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 Coongbar 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.
Expertise at Your Doorstep: Serving Businesses in Coongbar, New South Wales, Australia and Beyond
As the sun rises over the vast countryside of Coongbar, New South Wales, Australia, we at COLETEK are honoured to be your trusted ally in engineering and product development. With our multidisciplinary expertise spanning 20 years, we've established ourselves as a national leader, delivering reliable solutions that drive business growth across industries.
With roots firmly planted in Coongbar, New South Wales, Australia, we've seen firsthand the impact that innovative thinking can have on local communities. As such, our team is dedicated to supporting businesses of all sizes and types across this thriving region, offering tailored collaborations that address unique challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
Your success is our top priority. At COLETEK, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner, providing a breadth of capabilities that spans product design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain management. By combining our expertise with your insights, we can help you overcome obstacles, seize market share, and drive long-term growth.
We understand the nuances of operating in Coongbar, New South Wales, Australia – from the region's rich agricultural heritage to its expanding industries. As a local business ourselves, we're attuned to the challenges and opportunities unique to this area. That's why our solutions are designed to be adaptable, scalable, and effective. Whether you're introducing new products, streamlining operations, or exploring emerging markets, we'll work closely with your team to craft tailored strategies that align with your vision.
When it comes to serving businesses in Coongbar, New South Wales, Australia, COletek is the trusted name for engineering and product development. Let us leverage our expertise and collective intelligence to drive growth, innovation, and progress in this dynamic region. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business's success.
