FOR OUR 3D CAD / NPD CLIENTS
With 3D Printing we can provide rapid prototyping or final solutions for you ideas, or products. 3D Printing is the future of product development for all plastic shapes, which can be assembled together to more complex (possible moving) prototype or product. To learn more about 3D Printing please see Wikipedia.
To get more information and pricing, please email us your 3D computer model. We accept most file types, however we would prefer a STL (.stl), OBJ (.obj), STEP (.stp) or IGES (.igs).
3D Printing via Stereolithography (SLA)
We can provide you with 3D prints via Stereolithography (SLA). From our experience SLA 3D Printing is the best 3D Printing technology. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D prints are high precision, but are weak and generally not suitable for function testing. In the past we have used FDM 3D Printing for function testing, due to its high strength. However SLA is just as strong as FDM, if not stronger with some resins. The only issue with SLA is it is more costly.
In summary SLA 3D Printing is high resolution, high strength & precision, and outstanding surface finish!
SLA Printing Areas
- Form-2 - 145 L x 145 W x 175 H mm
NOTE: We can create bigger parts, via splitting and gluing.
SLA Resolution
0.05mm or 0.025mm (however we generally do flexible at 0.1mm).
NOTE: We can do higher resolutions, if you would like to save on time and machine-hour costs.
Tech Specs / Resin Datasheets
https://formlabs.com/3d-printers/tech-specs/SLA Material / Resin
Heat Deflection Temp:
| @ ~65 psi | 73°C |
| @ ~260 psi | 58°C |
Heat Deflection Temp:
| @ ~65 psi | 289°C |
| @ ~260 psi | 130°C |
3D Printing via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
We can also provide you with 3D prints via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers, which is great for quick validation of your physical design. The primary issue with these prints is shrinkage and warpage can occur on models and is purely geometry dependent.
FDM Printing Areas
- UP BOX+ - 255 L x 255 W x 205 H mm
(ideal for high quality/precision) - Replicator Z18 - 305 L x 305 W x 457 H mm
(ideal for large prints) - Replicator 2X - 246 L x 152 W x 155 H mm
(ideal for filament experimentation)
NOTE: We can create bigger parts, via splitting and plastic welding or gluing.
FDM Resolution
0.1mm (however we generally do flexible at 0.25mm).
NOTE: We can do higher resolutions, if you would like to save on time and machine-hour costs.
FDM Material / Filament
Other materials/colours are possible, but adds lead time.
How Do We 3D Print Your Object?
To 3D print an object, a 3D computer model is required. You have three options:
- Email us your 3D computer model - we accept most file types, however we would prefer a STL (.stl), OBJ (.obj), STEP (.stp) or IGES (.igs).
- Ask us to create your 3D computer model.
- 3D scanning and post-processing.
Our capacity: 1x SLA 3D printer and 3x FDM 3D printers.
How Do We Charge?
Our printing prices are based on three factors:
- Man-hours: Includes print setup, part removal, support material removal, hand finishing where required, assembly if required, and in some large part cases gluing or plastic welding. This is done at our typical mechanical engineers hourly rate.
- Machine-hours: Rate based on type of machine (e.g. SLA or FDM). This is a low hourly rate.
- Materials: The cost of the filament or resin used for the print. The material includes the actual part and the support material. Generally a negligible cost.
Our minimum order is $180 + GST, mostly due to the labour involved for support material removal and hand finishing if/where required.
One-off Part?
Are you looking for a one-off part to replace something that is broken, or no longer on the market? Unfortunately, we are confident that in most cases 3D Printing services is not financially feasible.
Generally 3D Printing is used for new product development prototyping. And therefore is a cheaper alternative to production methods such as plastic injection moulding, blow moulding, etc.
Trusted engineering and product development expertise for Lithgow businesses
Situated in the heart of New South Wales, Australia, Lithgow is a thriving community that proudly supports some of the nation's most significant industries. At COLETEK, we're honored to be a part of this landscape, providing innovative engineering and product development solutions to businesses across Lithgow and beyond.
