• Carpenter Technology Corp., Wyomissing, PA, has enhanced its online technical information database for design engineers and material specifiers. Readers can access the database any time at no charge. The database allows engineers to compare data and perform searches on hundreds of specialty alloys. To date, more than 27,000 users have registered for the database at www.cartech.com.

• Prospector Pro is a new plastics search engine powered by IDES, Laramie, WY. Described as Google for plastics, it's designed to make finding the optimal resin easier as well as resin alternatives that cost less. The base package provides datasheet searching to locate materials by product name, generic family, and manufacturer. Optional functionality includes a property search using 300 material properties. More information and pricing can be found at www.ides.com/pro.

New Design Manuals

• There is now an "inch version" of the popular catalog "Mechanical Components for Assembly Automation" from Misumi of the Americas Inc., Schaumburg, IL. Previously available only with metric sizing, the catalog contains 450-plus pages on mechanical components including stainless steel components for medical equipment design. Most items are delivered within one to six days. Readers can request a free copy at www.misumiamerica.com.

• An 80-page catalog from Value Plastics, Fort Collins, CO, features information on 100 new precision fluid management components. Readers can request a free copy of catalog v.021 at www.valueplastics.com.

Information about other newly released catalogs is available by clicking on the "Engineer's Toolkit" icon at www.mdtmag.com.

OEM Membrane Hotline

• Readers can use a new hotline (978-762-5229) to receive design, testing, and manufacturing assistance for the incorporation of membranes into devices. Millipore, Billerica, MA, has created the OEM Membrane Hotline to support medical device designers and engineers. The hotline staff consists of engineers and application scientists familiar with the manufacturing process of membranes and can answer device and diagnostic-related questions for the optimization of medical products.