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 Wheatsheaf 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.
Sustaining Prosperity in Wheatsheaf, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia: COLETEK's Commitment to Regional Success
As a thriving business community at the heart of regional Victoria, Wheatsheaf, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia is poised for growth. With businesses of all sizes and sectors contributing to the local economy, it's crucial they have access to reliable, innovative technology solutions that foster innovation, improve efficiency, and drive success. At COLETEK, our dedicated team has a proven track record of serving businesses across Wheatsheaf, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, providing tailored support that meets their unique needs.
A pioneer in the Australian IT industry, COLETEK has built its reputation on delivering cutting-edge technological expertise to clients nationwide. Our experienced professionals have designed and implemented countless solutions for businesses of all shapes and sizes, allowing them to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Operating throughout Wheatsheaf, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia and beyond, we take pride in being a trusted partner for local business owners seeking to maximize their operations' potential.
A partnership with COLETEK means more than just installing software or hardware – it means collaborating with knowledgeable experts who understand the nuances of your industry. By investing in our team's expertise, businesses in Wheatsheaf, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia can rest assured that their technological foundation is secure, robust, and capable of adapting to future challenges.
As a trusted leader in Australian IT, COLETEK recognizes the importance of supporting regional economies like those found in Wheatsheaf, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. By providing reliable technology solutions, training local professionals, and offering consultative guidance, we empower businesses to achieve their goals while contributing to the long-term prosperity of our community.
So why settle for ordinary when you can have exceptional? When seeking a trusted partner to help drive your Wheatsheaf, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia business towards success, look no further than COLETEK. Together, we'll work tirelessly to build a future that's bright, connected, and thriving – one that benefits not just individual businesses, but the entire community.
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Wheatsheaf – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Wheatsheaf – Amazing Customer Testimonials
COLETEK proved to be the perfect choice to help us kick our project off. Their analysis of the problem we presented with them with, and their suggestions for the most efficient and effective way to achieve a solution prevented us wasting time and money heading down the wrong path. I'd recommend COLETEK without any reservations.
As a leading technology solutions provider we carefully choose our partners to outsource some of our projects. Black Box has partnered with COLETEK in delivering numerous projects. Every single time they have delivered work of highest standard and meet our project deadlines. It's a pleasure to work with COLETEK team headed by Luke and hope to work on many more projects in the future.
Founded in 2001, we are a multiple award winning, highly experienced multidisciplinary company specialising in lean product development through rapid prototyping - transforming ideas from concept to life. Our industry-leading team combines deep expertise, cutting-edge technology, and advanced equipment to validate emerging ideas—transforming them into market-ready hardware and software solutions.
Our experience dates back to the 1990s with ANU "Robotics Systems Lab", CSIRO, NICTA (aka Data61), Seeing Machines, Location Aware Technologies, and Hemisphere GPS (aka BEELINE). For over 10 years now, we've been focused on validating R&D and taking ideas to commercialisation.
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