With over two decades of experience, COLETEK has established itself as a trusted national player in the engineering and product development space. Our multidisciplinary team brings together experts from various fields to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether you're a local Lithgow business or an organization operating throughout Australia, we'll work in collaboration with your team to craft customized products and services that drive results.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to reliability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. By leveraging the power of our multidisciplinary expertise, we're able to tackle complex challenges head-on, using a collaborative approach that fosters open communication and trust. As a result, our clients can rely on COLETEK for comprehensive solutions that enhance their operations, reduce risk, and drive success.
As a proudly Australian company based in Lithgow, New South Wales, we're dedicated to supporting the local community while also serving businesses across the nation. Whether you're looking to improve existing processes, explore new opportunities, or overcome specific challenges, our team is equipped to provide the expert engineering and product development support your business needs.
We understand that every organization is unique, and that's why we tailor our approach to address the distinct requirements of each client. By combining our deep understanding of Lithgow's industries with COLETEK's national reputation for innovation and excellence, we're confident in our ability to deliver exceptional value to businesses across Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Contact Us3D Printing Services for Lithgow – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
3D Printing Services for Lithgow – Amazing Customer Testimonials
We have used COLETEK on a couple of occasions and found their service to be professional and on time. We specialise in engineering and design of height safety equipment and since a lot of parts are made by casting from stainless steel we require a quick model before we proceed with the tool manufacture. COLETEK has been able to provide this quickly saving us valuable time and giving us peace of mind knowing our parts will look right when casted from stainless steel.
I was grateful to find Luke Cole at COLETEK in the early days of an invention idea. He was very patient and generous with information to guide me along the way. And even though I did not preceed with my project, I would still recommend his services. Thank you.
Intuitive, innovative & efficient are three words that would appropriately describe the COLETEK service. Luke and the team at COLETEK have taken our concepts to the next level.
COLETEK have provided one to one communication throughout the development process and gone above and beyond in bringing our ideas closer to becoming a reality! Luke's expertise and knowledge with computer software and electronics is Jedi like, but what I liked most about working with him was his willingness and ability to think outside of the box.
COLETEK have provided one to one communication throughout the development process and gone above and beyond in bringing our ideas closer to becoming a reality! Luke's expertise and knowledge with computer software and electronics is Jedi like, but what I liked most about working with him was his willingness and ability to think outside of the box.
Intuitive, innovative & efficient are three words that would appropriately describe the COLETEK service. Luke and the team at COLETEK have taken our concepts to the next level.
We have used COLETEK on a couple of occasions and found their service to be professional and on time. We specialise in engineering and design of height safety equipment and since a lot of parts are made by casting from stainless steel we require a quick model before we proceed with the tool manufacture. COLETEK has been able to provide this quickly saving us valuable time and giving us peace of mind knowing our parts will look right when casted from stainless steel.
As the proprietor a DIY environmentally pest control products business I have been more then impressed with COLETEK's design capability and professionalism in assisting to realise an idea into reality. From concept, CAD drawings, 3D modelling, alterations right through to the finished product. I am extremely happy with our new termite control product. I have no hesitation in recommending COLETEK's services.
I was grateful to find Luke Cole at COLETEK in the early days of an invention idea. He was very patient and generous with information to guide me along the way. And even though I did not preceed with my project, I would still recommend his services. Thank you.
As the proprietor a DIY environmentally pest control products business I have been more then impressed with COLETEK's design capability and professionalism in assisting to realise an idea into reality. From concept, CAD drawings, 3D modelling, alterations right through to the finished product. I am extremely happy with our new termite control product. I have no hesitation in recommending COLETEK's services.
Founded in 2001, we are a multiple award winning, highly experienced multidisciplinary company specialising in lean product development through rapid prototyping - transforming ideas from concept to life. Our industry-leading team combines deep expertise, cutting-edge technology, and advanced equipment to validate emerging ideas—transforming them into market-ready hardware and software solutions.
Our experience dates back to the 1990s with ANU "Robotics Systems Lab", CSIRO, NICTA (aka Data61), Seeing Machines, Location Aware Technologies, and Hemisphere GPS (aka BEELINE). For over 10 years now, we've been focused on validating R&D and taking ideas to commercialisation.
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