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 Hiamdale 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.
Expert Engineering Solutions for Hiamdale, Victoria, Australia
As a business owner in Hiamdale, Victoria, Australia, you understand the importance of having reliable engineering expertise at your fingertips. COLETEK, a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001, has been serving businesses like yours across this vibrant region for many years.
We're proud to be based in Hiamdale, Victoria, Australia, with deep roots in the local community. Our team of talented engineers and experts have developed a trusted reputation nationally for delivering exceptional results, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and fostering long-term relationships with our clients. Whether you're looking to optimize your existing operations or launch innovative new products, we're here to support your vision.
COLETEK's broad expertise includes everything from mechanical engineering to system design, product development, and more. Our collaborative approach ensures seamless integration with your business goals and values. We take the time to thoroughly understand your unique challenges, working closely with you every step of the way to find creative solutions that exceed expectations.
Over our 20-plus years, COLETEK has established a strong track record of supporting businesses in Hiamdale, Victoria, Australia, as well as throughout the country. We take pride in being an integral part of our clients' success stories – and we're eager to do the same for your organization.
By partnering with us, you gain access to extensive expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. Let COLETEK help you overcome engineering challenges, improve processes, and drive long-term growth in Hiamdale, Victoria, Australia. We're here to support your unique needs and goals.
From concept to production, and every step in between, we're dedicated to helping businesses like yours thrive in the Hiamdale, Victoria, Australia area. Let's build something remarkable together.
