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 Abernethy 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.
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Businesses in Abernethy, Lower Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
At COLETEK, we empower businesses in Abernethy and the Lower Hunter Valley to accelerate product development with our comprehensive Rapid 3D Prototyping services. Our experienced engineers collaborate with you to translate your ideas into tangible prototypes, enabling you to test, refine, and iterate rapidly.
Our process starts with a thorough understanding of your project requirements and goals. We then capture your needs through detailed requirements capture and collaborate with you to identify potential engineering trade-offs and optimization opportunities. This ensures that your prototypes are aligned with your vision and technical feasibility is carefully assessed.
We utilize advanced 3D printing technologies and maintain an in-house prototyping lab to expedite the refinement of your prototypes. Our engineers conduct meticulous testing and iterate based on your feedback, ensuring that your product reaches production readiness with confidence. We can also assist with planning for seamless production handover, ensuring a smooth transition from prototyping to full-scale manufacturing.
Remote collaboration is integral to our approach, allowing us to support clients across regional and metropolitan areas. We prioritize clear and consistent communication throughout the process, ensuring that you are always updated on progress and any relevant developments.
With over 20 years of experience delivering innovative products and solutions, COLETEK is a trusted partner for businesses in the Lower Hunter Valley and beyond. Let us help you transform your ideas into reality with our expert Rapid 3D Prototyping services.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Contact UsRapid 3D Prototyping for Abernethy – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Abernethy – Selected Client Testimonials
This is a sample of public feedback from a broader range of client work.
We have used COLETEK on a couple of occasions and found their service to be professional and on time. We specialise in engineering and design of height safety equipment and since a lot of parts are made by casting from stainless steel we require a quick model before we proceed with the tool manufacture. COLETEK has been able to provide this quickly saving us valuable time and giving us peace of mind knowing our parts will look right when casted from stainless steel.
I have been working closely with COLETEK for the past 6 years now, and I must say, it is a success story :-). I highly respect their team, they are a pleasure to work with and top skilled professionals. In addition to their top Technical service, their customer service is brilliant and it is a rare find. Their PCB repair rework skills are top notch and a rare find in this industry. I have been working in the IT industry for the past 20 years in various fields and seen it all so I can say with certainty that they are the best around and I am looking forward to keep working with them in the future.
Over five years, we've partnered with COLETEK to deliver a sensational end-to-end product. Their expertise across hardware and software development has streamlined and expedited our project to market, achieving great success.
COLETEK have provided one to one communication throughout the development process and gone above and beyond in bringing our ideas closer to becoming a reality! Luke's expertise and knowledge with computer software and electronics is Jedi like, but what I liked most about working with him was his willingness and ability to think outside of the box.
Intuitive, innovative & efficient are three words that would appropriately describe the COLETEK service. Luke and the team at COLETEK have taken our concepts to the next level.
I was grateful to find Luke Cole at COLETEK in the early days of an invention idea. He was very patient and generous with information to guide me along the way. And even though I did not preceed with my project, I would still recommend his services. Thank you.
As the proprietor a DIY environmentally pest control products business I have been more then impressed with COLETEK's design capability and professionalism in assisting to realise an idea into reality. From concept, CAD drawings, 3D modelling, alterations right through to the finished product. I am extremely happy with our new termite control product. I have no hesitation in recommending COLETEK's services.
Founded in 2001, COLETEK is a founder-led Australian engineering company helping clients develop new products, prototypes, electronics, embedded systems, IoT products, AI-enabled devices, intelligent machines, and robotics systems.
We work across electronics, embedded firmware, IoT connectivity, software, mechanics, and real-world testing, with strong experience in multidisciplinary product development, connected devices, computer vision, precision motor control, robotics, and autonomy.
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