Have you checked out the Core77 discussion boards lately? Undoubtedly some of you don't even know it exists, but you should, and here's why: Post a question, boom, get an answer. People love showing what they know, and the Core77 readership has a collectively deep expertise in matters across the broad spectrum of industrial design.

As an example let's take a look at some recent questions/answers (paraphrased) from the Materials & Processes board:

Question 1: I found some velcro stuff that audibly clicks shut, is it new?

Answer: It ain't. That's 3M's Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener, and if you want the stuff you can get it here.

Question 2: I can't find this stuff anywhere, it looks like textured rubber with a cloth backing, 0.5mm thick. What is it?

Answer: I'm a mechanical engineer and we had to use that stuff on an upholstery project. It's a non-slip fabric called Tough Tek.

Question 3: I'm setting up Carnegie Mellon's first materials library. 1. What's the best way to organize the materials? 2. What's a good spectrum of materials to have? 3. What are some good resources for samples? 4. Any other tips, advice, caveats?

[photo is representative, not actual]

Answer: I believe the classical way is good for organization, i.e. Metals/Polymers/Ceramics/Composites Then Metals - Ferrous/Non-Ferrous Polymers - Thermoset/Thermoplastic Ceramic - Conventional/Engineering Ceramics Composites - MMC/PMC/CMC

The last one is new and only has a few answers, so please click over and give the guy your thoughts.