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 Echuca South 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).

Makerbot 3D Scanner

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.

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer

Serving Businesses in Echuca South, Victoria, Australia for Proven Engineering Solutions

At COLETEK, we're committed to supporting local businesses across Echuca South, Victoria, Australia and beyond with innovative, effective engineering solutions. With our trusted national reputation and multidisciplinary expertise since 2001, we've established ourselves as a go-to partner for companies seeking reliability, collaboration, and capability. As a company based in Echuca South, Victoria, Australia, we're proud to serve the region's diverse industries with tailored engineering services that drive growth, efficiency, and innovation. Our extensive experience in product development and engineering enables us to understand the unique challenges faced by regional businesses like yours. By partnering with COLETEK, you can tap into our expertise, leveraging our capabilities to overcome project hurdles, optimize operations, or transform your business. Our team at COLETEK takes pride in being more than just an outside partner – we're committed to collaboration and mutual understanding. We take the time to listen to your needs, assess your goals, and develop tailored solutions that align with your unique vision and objectives. Through our trusted relationship with you, we strive to build long-term partnerships built on transparency, trust, and a deep understanding of your business. As you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Echuca South, Victoria, Australia's industries, COLETEK stands ready to support you every step of the way. From product development and engineering project management to innovative design solutions, our team is primed to help you achieve success in this remarkable region. Operating throughout Echuca South, Victoria, Australia and nationwide, we're committed to putting your needs first and delivering exceptional results.

Let’s build something remarkable together.

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Rapid 3D Prototyping for Echuca South – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses


Rapid 3D Prototyping for Echuca South – Amazing Customer Testimonials

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.

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.