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 Avonmore 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.
Welcome to COLETEK: Your Partner in Engineering and Product Development for Avonmore, Victoria, Australia
Are you a business in Avonmore, Victoria, Australia looking for innovative solutions to drive growth? You're in the right place! At COLETEK, we're proud to be a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001. Our team has extensive experience in designing, developing, and delivering cutting-edge products that meet the unique needs of businesses like yours.
Based in Avonmore, Victoria, Australia, we've earned a reputation for being reliable, collaborative, and capable partners to our clients. Over the years, we've supported numerous businesses across Avonmore, Victoria, Australia, providing tailored engineering and product development solutions that have improved their operations, increased efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to engineering and product development. We believe in putting the needs of your business at the forefront, working closely with you to understand your objectives, challenges, and aspirations. Our expertise spans multiple disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and systems integration, allowing us to deliver comprehensive solutions that meet your unique requirements.
Operating throughout Avonmore, Victoria, Australia, we've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients from various industries. From automotive and aerospace to healthcare and technology, our team has successfully developed products that have made a real impact on people's lives.
We're not just an engineering company – we're a trusted partner who will guide you through every stage of product development, ensuring that your needs are met, and your expectations exceeded. Whether you're looking to bring a new product to market or revamp your current offerings, our team is ready to collaborate with you to achieve remarkable results.
At COletek, serving businesses across Avonmore, Victoria, Australia is at the heart of what we do. We're committed to delivering innovative engineering and product development solutions that drive growth, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. Let us help you build something remarkable together!
