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 Wodonga 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.
Delivering Engineering Excellence to Wodonga, Victoria, Australia and Beyond
Coletek is a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company with a trusted national reputation for delivering innovative solutions. Since 2001, we have been serving businesses across Wodonga, Victoria, Australia, providing reliable support that empowers them to drive success.
As a leader in the sector, Coletek brings together experts from various fields under one roof. Our team is committed to collaboration and capability, ensuring that every project receives the personal attention it deserves. By tapping into our collective expertise, clients can count on us to provide cutting-edge ideas, rigorous testing, and thorough execution.
Wodonga, Victoria, Australia is a thriving region with a strong presence of manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and services industries. Coletek has been proud to support local businesses in various sectors, helping them overcome complex engineering challenges and seize new opportunities. Our dedication to Wodonga's communities stems from our commitment to understanding their unique needs and developing tailored solutions that drive meaningful outcomes.
Whether you're looking for innovative product development, robust systems implementation, or trusted advice on a specific project, Coletek is the partner you can rely on. We take pride in being based in Wodonga, Victoria, Australia, allowing us to remain close to our clients and respond promptly to their needs. As we continue our mission of empowering businesses across Wodonga, Victoria, Australia and throughout the nation, we invite you to join forces with us in shaping remarkable products and experiences.
Coletek is ready to collaborate, innovate, and deliver results that exceed your expectations. Operating throughout Australia, including Wodonga, Victoria, Australia, our team stands poised to help you overcome any engineering or product development challenge. Let's work together to build something remarkable – a future where technology, innovation, and progress flourish.
