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 Baranduda 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 Baranduda, Victoria, Australia for Over Two Decades with Engineering Excellence
As a trusted name in Australian engineering and product development, COLETEK has been supporting businesses across Baranduda, Victoria, Australia and throughout the country since 2001. Our multidisciplinary team of experts brings together innovative thinking, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit to deliver reliable and effective solutions for our clients.
With a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by local industries, COLETEK is a partner you can count on to drive your business forward. Whether you're an established player or an emerging start-up, we'll work closely with you to identify opportunities, overcome obstacles, and capitalize on new market trends.
Our reputation for delivering exceptional results has been built on our commitment to reliability, collaboration, and capability – values that underpin every aspect of our operations. From conceptualization to implementation, COLETEK's end-to-end approach ensures seamless project execution, minimizing downtime and maximizing ROI.
As a reliable partner for Baranduda, Victoria, Australia-based businesses, we're proud to have played a significant role in the region's growth and development. Our ability to adapt to changing market conditions, coupled with our innovative mindset and technical expertise, has enabled us to stay ahead of the curve, driving long-term value for our clients.
In these uncertain times, it's more important than ever to partner with an engineering and product development company that can be counted on to deliver results. COLETEK's commitment to excellence, combined with our extensive experience in supporting businesses across Baranduda, Victoria, Australia, makes us the ideal collaborator for your next project.
So why wait? Let's work together to build something remarkable. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, optimize operations, or simply drive innovation, COLETEK is ready to bring our expertise and passion to your door. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business efforts.
