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 Casterton 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 and Product Development in Casterton, Victoria, Australia: Unlock Local Potential with COLETEK
In the heart of Western Victoria, Casterton is a thriving community with a rich history and a vibrant economy. As a key player in this region, it's crucial to have reliable partners that can help businesses grow and succeed. This is where COLETEK comes in – our multidisciplinary engineering and product development company has been serving clients across Casterton, Victoria, Australia since 2001.
We're proud of our national reputation for innovation, collaboration, and capability. Our team of experts works tirelessly to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of local businesses like yours in Casterton, Victoria, Australia. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, streamline operations, or overcome technical challenges, COLETEK is here to support your journey.
In this era of rapid change and technological disruption, it's more important than ever for Western Victorian businesses to stay ahead of the curve. That's why we're committed to helping you develop the skills, processes, and innovative thinking required to thrive in today's competitive landscape. By partnering with COLETEK, you'll gain access to cutting-edge expertise, proven methodologies, and a deep understanding of your local market.
Our team is based in Casterton, Victoria, Australia, which allows us to understand the complexities and nuances of the region like few others can. We're deeply connected to the community and are passionate about contributing to its growth and development. By working with us, you'll not only be tapping into our expertise but also supporting local innovation and economic growth.
At COLETEK, we believe that success is built on a foundation of trust, communication, and mutual understanding. Our approach is centered around collaboration – we work closely with your team to understand your goals, challenges, and aspirations. We take the time to listen, to ask questions, and to provide tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
If you're looking for a trusted partner in Casterton, Victoria, Australia, to help you overcome technical challenges, drive innovation, or simply find new ways to stay competitive – look no further than COLETEK. We're proud to have served businesses across the region and are excited about the opportunity to support your success.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Contact UsRapid 3D Prototyping for Casterton – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Casterton – Amazing Customer Testimonials
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.
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.
Founded in 2001, we are a multiple award winning, highly experienced multidisciplinary company specialising in lean product development through rapid prototyping - transforming ideas from concept to life. Our industry-leading team combines deep expertise, cutting-edge technology, and advanced equipment to validate emerging ideas—transforming them into market-ready hardware and software solutions.
Our experience dates back to the 1990s with ANU "Robotics Systems Lab", CSIRO, NICTA (aka Data61), Seeing Machines, Location Aware Technologies, and Hemisphere GPS (aka BEELINE). For over 10 years now, we've been focused on validating R&D and taking ideas to commercialisation.
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