additional item is not added. The item is ignored.
  2. Replace – Replaces the item in the target location that has the duplicate name.
  3. Keep Both – Appends to the target location. A new name must be given to the item.

    4. Fig. 03 – New Name

When a new Material is imported, an import category is added that contains the Material(s). This appears in the tree-view:


Fig. 04 – Import Category

    • Related Articles

    • How to Import Subassemblies using Database Management

      NOTICE: The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS  back up your data before executing a data Import. The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve importing and ...

    • How to Import Products using Database Management

      NOTICE: The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS  back up your data before executing a data Import. The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve importing and ...

    • How to Import a Project using Database Management

      NOTICE: The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS  back up your data before executing a data Import. The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve importing and ...

    • How to Import a Library using Database Management

      NOTICE: The Library Import function is a powerful tool that modifies large sections of data in the current configuration.  ALWAYS back up your data before executing a Library Import. The Library Import functionality of Database Management is designed ...

    • Create Materials from Import File

      We've added a new “Create New Materials from Import File” command to the Database Management Tools tab. This tool allows you to select an Excel file and create or modify database materials by import. During the import, if a material name is found in ...

    • Recent Articles

    • Beta Optimizer Changes

      As of build 25.1.0325.641, Microvellum’s optimizer for block nesting, sawing, and scrap management has received an update to improve its functionality. This new optimizer is considered to be in beta form, with development ongoing and new features ...

    • Part Grouping and Sorting (Beta Optimizer)

      As of Toolbox build 25.1.0325.641, Microvellum's new Beta Optimizer allows users to sort and group parts with greater degrees of specificity than with the legacy optimizer. This is possible due to an overhaul in the Part Sorting and Grouping ...

    • Sheet Selection Type (Beta Optimizer)

      When selecting materials in an operation, Microvellum's optimizer allows for users to assign an optimization priority to specific materials in their material file, to determine which materials should be used up first in the operation. As of Toolbox ...

    • Material Stacking Strategies (Beta Optimizer)

      When using Microvellum Toolbox's optimizer in sawing operations, the optimizer automatically separates sheets of material into different stacks based on the parts that are going to be cut from that sheet. The default strategy for the optimizer has ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.0325.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.0325.641 Beta Optimizer Microvellum has a new optimizer for nesting and sawing available for use. Users will now be able to switch between the new beta optimizer and the current legacy optimizer ...