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 Gibberagee 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).

Makerbot 3D Scanner

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.

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer

Delivering Engineered Excellence to Gibberagee and Beyond

Coletek is a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001 with an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to businesses across Gibberagee, Northern Rivers, New South Wales, Australia.

Headquartered based in Gibberagee, Northern Rivers, New South Wales, Australia, we have built a trusted national reputation by leveraging our collective expertise and collaborative approach. Our company has honed its skills through years of working closely with clients from various sectors within the region, providing reliable solutions that have stood the test of time.

As a renowned engineering firm, Coletek excels in delivering cutting-edge products and solutions that drive innovation and growth for Gibberagee's local businesses. We take pride in being a partner of choice for numerous organizations throughout Australia, fostering lasting relationships built on trust, expertise, and a deep understanding of the region's unique needs.

At Coletek, we believe that reliability is paramount to ensuring long-term success; that's why we focus on building enduring partnerships with businesses across Gibberagee, Northern Rivers, New South Wales, Australia. Our team works tirelessly to understand clients' objectives and constraints, offering tailored engineered solutions that align with their unique growth strategies.

Throughout our tenure, Coletek has consistently demonstrated its capability in addressing the most pressing challenges facing local industries, leveraging the latest technologies and engineering know-how to develop innovative products that drive competitiveness. Our dedication to Gibberagee's business community is unwavering; we stand committed to being a trusted ally for regional companies seeking growth, diversification, or improved efficiency.

Looking to partner with a reliable and forward-thinking engineering firm? As a specialist in delivering engineered excellence to Gibberagee and beyond, Coletek invites your organization to experience the power of our collaboration and capability by partnering with us. Contact Us here to initiate a conversation that will transform your business for the better.

Rapid 3D Prototyping for Gibberagee – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses


Rapid 3D Prototyping for Gibberagee – Amazing Customer Testimonials

COLETEK installed real-time wireless security camera systems within our seven Holiday Parks, consisting of 31 cameras spread over multiple buildings and locations. I found the team at COLETEK to be very professional throughout the installation process and the completed system to be highly proficient for our business. I would recommend using COLETEK for your security needs.

Very reliable, professional and knowledgeable. In our office were we all amazed by Luke's knowledge of IT and how much he know about different IT issues, specially about the IP cameras. We recommend their services and we will always use their services in the future.

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 found COLETEK to be very knowledgeable and professional in the installation of our security system, even after the job has been completed COLETEK is always happy to follow up with any questions that may arise.. I would highly recommend COLETEK for anyone looking at security for peace of mind.

I recently discovered COLETEK after I accidently managed to fry the PCB on my hard drive. The drive contained 13 years worth family photos and wasn't comfortable sending it off where it could be damaged more or lost in the post. After spending hours researching and emailing different data recovery companies, I decided on COLETEK. Luke was very helpful and let me know the estimated costs up front, and was able to quickly do the repairs necessary to get my drive running like new again. I was able to back up the whole drive and the bill ended up cheaper than the original quote. I can highly recommend them and have already sent a friend to get their drive repaired too.

I have been working closely with COLETEK for the past 6 years now, and I must say, it is a success story :-). I highly respect their team, they are a pleasure to work with and top skilled professionals. In addition to their top Technical service, their customer service is brilliant and it is a rare find. Their PCB repair rework skills are top notch and a rare find in this industry. I have been working in the IT industry for the past 20 years in various fields and seen it all so I can say with certainty that they are the best around and I am looking forward to keep working with them in the future.

Thank you for installing the surveillance system at our home in the Northern Rivers. It gives us a great sense of security to know that our home and possesses can be monitored remotely and all activities recorded. Thanks also for giving up your time on the weekend to arrange for back up parts to be picked up following storm damage.

COLETEK installed a real-time wireless security camera system for us consisting of 40 indoor and outdoor cameras over 10 buildings throughout the resort and service station. Their team was very professional from quote to completion of the job, and after sales service. The system has reduced vandalism and theft to almost nothing. We have been very happy with the installation and service. We would recommend COLETEK to anyone.

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.

COLETEK installed a security camera system in our food processing facility that included 89 cameras both internal and external to the factory. They were professional through the quotation and installation process and have been supportive with their after sales service. Based on our experience we would have no hesitation in recommending COLETEK to anyone searching for customised surveillance camera solution.

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.

Great service, great equipment.

We can't thank COLETEK enough for setting up our security systems and ensuring the safety of our assets. They were great to deal with and were extremely responsive in all aspects. We would highly recommend their services to anyone searching for true expertise and exceptional customer service.

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.

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.

My hard drive died with 18 months of work plus photos of my daughters 1st 18 months of life. I contemplated building a time machine to go back and document all those memories again - though I found it logistically and financially much easier to go with COLETEK. My recommendation is forget trying to build a time machine - call COLETEK.