Rapid 3D Prototyping for Northern Tablelands

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 Northern Tablelands 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.

Expert Engineering and Product Development for Northern Tablelands Businesses

As a business owner or technical decision-maker in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, you're no stranger to innovation and resilience. With your unique blend of rural charm and modern industry, it's only fitting that you need a trusted partner to help drive your growth. That's where COLETEK comes in - a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001. With more than two decades under our belt, we've earned a reputation as a reliable, collaborative, and capable team. Our national presence means we're well-equipped to support businesses just like yours across Northern Tablelands, New South Wales, Australia - not to mention the rest of the country. We understand the distinct challenges your region faces, from maintaining rural infrastructure to developing innovative agribusiness solutions. As a business-focused engineering company, COLETEK eschews cookie-cutter approaches in favor of tailored, outcome-driven strategies. Our team of experts takes the time to listen to your needs and goals before applying their collective know-how to deliver results that truly make a difference. Whether you're looking to boost operational efficiency, enhance product quality, or simply stay ahead of the curve, we have the skills, expertise, and passion to help. Operating throughout Northern Tablelands, New South Wales, Australia, we've had the privilege of supporting local businesses across various industries - from small-town startups to regional players. Our commitment to exceptional service, transparent communication, and cutting-edge engineering capabilities has earned us a trusted reputation as a go-to partner for innovators in your region. In short, COLETEK is not just another engineering firm; we're an extension of your team, working side by side to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and drive growth. When you choose COLETEK for your Northern Tablelands business needs, you gain a dedicated ally with the resources, expertise, and know-how to tackle even the most complex problems.

Let’s build something remarkable together.

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

Rapid 3D Prototyping for Northern Tablelands – Amazing Customer Testimonials

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.

Oded Kuznik
IT Land, Tweed Coast, NSW, Australia

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.

Jan Kroupa
Safety Roof Anchors, Sydney, NSW, Australia

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.

Paul Faranda
EBC Enviro Bug Control, Northern Rivers, NSW, Australia

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.

Alan Hay
Boylan Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia

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.

Jarrod Stephens
Sydney, NSW, Australis