We have much experience with hardware prototyping of plastic parts, metal parts and electronic parts. Electro-mechanical prototypes typically require software prototyping, which we also have much experience with.
We are confident we can deliver rapid prototyping solutions for you. The following sections outline some key phases.
Our core business is focused on projects that have a break-even point, such as resale via mass production. To learn more about this see our page on Oxley New Product Development.
Product Design Phase (Computer modeling from scratch or 3D scanning)
During this phase we assess your requirements to determine if we are best to design your model from scratch using 3D CAD tools, 3D animations tools, or perform a 3D scan an mock up model.
While 3D scanning sounds like an easy option, it is not perfect, and requires much cleaning up of the model. Further it produces a file with point cloud data, which then must be converted to a typical CAD file (e.g. .igs, .stp, and/or .stl). It is because of these reasons, it is generally quicker to create the design from scratch (unless the target requirement is just to reprint the scanned object without any additional design features - which is a service we're not keen on providing).
In terms of electronics - generally we design custom electronics to get the unit cost down, but in some cases we might use off-the-shelve electronics (e.g. Proof-of-concept prototype).
Product Prototyping Phase
Plastic mechanical parts will likely be 3D printed via various methods such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) or CNC'ed in some cases. The material options are kinda endless from rigid to rubbers, such as ABS, PLA, Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylic (PMMA), PET, PEEK, Polyamide aka Nylon (PA), Glass reinforced nylon (PA66+GF), Polyurethane (PU), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PCV), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), PEBA 2301, Nitrile Rubber (NBR), Polytetrafluoroethylene aka Teflon (PTFE) and more. There are also various finish options such as transparent, transulent, colours, electro-plating, reflective mirror, and screen-printing graphics.
Metal mechanical parts can be 3D printed also, however in our opinion CNC is still the better option. The material options are also kinda endless such as aluminum (AL), steel, stainless steel (SS), brass, etc. There are also various finish options such as blackening, electro-plating (Chrome-plating, Nickel-chrome plating, Zinc-plating, Galvanizing), anodized (black, matte clear), and chromating conversion.
We've also made prototypes using materials such as Carbon Fiber, Fibreglass, Glass wool, DuPont, Vectran, conductive thread, and look forward to playing with Graphene one day.
Electronic parts will involve manufacturing of bare PCBs, then assembling PCB surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole (THT) components via soldering methods such as a stencils, reflow oven, IR heat lamp, hotair rework station, soldering iron, etc.
Hardware bugs are likely, and we'd hack things to make the working prototype. During this process we'll make notes on the design changes required for the next revision.
About COLETEK: Your Partner in Engineering and Product Development for Oxley, Australian Capital Territory
Located in the heart of Oxley, Australian Capital Territory, COLETEK is a multidisciplinary engineering and product development company dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses across the region. Since 2001, our team has built a reputation for reliability, collaboration, and capability, serving as trusted partners for companies seeking innovative approaches to complex challenges.
As an experienced player in the Australian market, COLETEK is well-equipped to support Oxley's thriving business community. Our in-depth understanding of local industry trends allows us to tailor our services to address specific pain points, driving growth and success for our clients. By fostering strong relationships with businesses throughout Oxley, Australian Capital Territory, we empower them to achieve their ambitious goals.
COLETEK is a company built on a foundation of innovation, expertise, and integrity. Our passion is developing cutting-edge solutions that transform industries and drive economic growth. With a strong track record in engineering and product development, we are uniquely positioned to guide Oxley-based businesses towards new heights of success.
This local expertise and national reputation make COLETEK an invaluable asset for Oxley's entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators. Our team is committed to understanding the unique needs of your business, providing tailored guidance, and harnessing our collective knowledge to drive positive change. Whether you're a start-up or an established player in the Oxley market, we are ready to collaborate and help you achieve your aspirations.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Contact UsRapid 3D Prototyping for Oxley – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Oxley – Amazing Customer Testimonials
I highly recommend to anyone with a need for data recovery to contact COLETEK - they are impressive from start to finish. I was impressed with the turnaround of each stage of the job, as well as with the cost to complete it. These guys are excellent to deal with, great communicators and clearly know their stuff... and, as I understand, HDD data recovery is only one component of the work that COLETEK does. Well done guys, keep up the great work!
We've worked with Luke and the team on and off for the past two years. We've found them very accessible and extremely thorough in their dealings. Their documentation is second to none and we’d have no hesitation recommending them on this basis alone.
COLETEK have been absolutely fantastic in their support and manufacture of various components for us. Our designs are always bespoke, intricate and low volume and it’s great to have an Australian company like COLETEK as a trusted and quality manufacturer for our spacecraft mechanical components and assemblies – which have been flight proven through successful mission operations. Keep up the great work!
Skykraft is a Canberra based company designing and developing spacecraft for the delivery of global space-based services. Luke and the team have been very responsive with quotes and delivery of machined parts for our company. Looking forward to working with COLETEK on our space programmes.
Delivered excellence on time, great work and great team, thanks!
We had the opportunity to work with Coletek on the re-work of some complex SMD PCB assemblies during 2019. The work was carried out to a very high standard and we were extremely pleased with the outcome. We would not hesitate to recommend COLETEK for any type of complex technology work requiring high accuracy and professionalism.
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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