Rapid 3D Prototyping for Glencoe

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 Glencoe 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.

Serving Businesses Across Glencoe, Western Australia: A Partnership with COLETEK

As a business owner or technical decision-maker in Glencoe, Western Australia, you understand the importance of trusted partners who can help drive innovation and growth. That's where COLETEK comes in – a multidisciplinary Australian engineering and product development company established in 2001. With our expertise, experience, and national reputation for excellence, we're dedicated to supporting local businesses like yours throughout Glencoe and across Australia. At COLETEK, we pride ourselves on being more than just a technology solutions provider. Our team of engineers and experts work collaboratively with clients to develop innovative products that meet their unique needs and goals. With our flexible and adaptable approach, we're able to tackle complex problems, streamline operations, and drive business outcomes. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, improve process efficiencies, or enhance customer experiences, our team is equipped to help. As a trusted partner to businesses in Glencoe, Western Australia, COLETEK brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. With extensive experience across various industries, we understand the importance of reliability, scalability, and flexibility in today's fast-paced business environment. Our commitment to delivering exceptional results has earned us a reputation as a go-to partner for businesses seeking innovative solutions. By working with COLETEK, you can tap into our collective expertise and resources, leveraging our capabilities to drive success across your organization. Whether you're based in Glencoe or operating throughout Western Australia, we're here to support your growth aspirations. As a valued business partner, you can count on us to be transparent, responsive, and accountable every step of the way. We take pride in building long-term relationships with our clients, providing ongoing support and guidance as needs evolve over time. With COLETEK by your side, you can focus on what matters most – growing your business, improving customer satisfaction, and driving success across Glencoe and beyond.

Let’s build something remarkable together.

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

Rapid 3D Prototyping for Glencoe – Amazing Customer Testimonials

I have outsourced many projects through COLETEK over the years for a variety of applications. Applications such as a online based software platform that pulls live data feeds and updates in real-time to the user. A custom built website for adding users and products that achieved over 20,000 listings. Mobile applications. Data recovery and hardware repair. Custom SEO services and secure hosting services. I choose COLETEK because I know that a job will get done as requested and within a reasonable time frame. Also I'm a stickler for security and they're the best.

Matthew Krause
Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

We've worked with Luke and the team on and off for the past two years. We've found them very accessible and extremely thorough in their dealings. Their documentation is second to none and we’d have no hesitation recommending them on this basis alone.

Graeme Thornton
Blue Arc IT Solutions, Canberra, ACT, Australia

We recently engaged the services of COLETEK to perform some penetration testing on our systems. We found Luke flexible and accommodating with our specific needs. Luke provide what we needed to show our clients our security measures with our systems. I would have no hesitation in recommending Luke.

Nathan Murray
etrainu, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Graeme Thornton
Blue Arc IT Solutions, Canberra, ACT, Australia

Matthew Krause
Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

Nathan Murray
etrainu, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

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.

Engineering Services Links

Useful Links

Location

Head Office: Gold Coast, Australia
Servicing worldwide, notably:
Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, Europe, UAE, and Asia