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 Wooragee 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.
Engineering Innovation for Wooragee
Located in the heart of Wooragee, Victoria, Australia, COLETEK is a trusted name in engineering and product development, serving businesses across this region with our multidisciplinary expertise.
With over two decades of experience since our company's inception in 2001, we've established ourselves as a national leader in our field. Our dedicated team of engineers and innovators has consistently delivered high-quality solutions to clients from various sectors across Australia. As Wooragee continues to grow and evolve, COLETEK is proud to contribute to its development through collaborative partnerships with local businesses.
At COLETEK, we pride ourselves on our ability to combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of the Australian industry landscape. This unique blend enables us to provide innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of businesses operating in Wooragee and throughout Victoria. Whether you're looking to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, or overcome design challenges, our team is dedicated to delivering reliable results through collaborative approaches.
We've earned a reputation as a trusted partner for clients seeking tailored support for their specific needs. Our multidisciplinary capabilities allow us to tackle projects requiring integrated engineering solutions across various disciplines. Whether you're facing technological, logistical, or strategic challenges, COLETEK is here to help you navigate these complexities and achieve your goals.
In the Wooragee area, we've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of businesses, from startups to established enterprises. Our experienced team has honed its skills through countless project successes across various industries, ensuring our capabilities stay adaptably ahead of emerging trends. As a trusted extension of your in-house team, we're committed to supporting Wooragee's continued growth and innovation.
If you're looking for a partner that will collaborate with your business to create remarkable solutions that exceed expectations, look no further than COLETEK. Built on the foundation of decades-long experience and national recognition, our company is well-equipped to tackle even the most complex challenges in Wooragee and beyond. Let's build something remarkable together.
