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 Jarrahmond 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 Jarrahmond, Victoria, Australia - Your Partner for Engineering Excellence
As a trusted player in the Australian engineering and product development landscape, COLETEK is proud to support businesses across Jarrahmond, Victoria, Australia. Established in 2001, our multidisciplinary team has honed its expertise through years of innovative problem-solving and collaboration with clients from diverse industries.
Our reputation for reliability, technical proficiency, and dedication to delivering results that exceed expectations has earned us a trusted national presence. We don't just provide solutions - we build long-term partnerships, empowering businesses in Jarrahmond, Victoria, Australia to achieve their goals.
By partnering with COLETEK, you can draw on our collective expertise in engineering design, development, and implementation. Our capabilities span multiple disciplines, from product design and development to manufacturing and operational support. When you require innovative solutions tailored to your unique needs, we are the trusted partner that can help.
In Jarrahmond, Victoria, Australia, COLETEK has a deep understanding of the local landscape and the challenges faced by businesses operating within it. We take pride in our ability to adapt to regional specifics, ensuring our work is always relevant and effective. Whether you represent an existing business looking to expand or start anew, or a new entrepreneur seeking to make your mark, we are here to support you.
At COLETEK, we don't just talk about innovation - we live it. Our team is driven by a passion for engineering excellence and a commitment to delivering results that exceed our clients' expectations. When you work with us, expect a collaborative approach that leverages the best of our expertise to drive real value for your business.
If you're looking for a trusted partner to help propel your business forward in Jarrahmond, Victoria, Australia, look no further than COLETEK. Let's build something remarkable together.
