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 Hopetoun 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.
Servicing Businesses in Hopetoun, North Western, Victoria, Australia: Trustworthy Technological Solutions from COLETEK
As a business owner or decision-maker based in Hopetoun, North Western, Victoria, Australia, you deserve to have reliable technology solutions that support your operations without disrupting your daily processes. At COLETEK, we've built our reputation on being a trusted partner for businesses across the country – and now, we're committed to serving the Hopetoun community with the same level of dedication.
With over 25 years of experience in IT consulting and implementation, we've honed our expertise in innovative technologies that can help local businesses like yours thrive. Our team operates from a national perspective, but we understand the unique needs and challenges of businesses in rural areas like Hopetoun. When you partner with COLETEK, you'll gain access to industry-leading solutions that are tailored to your specific requirements.
We believe that technology should be a tool for growth, not a source of frustration or worry. Our mission is to work closely with local businesses – such as yours in Hopetoun – to understand their goals and objectives, and then provide expert advice and implementation to make those visions a reality. By doing so, we aim to empower you to focus on what matters most: growing your business and serving the community.
We're proud to be based in Hopetoun, North Western, Victoria, Australia, and we take pride in our ability to understand the distinct needs of rural businesses like yours. Whether you require support for day-to-day operations or strategic technology planning for long-term growth, we've got your back. By choosing COLETEK as your trusted technology partner, you'll have a team that's committed to serving your unique needs and supporting your success – right here in Hopetoun.
Ready to take your business to the next level? We're always [X] minutes away from providing expert guidance and support. Don't hesitate to reach out – we look forward to serving you and contributing to the prosperity of our community in Hopetoun, North Western, Victoria, Australia. Contact Us
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Hopetoun – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Hopetoun – Amazing Customer Testimonials
COLETEK proved to be the perfect choice to help us kick our project off. Their analysis of the problem we presented with them with, and their suggestions for the most efficient and effective way to achieve a solution prevented us wasting time and money heading down the wrong path. I'd recommend COLETEK without any reservations.
As a leading technology solutions provider we carefully choose our partners to outsource some of our projects. Black Box has partnered with COLETEK in delivering numerous projects. Every single time they have delivered work of highest standard and meet our project deadlines. It's a pleasure to work with COLETEK team headed by Luke and hope to work on many more projects in the future.
Founded in 2001, we are a multiple award winning, highly experienced multidisciplinary company specialising in lean product development through rapid prototyping - transforming ideas from concept to life. Our industry-leading team combines deep expertise, cutting-edge technology, and advanced equipment to validate emerging ideas—transforming them into market-ready hardware and software solutions.
Our experience dates back to the 1990s with ANU "Robotics Systems Lab", CSIRO, NICTA (aka Data61), Seeing Machines, Location Aware Technologies, and Hemisphere GPS (aka BEELINE). For over 10 years now, we've been focused on validating R&D and taking ideas to commercialisation.
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