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 Wootong Vale 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.
Empowering Businesses in Wootong Vale, Victoria, Australia with Innovative Engineering and Product Development
When you're looking for trusted partners to drive growth and innovation in your business, look no further than COLETEK, a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001. With over two decades of experience behind us, we've earned a reputation as a reliable force in the industry, serving businesses across Wootong Vale, Victoria, Australia, and beyond.
As a local business owner or technical decision-maker based in Wootong Vale, Victoria, Australia, you understand the importance of building strong relationships with trusted partners who can help you navigate complex challenges. At COLETEK, we pride ourselves on our ability to collaborate closely with clients to develop innovative solutions that meet their unique needs and goals.
We're not just another engineering firm; we're a team of dedicated experts who take the time to understand your business inside and out. With a deep understanding of your operations, we develop products and solutions that drive real results, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in Wootong Vale, Victoria, Australia's competitive marketplace.
Our trusted national reputation has been built on our commitment to reliability, capability, and innovation. Whether you're looking to improve process efficiency, optimize product design, or develop cutting-edge technology, we've got the expertise and resources to help you achieve your objectives.
So why partner with COletek? We're passionate about unlocking the full potential of Wootong Vale, Victoria, Australia's business community, just as we are committed to helping businesses nationwide. By combining our knowledge, skills, and passion for innovation, we empower local businesses like yours to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Ready to unlock your business's true capabilities? Let us bring our expertise to bear on your most pressing challenges. Contact us today to explore how COletek can help you build something truly remarkable.
