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 Mount Victoria 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 Mount Victoria, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
At COLETEK, we empower businesses in Mount Victoria to rapidly iterate and bring innovative products to market. Our expert team has extensive experience in requirements capture, engineering trade-offs, and integration planning for 3D prototyping projects. We understand the importance of periodic design reviews and remote collaboration to ensure seamless progress from concept to production-readiness.
Our comprehensive approach includes proof-of-concept work, prototype refinement, design reviews, and technical feasibility assessments. We leverage our in-house prototyping lab to expedite testing and refinement, ensuring rapid progress towards production-readiness. We work closely with clients every step of the way, providing clear communication and transparent updates.
Whether you need to validate design concepts, test functionality, or accelerate product development, our rapid 3D prototyping services are tailored to meet your specific needs. We have successfully supported clients across industries, including medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.
At COLETEK, we are committed to delivering exceptional results and fostering strong partnerships with our clients. Our Australia-wide support network ensures seamless collaboration regardless of your location. Get in touch today to discuss your rapid 3D prototyping needs and discover how COLETEK can help you achieve remarkable outcomes.
For over 20 years, COLETEK has been a trusted partner for businesses seeking to innovate and disrupt markets. Our proven track record and client testimonials speak to our expertise in rapid 3D prototyping and product development.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Contact UsRapid 3D Prototyping for Mount Victoria – Our Clients: Big Brands & Small Businesses
Rapid 3D Prototyping for Mount Victoria – Selected Client Testimonials
This is a sample of public feedback from a broader range of client work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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