3DT

What 3DT does

3DT LLC (legal name 3D Technologies LLC) is a privately held, family-owned industrial equipment manufacturer founded in 1991 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and now headquartered in Germantown, Wisconsin. The company designs and builds corona and plasma surface treatment systems that modify material surfaces to raise surface energy and improve wettability, enabling stronger adhesion of inks, paints, adhesives and coatings on otherwise difficult-to-bond substrates such as polymers, glass, composites, metals, paperboard, foam and rubber. Its product portfolio includes eight core platforms — PlasmaDyne/PlasmaDyne Pro (atmospheric plasma), PolyDyne/PolyDyne Pro (high-frequency corona for sheets/panels), MultiDyne (gliding-arc corona for 3D parts), FlexiDyne (conveyorized), TubeDyne (tube/interior), HeliDyne (wide/thick materials, patented 2023), UltraDyne (inline cups/tubs) and BottleDyne — plus the SOFTAL film/foil/web line represented in North America, dyne-test consumables, custom automation systems and preventative maintenance services. All systems are engineered and built in Germantown; standard units ship in days while custom configurations require roughly 12 weeks.

The business model is hardware-centric with a services wrap: revenue comes from system sales (standard and custom-engineered turnkey cells with product handling), recurring consumables and replacement parts, plus application development, installation, training, and preventative maintenance. Pricing is quote-based via an RFQ process and is not publicly disclosed. Go-to-market blends direct enterprise field sales staffed by application-focused sales engineers with a worldwide distributor and sales-agent network across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia (Japan, Korea, China) and Australia. The company operates wholly-owned subsidiaries 3DT Europe (Denmark, established 2002) and 3DT China (Suzhou, established 2010), and holds an exclusive 1997 partnership with SOFTAL of Hamburg. Named customers across medical device, automotive, electronics, industrial and life-sciences verticals include Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, Baxter, Becton Dickinson, Pfizer, Magna, Continental Automotive, Delphi, Henniges, Apple, HP, Boeing, 3M, DuPont, Corning, Thermo Fisher, W.L. Gore and Kimberly Clark.

Since 2015 the company has been wholly owned by the Kiel family following Erik Kiel's assumption of full ownership; there is no venture capital or private equity backing. Headcount sits in the 101-250 range and the company is described as actively operating with a global footprint spanning 13+ countries. No revenue figures, funding rounds, M&A activity or major leadership changes beyond the 2015 ownership transition are disclosed in the available data.

Name

3DT

Legal name

3D Technologies LLC

Website

https://3dtllc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

3DT LLC is a family-owned, Germantown, Wisconsin-based industrial equipment manufacturer founded in 1991 that designs and builds patented corona and plasma surface treatment systems to improve adhesion on polymers, glass, metals and composites for medical, automotive, packaging, electronics and industrial customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Germantown

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Surface Treatment Equipment Sales: Manufacture and sale of corona and plasma surface treatment systems including PlasmaDyne, PolyDyne, MultiDyne, FlexiDyne, TubeDyne, HeliDyne, UltraDyne, and BottleDyne product lines. Systems available as standard or custom-engineered configurations.
2. Dyne Test Products and Consumables: Sale of dyne test pens (38 dynes/cm in packs of 10) and dyne solution test kits with graduated dyne levels (34-56 dynes/cm). Consumables include replacement electrodes, dielectric materials, and parts for surface treatment systems.
3. Professional Services: Application development, custom engineering, installation, training, and preventative maintenance services. Sample testing and documentation with lab reports provided during sales process.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

3DT designs and manufactures corona and atmospheric plasma surface treatment systems that modify the surface energy of polymers, glass, metals, composites, foam, and rubber to improve adhesion for inks, paints, adhesives, and coatings. The product portfolio includes standard and custom-engineered configurations such as the PlasmaDyne/PlasmaDyne Pro (atmospheric plasma), PolyDyne, MultiDyne, FlexiDyne, TubeDyne, HeliDyne, UltraDyne, and BottleDyne corona systems, supported by dyne test consumables, custom automation systems, and preventative maintenance services. All systems are designed and built in Germantown, Wisconsin.

