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 Woodside 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.
At COLETEK, we're proud to be a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001. For nearly two decades, our team has been dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that drive success for businesses like yours.
We take pride in being based in Woodside, Victoria, Australia, operating throughout regional Australia, and supporting local businesses across the area. Our commitment to reliability, collaboration, and capability sets us apart as a trusted partner for companies seeking expert engineering services.
With a strong reputation built on our national scope, we offer comprehensive engineering solutions that help you overcome challenges and capture opportunities. Our engineers work closely with clients in Woodside, Victoria, Australia to understand their unique needs, design innovative products, optimize systems, and improve operational efficiency.
We're not just experts in our field; we're partners who care deeply about the region's economic and environmental vibrancy. Whether you're a local business owner or a decision-maker from out of town, rest assured that COLETEK has years of experience supporting businesses across Woodside, Victoria, Australia – understanding the nuances of this unique area.
Our engineering capabilities are backed by extensive research and testing, ensuring the highest level of quality for our clients' projects. We're not limited to a single industry or sector; instead, we excel at adapting to diverse requirements from various sectors. COLETEK's collective expertise spans product development, system integration, simulation and analysis – all aimed at supporting your business growth in Woodside, Victoria, Australia.
As you navigate the complexities of engineering and product development, COLETEK's reputation for trustworthiness, transparency, and adaptability remains unparalleled. For over two decades, we've established a sterling track record with clients nationwide. It's these key values that make us an exceptional partner for businesses in Woodside, Victoria, Australia seeking long-term partnerships.
Ready to elevate your project? We invite you to collaborate with our team of seasoned experts who know the intricacies of Woodside, Victoria, Australia. Whether it's a local initiative or a national endeavor, we're prepared to support your organization's growth and aspirations.
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.
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.