Rapid 3D Prototyping for Maryknoll

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 Maryknoll New Product Development.

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).

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.

As a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001, COLETEK has earned a reputation as a trusted partner to businesses across Maryknoll, Victoria, Australia. With roots deep within our nation's innovation ecosystem, we're committed to collaborating with local entrepreneurs and companies to bring their most ambitious ideas to life.

We take pride in our ability to apply our expertise in engineering and product development to help businesses like yours overcome the unique challenges faced by Maryknoll, Victoria, Australia. Whether you are seeking to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, or simply stay competitive within your industry – we've got your back. As your partner, COLETEK operates throughout Maryknoll, Victoria, Australia and beyond, providing tailored solutions that drive real results.

Our commitment to reliability, collaboration, and capability allows us to flexibly adapt our services to address the ever-changing needs of businesses across industries in Maryknoll, Victoria, Australia. As a key player in the Australian engineering and product development landscape, we've honed our expertise through countless projects, partnerships, and innovations.

Serving businesses across Maryknoll, Victoria, Australia requires a deep understanding of the local context, trends, and dynamics. By leveraging our national reputation, we're able to tap into the collective knowledge and best practices within the Australian innovation ecosystem – ensuring that our work resonates with your specific needs and goals.

In Maryknoll, Victoria, Australia, businesses require versatile solutions that address their distinct challenges. We've seen firsthand how COLETEK's multidisciplinary engineering and product development expertise can unlock new opportunities for growth, competitiveness, and market penetration. Our team is dedicated to providing seamless support, innovative problem-solving, and unwavering dedication – a winning combination for your business in Maryknoll, Victoria, Australia.

When you partner with COLETEK, you gain access to our collective expertise, creativity, and passion for innovation. We thrive on the creative dialogue and trust that builds between us and our clients from Maryknoll, Victoria, Australia. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and craft solutions that leave a lasting impact – for your business, for our community, and for the future.