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 Middleton 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

A Trusted Engineering Partner for Businesses in Middleton, South Australia

In Middleton, South Australia, businesses are the backbone of the community. They drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy. At COLETEK, we're proud to be a trusted partner for these businesses, helping them bring their products and services to life through our multidisciplinary engineering and product development capabilities. Established in 2001, COOLETEK has earned a national reputation for innovation, reliability, and collaboration. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed our clients' expectations. With a strong presence throughout Australia, we're uniquely positioned to support businesses across Middleton, South Australia and beyond. As a trusted partner, COLETEK brings unique value to businesses in Middleton, South Australia by providing tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to combine expertise in various fields – from engineering design to manufacturing and testing – to deliver comprehensive product development services. Whether your business is focused on innovation, efficiency, or customer satisfaction, our team is committed to helping you achieve your goals. At COLETEK, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our clients, based in Middleton, South Australia. We believe that collaboration is key to delivering successful projects, and we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and goals. Our flexible approach allows us to adapt to changing market conditions and customer requirements, ensuring that our solutions remain relevant and effective over time. By partnering with COLETEK, businesses in Middleton, South Australia can tap into a wealth of expertise and capabilities that will help them stay competitive in today's fast-paced business environment. Whether you're looking to develop a new product, improve an existing one, or launch a new service, our team is here to support you every step of the way. So why wait? Let COLETEK be your trusted partner for engineering and product development excellence in Middleton, South Australia. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.

Let’s build something remarkable together.

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


Rapid 3D Prototyping for Middleton – Amazing Customer Testimonials

I have outsourced many projects through COLETEK over the years for a variety of applications. Applications such as a online based software platform that pulls live data feeds and updates in real-time to the user. A custom built website for adding users and products that achieved over 20,000 listings. Mobile applications. Data recovery and hardware repair. Custom SEO services and secure hosting services. I choose COLETEK because I know that a job will get done as requested and within a reasonable time frame. Also I'm a stickler for security and they're the best.

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.

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.

We've worked with Luke and the team on and off for the past two years. We've found them very accessible and extremely thorough in their dealings. Their documentation is second to none and we’d have no hesitation recommending them on this basis alone.

I was very impressed with the prompt service I received from COLETEK IT. I submitted a request for assistance on Thursday when my Windows PC failed to boot. I dropped the computer off Friday. Saturday - I was notified that analysis was complete and that a reinstall of Windows was required. Sunday - I was notified that Windows had been reinstalled and all my data had been copied back. Monday - I picked up my recovered machine from COLETEK. Four days from initial contact to having my system back would be great service in anyone's book. I have no hesitation in recommending COLETEK IT.

We experienced some issues with our Linux server. I contacted Luke and explained my concerns, Luke come to our office (after hours) to run some tests and when advised me that some programming was required and that the hard drives were overdue for replacements. Luke suggested I drop the server of at his office on Friday late afternoon so he could do the fix on the weekend and he would come to our office on Sunday afternoon to install the updated server. I gladly accpeted such a great offer. Everything went exactly to plan even though we had to deal with really bad storms and some power outages on that weekend. Job well done.

I have outsourced many projects through COLETEK over the years for a variety of applications. Applications such as a online based software platform that pulls live data feeds and updates in real-time to the user. A custom built website for adding users and products that achieved over 20,000 listings. Mobile applications. Data recovery and hardware repair. Custom SEO services and secure hosting services. I choose COLETEK because I know that a job will get done as requested and within a reasonable time frame. Also I'm a stickler for security and they're the best.

We recently engaged the services of COLETEK to perform some penetration testing on our systems. We found Luke flexible and accommodating with our specific needs. Luke provide what we needed to show our clients our security measures with our systems. I would have no hesitation in recommending Luke.

Luke from COLETEK provided server setup and consultation for our media production Business. They were prompt, professional, and helpful, and gave us some good ideas and options when it came to a custom and cost effective solution. They have been prompt and responsive since initial setup, offering advice as needed and supporting additional requests. Highly recommended!

We've worked with Luke and the team on and off for the past two years. We've found them very accessible and extremely thorough in their dealings. Their documentation is second to none and we’d have no hesitation recommending them on this basis alone.

Luke from COLETEK provided server setup and consultation for our media production Business. They were prompt, professional, and helpful, and gave us some good ideas and options when it came to a custom and cost effective solution. They have been prompt and responsive since initial setup, offering advice as needed and supporting additional requests. Highly recommended!

We recently engaged the services of COLETEK to perform some penetration testing on our systems. We found Luke flexible and accommodating with our specific needs. Luke provide what we needed to show our clients our security measures with our systems. I would have no hesitation in recommending Luke.

I was very impressed with the prompt service I received from COLETEK IT. I submitted a request for assistance on Thursday when my Windows PC failed to boot. I dropped the computer off Friday. Saturday - I was notified that analysis was complete and that a reinstall of Windows was required. Sunday - I was notified that Windows had been reinstalled and all my data had been copied back. Monday - I picked up my recovered machine from COLETEK. Four days from initial contact to having my system back would be great service in anyone's book. I have no hesitation in recommending COLETEK IT.

We experienced some issues with our Linux server. I contacted Luke and explained my concerns, Luke come to our office (after hours) to run some tests and when advised me that some programming was required and that the hard drives were overdue for replacements. Luke suggested I drop the server of at his office on Friday late afternoon so he could do the fix on the weekend and he would come to our office on Sunday afternoon to install the updated server. I gladly accpeted such a great offer. Everything went exactly to plan even though we had to deal with really bad storms and some power outages on that weekend. Job well done.