About the MCX Database
The Material ConneXion database is a searchable collection of materials. The database includes materials that are currently in TMU's Material ConneXion room as well as thousands of other materials.
The MCX database is a place to go if you would like to:
- Browse different materials
- Look for a specific material based on a set of criteria
- Discover more information about a MCX material
The database can be used in conjunction with the Material ConneXion room at TMU. Discover more information about the materials in our collection by searching them in the database. The database does not specify which materials are in the TMU library, so you will need to contact or visit the MCX room to confirm if we have the material.
MCX Database Access
TMU students, faculty and staff are able to access the Material ConneXion's database with their my.torontomu login. To access the database, follow the link below:
- Material ConneXion DatabaseA collection of materials in the Material ConneXion library.
Material ConneXion offers a knowledge base with an eclectic collection of innovative materials and processes. The database is updated regularly and frequently with materials juried by a panel of material specialists. It is a resource for all disciplines of design development, including: Architecture, Interior Design, Packaging Design, Retail Design, Industrial Design, Fashion, Apparel & Footwear, Exhibition Design, Textile Design, Landscape Architecture, and Transportation Design and includes the largest selection of sustainable materials and the only cradle to cradle materials library in the world: Polymers, Ceramics, Glass, Metals, Cement-based materials, Natural Materials, Carbon-based materials, and Processes.
Create an Account
Creating an account in the MCX database will allow you to:
- Create your own Material Boards to save your materials by project or assignment
- Share your Material Boards with your peers
To create an account, click Sign In at the top right hand corner, and then click Register. Make sure you use your TMU email when you are creating your account.
Basic Search in the MCX Database
Search by Keyword or MC Number
From the MCX database homepage, you can search more generally for materials using a keyword or you can search for a specific material using its MC number.
The MC number can be found on each material panel.
Refine Your Search
You can narrow down your database search with a variety of criteria, including:
- Category
- Availability
- Processing
- Sustainability
- Impact Resistance
- Seal of Excellence
To see more filters, click 'More Filters'.
Reading a Material Record
A Material ConneXion record will have a detailed description about the material as well as the material's:
- Manufacturer
- Properties
- Processing and Applications
- Images of the material
There is also an option to download the material if it has been made available for download by the manufacturer.
Save Materials to Custom Boards
Once you have an account, you can bookmark materials or create your own Material Boards to save your materials by project or assignment.
To bookmark a material, hover over its icon in the MCX database and click Save.
You can also save a material from the material record page.
Choose whether you want the item saved to your Bookmarks or a specific board or create a new board.
To view your saved items or manage your Boards, click on your name at the top right-hand corner of the page, and go to you Workspace.
