Rapid 3D Prototyping for North Eastern

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 North Eastern 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.

Reliable Engineering Partners in North Eastern, Victoria, Australia

As a business operating in the thriving region of North Eastern, Victoria, Australia, you understand the importance of having trusted partners to support your growth and development. For over two decades, COLETEK has established itself as a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company, serving businesses across North Eastern, Victoria, Australia, and throughout the nation. With our expertise spanning multiple industries, we've earned a reputation for delivering innovative solutions that drive success. Our experienced team is well-versed in understanding the local market and adapting to its unique challenges. Whether you're looking to enhance existing processes or pioneer new products, COLETEK's collaborative approach ensures seamless integration with your operations. As a provider of trusted engineering services based in North Eastern, Victoria, Australia, we take pride in being more than just a technical partner – we're a valued ally for businesses across the region. By investing time and resources into understanding our clients' needs and aspirations, we develop customized solutions that cater to their distinct goals and challenges. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results through rigorous collaboration, meticulous execution, and unwavering commitment to reliability. We believe in building long-term relationships founded on trust, open communication, and mutually beneficial outcomes. COLETEK's national presence enables us to operate throughout Australia, with local insights and expertise that make a tangible difference in North Eastern, Victoria, Australia. Our engineering capabilities span a wide range of industries, including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, transportation, and healthcare. By partnering with COLETEK, you can tap into the expertise and resources needed to overcome complex challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition. If you're seeking a reliable partner to drive innovation, streamline operations, or revolutionize your products, look no further than COLETEK. Our team is eager to collaborate with businesses in North Eastern, Victoria, Australia, and assist in charting their path to success. Let's build something remarkable together.

Let’s build something remarkable together.

Rapid 3D Prototyping for North Eastern – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses

Rapid 3D Prototyping for North Eastern – Amazing Customer Testimonials

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.

Peter Colman
Southern Ocean Subsea, Victoria, Australia

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.

Sudhir Kumar
Black Box Network Services Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia