Automating entire library material adjustments

[ares997]

This is a complicated scenario, but I have decided that i am going to try and strip all of the materials within a specified library containing parametric GDL parts.

I have heard that you can somehow extract the parts into XML formate and then you might be able to use some sort of Automation script to go through the library and find/select and replace text the contains references to materials that you don't want.

Can any explain this process in detail?

1. How do you get the parts into an XML?
2. What should you search for in the XML files to easily replace these materials? iI there a global variable that would help locate all the instances of materials within a object?
3. How do you get the objects back from XML into GDL?

Is there an easier process for replacing materials in a large library?

[Anonymous]

IF,there are a limited number of undesirable materials - then I would perform a material content substitution as follows:

Look at this thread for an extremely clever material replacement scheme from Link (2004!). He uses a series of 12 images show you his method.
And here for Karl's suggestions.

Not exactly what you want, but "if you can't be with the one you love" ....