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 Stanley 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.
Trusted Engineering and Product Development for Businesses in Stanley, Victoria, Australia
Coletek has long been a trusted partner to businesses throughout Stanley, Victoria, Australia, helping them innovate and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
As a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001, we've built a reputation for reliability, collaboration, and capability. Our national presence allows us to serve businesses across Stanley, Victoria, Australia, with the same level of quality and expertise that our clients have come to expect from us.Our team is comprised of skilled engineers and product developers who are passionate about solving real-world problems with innovative solutions. We take pride in building long-term relationships with our clients by taking the time to understand their unique needs and challenges. By doing so, we're able to deliver tailored engineering and product development services that meet their specific requirements.
Located based in Stanley, Victoria, Australia, allows us better support businesses across Stanley, Victoria, Australia, as well as throughout the country. Our clients benefit from our extensive experience, innovative thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.
We understand that every business is unique, with its own set of challenges and goals. As your trusted engineering and product development partner, we'll work closely with you to define and execute a strategy that drives growth, improves operations, or enhances customer experience. Our services are designed to be flexible, so whether you're looking for guidance on the latest technologies or the expertise to bring a new product to market, Coletek is the perfect partner.
We're proud to have served businesses across Stanley, Victoria, Australia, and are eager to help your organization thrive. If you're ready to unlock new opportunities and improve your competitive edge, reach out to us today. Let's build something remarkable together!
