Abstract: The breakthroughs and contents during three industrial revolutions in past 300 years and later 21st century are described from the relation between engineering material and industrial revolution. The engineering materials were and will be developed in industrial revolutions. It is emphasized that engineering materials are not only a part of mechanical engineering, even extremely a key to guarantee the success of industrial revolution, but also a result of the industrial revolution. Therefore, the study strategies for mechanical engineering materials in 1990’s and two important points should be emphasized.

Key words: Material designing, Engineering materials, Industrial revolution