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 Yallourn North 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.
Trusted Engineering Partner for Yallourn North's Businesses
Located in the heart of Victoria, Australia, Yallourn North is a thriving community with a strong presence of local businesses and industries. COLETEK is proud to be a trusted engineering partner serving these businesses across Yallourn North, Victoria, Australia.
Established in 2001, we are a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company that has built a reputation for delivering innovative solutions backed by our expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Our team of experienced engineers, designers, and developers work collaboratively with clients to understand their unique needs and deliver bespoke engineering solutions.
Operating throughout Australia, including Yallourn North, Victoria, Australia, we have a deep understanding of the local business landscape. Our experience in working with various industries enables us to effectively support businesses across multiple sectors. Whether you are an established player or an emerging startup, COLETEK is committed to ensuring your projects receive the reliability and attention they deserve.
At COLETEK, we don't just develop products; we work closely with our clients to deliver tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. Our focus on collaboration and capability allows us to take a holistic approach to engineering, considering not just the technical aspects but also the business and operational requirements of each project.
As Yallourn North continues to grow and evolve, COLETEK is committed to being a reliable partner for its businesses. By leveraging our expertise in engineering and product development, we can help local companies drive innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance their overall competitiveness.
To learn more about how COLETEK can support your business growth and aspirations, feel free to reach out to us today. Let's build something remarkable together!
