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 Sun Valley 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

Sun Valley, New South Wales, Australia: Your Partner in Innovative Engineering Solutions

As a business owner or decision-maker in Sun Valley, New South Wales, Australia, you're likely no stranger to the importance of innovation and forward-thinking solutions. That's where COLETEK comes in – a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001 with a national reputation for reliability, collaboration, and capability. With years of experience under our belt, we've had the privilege of serving businesses across Sun Valley, New South Wales, Australia, as well as throughout the country. Our team consists of experts from various disciplines, each dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of local businesses like yours. Whether you're looking to overcome a specific challenge or capitalize on new opportunities, our expertise in engineering and product development can help. What sets COLETEK apart is our commitment to collaboration. We take the time to understand your business goals, challenges, and priorities, then work closely with you to develop innovative solutions that meet your unique needs. Our approach is centered around trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of the Sun Valley, New South Wales, Australia market. When you partner with COLETEK, you can rely on our expertise in product development and engineering to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and increase competitiveness. We're not just here to provide solutions – we're committed to building lasting relationships with local businesses like yours. And that's why our reputation as a trusted national player has been built on the strength of our partnerships throughout Sun Valley, New South Wales, Australia. So whether you're looking to transform your operations, streamline processes, or simply find new ways to stay ahead of the curve, we invite you to experience the COLETEK difference. Let's build something remarkable together – in Sun Valley, New South Wales, Australia and beyond.

Let’s build something remarkable together.

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


Rapid 3D Prototyping for Sun Valley – Amazing Customer Testimonials

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.