Product overview

3DT manufactures corona and plasma surface treatment systems designed to improve surface energy and adhesion across diverse materials including polymers, glass, metals, composites, paperboard, foam, and rubber. The product portfolio centers on two core technology platforms: atmospheric plasma systems (PlasmaDyne/PlasmaDyne Pro) and multiple corona treatment systems (PolyDyne, MultiDyne, FlexiDyne, TubeDyne, HeliDyne, UltraDyne, BottleDyne) each tailored for specific applications ranging from delicate 3D parts to wide/thick materials. Systems are available as standard self-contained units, semi-custom configurations, or fully automated turnkey solutions with product handling. 3DT also represents SOFTAL Corona & Plasma (Germany) for film/foil/web applications in North America. Supporting products include Dyne Test Ink Kits and Pens for surface energy verification. All systems are designed and manufactured in Germantown, Wisconsin, with over 35 years of industry experience.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PlasmaDyne / PlasmaDyne Pro Atmospheric plasma surface treatment system that generates plasma to increase surface energy of materials, enhancing adhesion of ink, paint, and adhesives. Features adjustable power levels (up to 500–600W), multiple treating heads (1–20), and Smart Manufacturing capabilities with Ethernet I/P connectivity. Used by manufacturers in medical, pharmaceutical, automotive, and industrial segments.
• PolyDyne / PolyDyne Pro High-frequency corona treatment system for sheets, panels, foam, 3D parts, labware, and injection-molded and extrusion lines. Features a digital signal processor that monitors output voltages, currents, power levels, and phase angle, and can output up to 36kV single-ended or 72kV in push-pull configuration.
• MultiDyne Low-frequency corona system using the gliding arc discharge principle for treating 3D objects. Creates optimal surface tension on a broad range of parts, including blow-molded, injection-molded, and extruded parts, with repeatable, process-controlled operation.
• FlexiDyne Conveyor-based corona treating system using rotating electrodes to provide a wider treat area and uniform, repeatable treatment with high production rates. Designed for labware and plastic parts.
• TubeDyne Corona treatment system designed specifically for tube applications and treatment of interior surfaces.
• HeliDyne Patented corona treatment system engineered for wide, thick, porous, hollow, and over-size materials including foam stock, honeycomb boards, and polymer panels. Handles materials up to 120–200 inches wide and 2 inches thick in a single pass.
• UltraDyne High-frequency corona treatment system developed for inline corona treatment of cups, tubs, tubes, and high-speed inkjet printing lines. Utilizes a specialized blade electrode for consistent, strong treating.
• BottleDyne / BottleDyne Pro Corona treatment system designed for rapidly treating round, plastic bottles to improve adhesion for printing, coating, and labeling.
• SOFTAL Corona & Plasma Systems Surface treatment systems for film, foil, web, and thick material applications, manufactured by SOFTAL of Hamburg, Germany, and represented by 3DT in USA and Canada. Includes corona wideline systems, linear plasma systems, and laboratory table systems.
• Dyne Test Ink Kit Test kit including ten 30ml bottles of dyne ink in graduated dyne levels (34–56 dynes/cm), instructions for use, all packed in a hard-shell case. Used for determining substrate dyne levels before and after surface treatment.
• Dyne Test Pen (38 Dynes/cm) Convenient pack of ten pens filled with 38 dyne/cm ink for quick surface energy verification. Used like felt tip pens to reveal if a surface has been adequately pretreated to accept ink, adhesives, or paint.
• Automation Systems Custom automation and product handling systems including conveyors, mandrels, linear actuators, robotics, part sensing, and feeding systems. Available independently or integrated with surface treatment systems for turnkey production lines.
• Preventative Maintenance Services Full preventative maintenance service packages including system examination, adjustments, worn part replacement, treating head inspection, high-voltage transformer review, and functionality testing of boards, panels, electrical, and cooling systems. Sold as a recurring service contract.

