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 Mckenzie Hill 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.
Sustainable Solutions for Mckenzie Hill, Victoria, Australia: COLETEK's Commitment to Excellence
Located in the heart of Mckenzie Hill, Victoria, Australia, COLETEK has established itself as a trusted and innovative multidisciplinary engineering and product development company since 2001. Our unwavering commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation across the nation for delivering reliable, collaborative solutions that drive business success.
As we serve businesses across Mckenzie Hill, Victoria, Australia, we are dedicated to empowering local industries through innovative thinking, cutting-edge engineering, and a passion for problem-solving. Our multidisciplinary team of experts combines engineering, product development, and technical know-how to create tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.
With our national presence and years of experience, COLETEK is well-equipped to support businesses in Mckenzie Hill, Victoria, Australia, as well as throughout Australia. We understand the diverse range of industries and challenges faced by local businesses, and we are committed to providing tailored solutions that drive growth, improve operations, and enhance profitability.
At COLETEK, we take pride in our ability to collaborate with clients to develop innovative solutions that meet their specific needs. Our approach emphasizes trust, transparency, and reliability, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service and support throughout the project lifecycle. By combining engineering prowess with a deep understanding of local markets, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses in Mckenzie Hill, Victoria, Australia achieve their goals.
Whether you're seeking to optimize operations, improve product performance, or drive business growth, COLETEK is committed to being your trusted partner. We invite local businesses in Mckenzie Hill, Victoria, Australia to join us on our journey towards excellence and let's build something remarkable together.
