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 Theodore 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.
Bridging the Gap: COLETEK Supports Businesses in Theodore, Australian Capital Territory
As a multidisciplinary engineering and product development company established in 2001, COLETEK has earned a reputation for trust and reliability across Australia. With our headquarters based in Theodore, Australian Capital Territory, we're proud to serve businesses within the local community.
Since our inception, we've empowered innovation by providing comprehensive support to businesses like yours. Our expertise lies in the art of collaboration, ensuring that every project is tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you're looking to improve operational efficiency, enhance product offerings, or simply stay ahead of the competition, our dedicated team is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations.
As a locally-based company, we understand the distinct challenges faced by businesses in Theodore, Australian Capital Territory. That's why we've invested heavily in building a strong presence within the region, allowing us to better serve your needs and respond promptly to any concerns or opportunities.
Ours is not a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, we focus on developing long-term relationships built on mutual respect, open communication, and a deep understanding of the local market. By doing so, we've established ourselves as a trusted partner for businesses seeking innovative solutions that drive real-world results.
We're not just a company – we're a community-driven force committed to Theodore's prosperity. As your go-to engineering and product development experts, we'll work tirelessly to bridge the gap between your vision and reality. Whether you're exploring new technologies or looking to refine existing processes, rest assured that our team will be with you every step of the way.
With COLETEK, you can expect nothing but exceptional service, a keen eye for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled value. Let's build something remarkable together – contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business in Theodore, Australian Capital Territory!
