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 Mooralla 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.
Serving Businesses Across Mooralla, Victoria, Australia: Reliable Partners for Engineering and Product Development
At COLETEK, we believe that innovation is the key to unlocking real growth potential for businesses in Mooralla, Victoria, Australia. As a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001, we've been fortunate enough to build a reputation as one of the most trusted and reliable partners for companies nationwide.
Based in Mooralla, Victoria, Australia, our commitment to delivering exceptional results has earned us a loyal customer base spanning multiple industries. We take pride in being more than just an engineering firm – we're collaborators, innovators, and problem-solvers dedicated to helping local businesses thrive.
When you partner with COLETEK, you can rest assured that your project is in capable hands. Leveraging our extensive experience across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and more, we'll apply our collective expertise to drive progress for your business. From developing custom products to optimizing operational efficiency, we're passionate about delivering tailored solutions that align with your unique goals.
We understand the dynamic landscape in Mooralla, Victoria, Australia, and are well-positioned to support businesses operating throughout the region. Our team is equipped with the latest tools and methodologies, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to emerging trends and technological advancements.
By choosing COLETEK as your trusted engineering and product development partner, you'll benefit from our capacity for collaboration, innovation, and reliability – allowing you to focus on what matters most: growing your business. Operating throughout Mooralla, Victoria, Australia, we're committed to supporting local businesses every step of the way.
So why settle for anything less when it comes to achieving your objectives? Let COLETEK be your go-to partner for engineering and product development expertise that will propel your Mooralla, Victoria, Australia-based business forward. Contact us today!
