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 Mount Stromlo 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.
Unleashing Innovation in Mount Stromlo, Australian Capital Territory: Your Partner for Engineering Excellence
In the heart of Australia's capital city lies a community that thrives on innovation and progress. In Mount Stromlo, Australian Capital Territory, local businesses are paving the way for growth and development, driven by a spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity.
At COLETEK, we're proud to be a part of this journey. As a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001, we've built a reputation as trusted advisors and collaborators. Our extensive experience in various industries has equipped us with the expertise to deliver innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses across Mount Stromlo, Australian Capital Territory.
We understand that every business has its own story, challenges, and aspirations. That's why our team is committed to providing unwavering support, drawing from our collective capabilities in engineering and product development. Whether you're tackling a complex problem or seeking to improve your existing operations, we'll work closely with you to find the best possible solution.
In Mount Stromlo, Australian Capital Territory, we're based in the heart of the action, yet our national reach allows us to serve businesses throughout Australia. Our local presence means we can quickly respond to your needs, while our network enables us to tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise from across the country.
As you navigate the challenges and opportunities of Mount Stromlo, Australian Capital Territory's business landscape, rest assured that COLETEK is here to support your journey. We're committed to delivering exceptional results, fostering strong relationships, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible through our innovative approach.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Contact UsRapid 3D Prototyping for Mount Stromlo – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Mount Stromlo – Amazing Customer Testimonials
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.
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!
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!
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.
Delivered excellence on time, great work and great team, thanks!
Delivered excellence on time, great work and great team, thanks!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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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