Quantifiable outcome

• Systems can treat up to 1,000 parts per hour
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SOFTAL Corona & Plasma GmbHcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 19973DT partners with SOFTAL of Hamburg, Germany (since 1997) to provide worldwide production, sales and service in film, foil, web and 3D plasma and corona surface treating. SOFTAL manufactures high quality surface treatment systems for film, foil, and web applications. 3DT represents SOFTAL in North America (USA and Canada) for sales and service. SOFTAL has over 60 years of experience and has produced over 10,000 corona stations.
• SICATECH A/ScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSICATECH A/S based in Struer, Denmark (Rodebrovej 17, 7600) serves as 3DT's European representative for sales and service since 2017. Contact: Henrik Steiner.
• Letec AB (Sweden)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales agent representing 3DT in Sweden. Contact: Carl-Henrik Cederlof.
• ECT – Adhesive Solutions (Ireland)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales agent representing 3DT in Ireland. Located at Willsborough Industrial Estate, Clonshaugh, Dublin.
• Neografa Italia S.r.l. (Italy)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales agent representing 3DT in Italy. Located in Bulgargrasso (CO).
• K&L Biuro Handlowe Polska Sp. z o.o. (Poland)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales agent representing 3DT in Poland. Located in Lodz.
• SARELTECH (South Africa)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales agent representing 3DT in South Africa. Located in Milnerton, Cape Town.
• Navitas Co., Ltd. (Japan)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNavitas of Osaka, Japan has been an agent for 3DT since 1996, representing the company in the Japanese market for over 28 years.
• Il Woo International Co. Ltd. (Korea)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales agent representing 3DT in Korea. Located in Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do.
• SiriusVision Co. Ltd. (China)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales agent representing 3DT in China with offices in Shanghai (18F 116, L'Avenue, No. 99 XianXia Road, Changning District) and Suzhou (Room 112, Bld. B, Yuda Shengbo, No. 10 Fangjing Rd., Weiting Town).
• Cooper and Turner Pty Ltd (Australia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales agent representing 3DT in Australia. Located in Melbourne, VIC.
• AFS of Horgau, GermanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner3DT joined with AFS in 2010 to expand its 2D, film treatment program and include hot needle perforation technology.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SOFTAL Corona & Plasma: Hamburg, Germany-based manufacturer of corona and plasma surface treatment systems for film, foil, and web applications. SOFTAL is both 3DT's long-standing North American distribution partner and a direct competitor outside North America, with over 60 years of technology and 10,000+ corona stations produced.
• Plasma Etch: US-based manufacturer of plasma treatment systems for adhesion, cleaning, and surface activation in lab, medical, electronics, and industrial applications. Plasma Etch competes with 3DT's PlasmaDyne line, particularly in labware and small-batch precision use cases.
• Tantec: Danish manufacturer of corona and atmospheric plasma surface treatment equipment for plastics, automotive, medical, and packaging applications. Tantec overlaps directly with 3DT's PlasmaDyne and PolyDyne product lines across European and global accounts.
• Tri-Star Technologies: US manufacturer of corona and plasma surface treatment equipment for medical, electronics, and industrial customers. Tri-Star is a direct competitor to 3DT in atmospheric plasma and 3D object surface treatment in North America.
• Vetaphone: Denmark-based pioneer of corona treatment technology for film, foil, and sheet applications. Vetaphone competes with 3DT/SOFTAL film/web systems and is a frequent alternative bidder on corona treatment projects in packaging and converting.
• Ahlbrandt: German manufacturer of corona surface treatment systems and high-voltage generators serving plastics, printing, and converting industries. Ahlbrandt competes with 3DT in PolyDyne-style applications and is a typical European alternative bidder.
• Enercon Industries: Headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Enercon manufactures corona and plasma surface treatment systems serving medical, automotive, packaging, and industrial customers. It is the closest US-headquartered competitor to 3DT and competes across nearly identical end markets and product types.
• Corotec: Swiss-Italian manufacturer of corona surface treatment systems for plastics, profiles, and 3D parts. Corotec directly overlaps with 3DT's MultiDyne, BottleDyne, and TubeDyne product lines in extrusion and blow molding applications.

Emerging players

• Pillar Technologies (ITW): US-based manufacturer of corona and atmospheric plasma surface treatment equipment, now operating within Illinois Tool Works (ITW). Pillar Technologies competes with 3DT in inline treatment and benefits from ITW's industrial scale and cross-selling reach.

Broad incumbents

• Kampf: Germany-based industrial machinery group specializing in film, foil, and paper converting equipment. Kampf offers corona treatment as part of integrated converting lines, making it a broader incumbent that bundles surface treatment with upstream/downstream equipment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 3DT