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 Burkes Bridge 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 Partner for Businesses in Burkes Bridge and Beyond
Coletek has been a trusted partner for businesses across Burkes Bridge, Victoria, Australia since 2001. As a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company, we've earned a reputation for delivering innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.
With a strong presence in Burkes Bridge and throughout Australia, Coletek is committed to serving businesses like yours with reliability, collaboration, and capability. Our team of experienced engineers and developers work closely with you to understand your goals and challenges, then apply their expertise to craft tailored solutions that drive success.
In a rapidly evolving business environment, it's essential to have a trusted partner who can help you stay ahead of the curve. At Coletek, we've built a reputation for our ability to listen, innovate, and deliver results. Whether you're looking to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, or drive growth, we're here to support your journey.
Our people are our greatest asset, and they share a passion for delivering exceptional outcomes. With expertise in engineering, product development, and innovation, we've helped businesses across Burkes Bridge and beyond to achieve their goals. Whether you're seeking a new product design, process improvement, or technical support, we're here to help.
At Coletek, we believe that collaboration is key to driving success. We take the time to understand your unique needs, challenges, and goals, then work hand in hand with you to develop solutions that meet your needs. With a strong presence in Burkes Bridge and throughout Australia, we're well-positioned to support businesses like yours.
If you're looking for a trusted partner who can help drive your business forward, look no further than Coletek. We're proud to be based in Burkes Bridge, Victoria, Australia and operate throughout the country. Let's build something remarkable together – contact us today to learn more!
