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 Tanjil South 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.
COLETEK: Your Partner in Engineering and Product Development Excellence for Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia Businesses
In the heart of Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia, a hub of innovation and industry is thriving. COLETEK is proud to be part of this ecosystem, serving businesses across Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia with their trusted expertise in engineering and product development.
Founded in 2001, COLETEK has established itself as a multidisciplinary Australian company, renowned for its reliability, collaboration, and capability. With years of experience and innovation, our team is well-equipped to support local businesses and industries in Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia. Whether you're looking to streamline processes, improve efficiency, or drive growth, COLETEK is dedicated to being your partner of choice.
As a business operating throughout Australia, including Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia, we understand the importance of working closely with local stakeholders and industries. Our team is committed to delivering tailored solutions that cater specifically to the unique needs and challenges faced by businesses in Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia. By doing so, we empower our clients to achieve their goals and reach new heights.
We're not just a company – we're your partner, committed to building strong relationships with local businesses and industries in Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia. Our collective focus on innovation, reliability, and collaboration enables us to drive meaningful progress and results for our clients. By working together, we can shape the future of Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia's business landscape.
If you're seeking a trusted partner dedicated to delivering excellence in engineering and product development services specifically designed for businesses in Tanjil South, Victoria, Australia, look no further than COLETEK. We're ready to embark on this journey with you – contact us today!
