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 Bellangry 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 Bellangry, Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia
At COLETEK, we empower businesses in Bellangry to rapidly iterate and bring innovative products to market. Our expert team has extensive experience in rapid 3D prototyping, having supported over 150 projects across hardware and software. We understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in the Mid North Coast region, and we tailor our approach to ensure seamless collaboration and effective outcomes.
Our process starts with in-depth understanding of your project requirements and goals. We collaborate with you to capture requirements, identify potential trade-offs, and develop a comprehensive prototyping plan. Our state-of-the-art prototyping lab enables us to swiftly iterate on designs, refining them based on feedback from periodic design reviews. This iterative approach ensures that you receive a product that meets your expectations.
We seamlessly integrate prototyping with broader product development stages. Our team can assist with production-readiness planning, ensuring a smooth transition from prototypes to manufacturing. We also offer comprehensive testing and validation services to ensure your product performs as expected. Our commitment to transparency and open communication ensures you are always informed throughout the process.
Remote collaboration is at the core of our approach. Our team is geographically dispersed across Australia, enabling us to support clients across regional and metropolitan areas. This decentralized structure allows us to access diverse expertise and deliver tailored solutions to clients in Bellangry and beyond.
Let us help you accelerate your product development journey with our rapid 3D prototyping services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your project needs.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Contact UsRapid 3D Prototyping for Bellangry – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Bellangry – Selected Client Testimonials
This is a sample of public feedback from a broader range of client work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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