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 Traynors Lagoon 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 & Product Development in Traynors Lagoon, Victoria, Australia
Coletek is proud to be serving businesses across Traynors Lagoon, Victoria, Australia and throughout the country. As a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001, we've earned a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative solutions that exceed our clients' expectations.
Our team of experts has extensive experience working with businesses in Traynors Lagoon, Victoria, Australia, helping them overcome complex challenges and capitalize on opportunities. From concept through to delivery, we operate throughout – from consulting and design to prototyping, testing, and production. With over two decades of industry expertise, Coletek knows the importance of building trust with our clients.
We're based in Traynors Lagoon, Victoria, Australia, which allows us to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by local businesses. Our proximity to this thriving community enables us to collaborate closely with entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators – fostering creativity, driving growth, and delivering results that matter.
Coletek is dedicated to reliability, collaboration, and capability. By harnessing our multidisciplinary expertise, we create bespoke solutions tailored to the distinct needs of Traynors Lagoon businesses. Whether you're developing a new product, streamlining operations, or addressing regulatory requirements, our team will work tirelessly to understand your goals and deliver the outcomes you need.
We take pride in serving businesses across Traynors Lagoon, Victoria, Australia – from startups and entrepreneurs to established companies looking for strategic partners. Our reputation for delivering exceptional results is built on a foundation of trust, credibility, and long-term relationships.
If you're based in Traynors Lagoon, Victoria, Australia or anywhere else in the country, we invite you to explore our capabilities and discover how Coletek can support your business growth. Let's work together to build something remarkable – contact us today to learn more!
