Material vs. Component — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Material refers to substances used to create items, like wood or metal, while a component is a part or element of a larger system, such as a computer chip in a smartphone.
Difference Between Material and Component
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Material refers to the physical substances from which things can be made. These can include wood, metal, plastic, and fabric, essential in manufacturing and construction industries. On the other hand, a component is a part or element that is necessary for the functioning of a larger system or device. For example, a transistor is a component in electronic circuits.
Materials are often raw and unprocessed, such as crude oil or iron ore, used as the building blocks for further production and processing. Whereas, components are usually manufactured items like screws, gears, or capacitors that have been designed for specific purposes within larger assemblies.
In terms of sourcing, materials are typically extracted from natural resources or recycled from other products. Components, however, are usually produced through manufacturing processes that involve several stages of design and fabrication, often requiring precise engineering and quality control.
The usage of materials is generally more versatile and widespread, spanning various industries and applications. Components are more specialized and are used within specific contexts, such as automotive parts in vehicles or a motherboard in computers.
Materials can often be used in their raw form or with minimal processing. For instance, wood may simply be cut and polished for use in furniture. Components, however, must often meet strict specifications and are typically integrated into more complex systems, like a lens in a camera.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Substance used to make or build things.
Part or element of a larger system.
Example
Wood, steel, fabric
Transistor, bolt, hydraulic cylinder
Usage
Broad and versatile across industries.
Specific to particular systems.
Processing
Minimal to moderate, often raw forms.
Highly engineered and precise.
Nature
Generally raw or basic.
Typically complex and integral parts.
Compare with Definitions
Material
Any substance from which something is or can be made.
Wood is a common material used in furniture making.
Component
An ingredient necessary for a process or manufacturing.
Semiconductors are critical components in electronic devices.
Material
Elements or substances contributing to the physical composition of something.
Glass materials are crucial for making various laboratory equipment.
Component
A piece that must fit with others in a system or assembly.
Each component of the clock mechanism is crucial for its accuracy.
Material
The matter from which a thing is or can be made.
Recyclable materials play a significant role in environmental conservation.
Component
A constituent part designed to perform a specific function.
The camera's lens component is vital for image clarity.
Material
Raw ingredients or substances used in manufacturing.
The building industry relies heavily on durable materials like concrete.
Component
A part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or system.
A processor is an essential component of a computer.
Material
Resources used in the production of goods.
Cotton is a key material in the textile industry.
Component
An item that contributes to the whole in a system.
Switches are basic components in electrical systems.
Material
A material is a substance or mixture of substances that constitutes an object. Materials can be pure or impure, living or non-living matter.
Component
A part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle
Hydrogen is a component of all organic compounds
An assembly plant for imported components
Material
The substance or substances out of which a thing is or can be made.
Component
Constituting part of a larger whole; constituent
The component elements of the armed forces
Material
Something, such as an idea or information, that is to be refined and made or incorporated into a finished effort
Material for a comedy.
Component
A constituent element, as of a system.
Material
Materials Tools or apparatus for the performance of a given task
Writing materials.
Component
A part of a mechanical or electrical complex.
Material
Yard goods or cloth.
Component
(Mathematics) One of a set of two or more vectors having a sum equal to a given vector.
Material
A person who is qualified or suited for a position or activity
The members of the board felt that she was vice-presidential material.
Component
Being or functioning as a constituent or an ingredient.
Material
Of, relating to, or composed of matter.
Component
A smaller, self-contained part of a larger entity. Often refers to a manufactured object that is part of a larger device.
A CPU is a component of a computer.
Material
Of, relating to, or affecting physical well-being; bodily
"the moral and material welfare of all good citizens" (Theodore Roosevelt).
Component
Making up a larger whole; as a component word.
Material
Of or concerned with the physical as distinct from the intellectual or spiritual
"Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
Component
Made up of smaller complete units in combination; as a component stereo.
Material
Being both relevant and consequential; crucial
Testimony material to the inquiry.
Component
Serving, or helping, to form; composing; constituting; constituent.
The component parts of natural bodies.
Material
(Philosophy) Of or relating to the matter of reasoning, rather than the form.
Component
A constituent part; an ingredient.
Material
Having to do with matter; consisting of matter.
This compound has a number of interesting material properties.
Component
An abstract part of something;
Jealousy was a component of his character
Two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
The grammatical elements of a sentence
A key factor in her success
Humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
Material
Worldly, as opposed to spiritual.
Don't let material concerns get in the way of living a happy life.
Component
Something determined in relation to something that includes it;
He wanted to feel a part of something bigger than himself
I read a portion of the manuscript
The smaller component is hard to reach
Material
Significant.
