May 8, 2002

1 Min Read
On-Line Database Facilitates Plastics Sourcing

Originally Published MPMN May 2002

E-NEWS

On-Line Database Facilitates Plastics Sourcing

Zachary Turke

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http://ides.com/products/pexpress.html

A plastics database maintained by IDES (Laramie, WY) may allow designers to source resins for new projects more rapidly. Located at http://ides.com/products/pexpress.html, the Prospector Express Web site provides OEMs with a comprehensive tool for locating and purchasing 38,000 plastic materials from almost 400 global suppliers. "Our Web site allows medical designers to cut hours out of their plastics search," says president Mike Kmetz. "With just a few mouse clicks, they can find a material, source it, get a price quote, and even place an order on-line," he says.

Designers navigate through the site using an intuitive search function that narrows the product listings to a few compatible resins. Among other factors, these searches can be performed using manufacturer name, generic plastic family information, product title, or plastics grade. Once a suitable material is located, relevant design guides, case studies, material safety literature, and product data sheets are provided. Output in HTML format, the product data sheets contain information on up to 1300 physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and processing characteristics.

For products from suppliers with e-commerce capabilities, the site also allows users to solicit sample materials, request price quotes, and place purchase orders. "These features are particularly useful for smaller manufacturers that otherwise might not get the attention they deserve from larger suppliers," says Kmetz.

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