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 Wavell Heights 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

Information About Wavell Heights

Partnering with Prosperity in Wavell Heights and Beyond: Your Trusted Australian Company, COLETEK

In the heart of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia's thriving cityscape lies the picturesque suburb of Wavell Heights - a community that embodies the essence of suburban charm. And as a proud Australian company, COLETEK is deeply rooted in this area, committed to fostering local growth, innovation, and prosperity for businesses like yours.

As a trusted partner for many years, we've had the privilege of working with entrepreneurs, families, and corporate leaders from Wavell Heights, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Our extensive experience has equipped us to understand the unique demands and opportunities that prevail in this region. We're familiar with the region's distinctive landscape - from the lush hills to the vibrant shopping strips - and our knowledge enables us to provide tailored support for your business, no matter its size or ambition.

As a national company, COLETEK operates across Australia, providing industry-leading solutions and expert guidance to help local businesses overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Our extensive network and cutting-edge resources empower your enterprise to thrive in today's fast-paced market. By combining our expertise, technology, and local know-how, we create bespoke support packages that address your individual needs and objectives.

Innovative thinking and a strong sense of community are at the heart of everything we do at COLETEK. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients, working collaboratively to drive growth, improve efficiency, and foster trust. Our commitment to local businesses and families is unwavering, as we strive to create enduring value for the Wavell Heights and Brisbane communities.

In Wavell Heights, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, business success is often defined by its roots in community and a deep understanding of local needs and circumstances. As COLETEK, we're dedicated to embodying these values through our work with businesses like yours - helping you achieve your aspirations and making a positive impact on the region.

So why choose COLETEK for your business needs in Wavell Heights? Let us demonstrate our expertise, innovation, and passion for local growth. We invite you to experience the difference by connecting with us today. Let's partner for prosperity in Wavell Heights and beyond.

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


Rapid 3D Prototyping for Wavell Heights – Amazing Customer Testimonials

Highly recommended for COLETEK's service! Reasonable price and express service! We have two back up external hard drives at home and for some reason both of them were corrupted (later found out it’s due to some sort of electrical surge??). Both drives contained over 10 years of valuable technical works, numerous photos from our pre-kids travel days, as well as photos and videos of our first born! We tried another company but only recovered around 55% of the data and it costed a FORTUNE! Contacted COLETEK, explained the problems and received my recovered data within 14 days of initial contact (it wasn’t an urgent case). I was over the moon when I was able to locate a technical piece of work that I’ve done 15 years ago, and of course videos and photos of our first born.

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I was exceptionally pleased with the service that I received from COLETEK. I had been advised by a number of different computer "experts" that my hard drive was fried and that nothing was recoverable. I wasn’t too hopeful but Luke was able to diagnose the problem and recovered 99% of all our files. We could not be happier with the outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend COLETEK for all your computer problems.

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