You've made several material contributions to this project.
This is the most material fact in this lawsuit.
Component
An artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system;
Spare components for cars
A component or constituent element of a system
Material
Matter which may be shaped or manipulated, particularly in making something.
Asphalt, composed of oil and sand, is a widely used material for roads.
Material
Text written for a specific purpose.
We were a warm-up act at the time; we didn't have enough original material to headline.
Material
A sample or specimens for study.
Material
Cloth to be made into a garment. Fabric.
You'll need about a yard of material to make this.
Material
A person, or people collectively, who are qualified for a certain position or activity.
Boy/girlfriend material
Marriage material
We have lots of presidential material in various public offices.
Material
Related data of various kinds, especially if collected as the basis for a document or book.
Material
The substance that something is made or composed of.
Material
(chess) All of a player's pieces and pawns on the chessboard.
Material
To form from matter; to materialize.
Material
Consisting of matter; not spiritual; corporeal; physical; as, material substance or bodies.
The material elements of the universe.
Material
Pertaining to, or affecting, the physical nature of man, as distinguished from the mental or moral nature; relating to the bodily wants, interests, and comforts; as, material well-being; material comforts.
Material
Of solid or weighty character; not insubstantial; of consequence; not be dispensed with; important; significant.
Discourse, which was always material, never trifling.
I shall, in the account of simple ideas, set down only such as are most material to our present purpose.
Material
Pertaining to the matter, as opposed to the form, of a thing. See Matter.
Material
The substance or matter of which anything is made or may be made.
Material
To form from matter; to materialize.
Material
The tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object;
Coal is a hard black material
Wheat is the stuff they use to make bread
Material
Information (data or ideas or observations) that can be used or reworked into a finished form;
The archives provided rich material for a definitive biography
Material
Things needed for doing or making something;
Writing materials
Useful teaching materials
Material
Artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers;
The fabric in the curtains was light and semitraqnsparent
Woven cloth originated in Mesopotamia around 5000 BC
She measured off enough material for a dress
Material
A person judged suitable for admission or employment;
He was university material
She was vice-presidential material
Material
Concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests;
Material possessions
Material wealth
Material comforts
Material
Derived from or composed of matter;
The material universe
Material
Directly relevant to a matter especially a law case;
His support made a material difference
Evidence material to the issue at hand
Facts likely to influence the judgment are called material facts
A material witness
Material
Concerned with or affecting physical as distinct from intellectual or psychological well-being;
Material needs
The moral and material welfare of all good citizens
Material
Having material or physical form or substance;
That which is created is of necessity corporeal and visible and tangible
Material
Having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary;
The substantial world
A mere dream, neither substantial nor practical
Most ponderous and substantial things
Common Curiosities
What distinguishes a material from a component in terms of complexity?
Materials are simpler and often used in a raw or slightly processed state, whereas components are complex parts manufactured for specific functions within systems.
How are components integrated into systems?
Components are integrated into systems through assembly processes that often require precision and alignment with other parts.
What roles do materials play in sustainability?
Materials are central to sustainability efforts, especially in choices regarding their sourcing, recyclability, and environmental impact.
Can materials be components?
While materials can be part of components, they are generally not components themselves; materials form the building blocks while components are the constructed parts.
Can the failure of a component affect the functionality of a system?
Yes, the failure of a component can compromise the entire system's functionality due to the interdependence of parts.
What is the primary use of materials?
Materials are primarily used as the basic substances from which products and structures are made.
What defines a component?
A component is defined as a part or element that forms part of a larger system, often with a specific function.
How do the costs of materials and components compare?
Generally, materials may be less expensive than components, which require additional processing and manufacturing.
What impact does the choice of material have on the end product?
The choice of material significantly affects the product's quality, functionality, and durability.
How is the quality of a component assessed?
The quality of a component is assessed based on its design, manufacturing precision, and how well it performs its function within a system.
Why is compatibility important in components?
Compatibility is crucial for components to ensure they function correctly within their systems without causing failures.
Are all components made from materials?
Yes, all components are made from one or more materials, shaped and assembled for specific functional needs.
How do advancements in material science impact component development?
Advancements in material science often lead to the development of better performing and more durable components, enhancing overall system performance.
How do industries manage the supply of materials and components?
Industries manage material supply through sourcing and logistics operations, while component supplies require more intricate production planning.
What is an example of a material transforming into a component?
Steel, a material, is processed and shaped into gears, which are components in machinery.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Coronation vs. Crowning
Next Comparison
Sirrah vs. SirAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
