vMaterials2 textures failing to load in SOLIDWORKS 2025

Gaming and Visualization Technologies Visualization MDL SDK
1

I got this error when trying to use vMaterials 2 in SOLIDWORKS 2025

‘Error loading document: Glass_Dirty.mdl

MDL SDK library version 2023.0.2 does not match header version 2023.0.2.”

I just installed the program and made sure to select the complete install, such that the Material Exchange pre-requisite was installed.

Some vMaterials 2 work fine, inlcuding:

Aluminum (basic)
Brass (basic)

Copper - Aged
All the plastic textures

While others fail:
All aluminum derivative (scratched, knurled, hammered, etc.
All brass derivatives
Leather
Fabric
Water

This isn’t a comprehensive list of what works or doesn’t, but these are the ones I have tested.

Any ideas on how to fix this issue?

2

Hi N Macedone!

Looks like the condition for that error message is more complex than the error message says! If the headers didn’t match (inspite of the correct version number), then no MDL material could be loaded at all. So, this sounds more like a problem within SolidWorks, so I’d recommend contacting them.

But I found someone else on Reddit recommending to reinstall Material Exchange: https://www.reddit.com/r/SolidWorks/comments/1jl452h/nvidia_vmaterials_on_2025_visualize/

Maybe this helps.

Best regards
Moritz

3

I will try the Materials exchange update route. Where can I find the installation for that?

4

You can find it at https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/design-visualization/technologies/material-definition-language/ (look for “Download MDL Material Exchange”).

5

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I downloaded the appropriate Windows version, and was informed that a new installation of MDL Material Exchange was installed. (From my installation of vmaterials2). How should I proceed?

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6

Sorry to hear that this doesn’t seem to work for you.
Please ask SolidWorks support for help, as this seems to be a problem in how they use the MDL SDK.

It would be nice, if you could tell us about SolidWorks’ solution, so others running into the problem can find help here.

Best regards
Moritz