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 Cattai 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

Partnering with Cattai Businesses: Local Expertise for a Brighter Future

As the trusted engine of innovation for businesses across Cattai, New South Wales, Australia, COLEtec is proud to have been serving local entrepreneurs and companies since 2001. With a multidisciplinary team of Australian engineers and product development experts, we've established ourselves as a go-to partner for companies seeking reliable solutions to grow their operations. Whether you're based in Cattai or operating throughout New South Wales, Australia, COLEtec is committed to collaborating with your business to deliver tailored engineering and product development expertise. Our team's diverse backgrounds and skills enable us to tackle complex projects, from concept design to prototype testing and implementation. With our extensive experience, we've developed the capability to address a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to construction, and every industry in between. By partnering with COLEtec, Cattai businesses can tap into our national reputation for reliability, innovation, and exceptional customer service. We take pride in our ability to work closely with local clients, understanding their unique needs and challenges, and developing solutions that meet those specific requirements. Our expertise spans the entire product lifecycle, from design and prototyping through testing and production. Throughout Australia, including Cattai and its surrounding regions, COLEtec is dedicated to empowering businesses to drive success through collaborative engineering and product development. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking a competitive edge or a seasoned business owner looking to expand your offerings, our team is here to support your growth. As you navigate the complex landscape of innovation, rest assured that COLEtec is committed to delivering exceptional results for local businesses in Cattai and beyond. By choosing us as your engineering and product development partner, you'll benefit from our deep understanding of Australian market needs, our ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and our relentless pursuit of excellence.

Let’s build something remarkable together.

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


Rapid 3D Prototyping for Cattai – Amazing Customer Testimonials

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great service, great equipment.

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.