What Techtrans does

Techtrans is a Korean non-ferrous metal surface treatment company founded in April 2011 and headquartered in Gyeongsan, South Korea. The company has developed and commercialized a proprietary low-voltage plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) platform branded as TAC (Tech Arc Coating), which operates at approximately 80V — a 5-10x reduction versus the 700-1000V typical of conventional PEO and anodizing processes. The technology is protected by 20+ patents and is positioned as a world-first low-voltage PEO process, with applications spanning aluminum, magnesium, and titanium components in automotive, electric vehicle, aerospace, consumer electronics, and cookware end-markets.

The company monetizes TAC through four distinct revenue streams: (1) B2B surface treatment processing services, including a 130 billion KRW annual supply contract with H&T Transfer for massage chair components; (2) B2B equipment sales, exemplified by a 2.3 billion KRW export to BSNT in China; (3) recurring electrolyte and solution supply tied to installed equipment; and (4) direct-to-consumer products such as the TAC-Pan cookware line. Techtrans has been listed on Korea's KONEX market since July 2018 and is pursuing a KOSDAQ uplisting, with the company reporting a 15,775% revenue increase versus 2020 driven by the H&T Transfer anchor contract.

The business model is anchored in long-cycle B2B qualification of surface-treated components, with named enterprise customers including Tesla (a supplier since 2015), Samsung, Hyundai, SK Innovation, LG Chem, Hanwha, and Boeing. The company holds AS9100, ISO14001, TS16949, and Korean Excellent Green Biz A-grade certifications, supporting entry into regulated automotive and aerospace supply chains. The Hwashin EV battery case project (potential 800 billion KRW) and the MEC non-BPA can coating line represent the most material forward growth vectors, alongside ongoing expansion into China, Japan, and the U.S.

Name

Techtrans

Legal name

(주)테크트랜스

Website

https://techtrans.co.kr

Company type

Public

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Techtrans is a Korean non-ferrous metal surface treatment company that has developed a proprietary low-voltage plasma electrolytic oxidation technology (TAC), serving automotive, EV, aerospace, electronics, and consumer cookware clients via processing services, equipment sales, and electrolyte supply.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Surface Treatment Services

NAICS

Metal Coating, Engraving (except Jewelry and Silverware), and Allied Services to Manufacturers (332812)

SIC

Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Thermal Spray & Metallizing (HVOF/Plasma/Arc) (IMAIAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Electroplating & Metallization Chemicals (Cu/Ni/Au plating, additives) (IMAEAKAK)

Keywords

• Metal surface treatment
• Plasma electrolytic oxidation
• Ceramic coating technology
• Lightweight alloy processing
• Eco-friendly coating services

Headquarters

HQ city

Gyeongsan

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Surface Treatment Processing Services: Techtrans provides surface treatment processing services on a per-project or per-component basis for customers including automotive OEMs, EV battery manufacturers, aerospace/defense contractors, and consumer goods brands. Revenue is recognized per batch or per contract, typically through direct enterprise sales. Major contracts include 130 billion KRW annual supply contract for massage chair components (에이치앤씨 트랜스퍼) and EV battery case treatment for Japanese EV manufacturers.
2. Surface Treatment Equipment Sales: Techtrans manufactures and sells TAC surface treatment equipment to domestic and international customers. Equipment exports began with a 2.3 billion KRW contract to supply 7 surface treatment equipment sets to Chinese company BSNT, including operational solutions. Equipment sales are a growing revenue stream supporting geographic expansion.
3. Electrolyte/Solution Supply: Techtrans supplies proprietary TAC electrolyte solutions ( 전해액 ) to equipment operators. Solution exports to China generated approximately 2.3 billion KRW in sales, bundled with equipment supply contracts. The company holds the source technology for electrolyte formulation, creating recurring revenue potential as customers require ongoing replenishment.
4. Own Brand Consumer Products (TAC-Pan): Techtrans developed and launched its own branded eco-friendly frying pan (텍팬 / TAC-Pan) using the TAC surface treatment technology. The pan is sold through major Korean e-commerce platforms (11번가, 옥션, G마켓, 인터파크) and duty-free/airport retail stores, representing a direct-to-consumer revenue stream leveraging the company's proprietary technology for consumer goods.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Techtrans develops and commercializes TAC (Tech Arc Coating), a proprietary low-voltage plasma electrolytic oxidation surface treatment technology that forms a ceramic oxide film on non-ferrous metals (aluminum, magnesium, titanium). The company monetizes this technology through surface treatment processing services for enterprise customers, sale of TAC equipment, supply of proprietary electrolyte solutions, and a consumer cookware line (TAC-Pan).

Product overview

Techtrans offers a portfolio of surface treatment technologies and products centered on its core TAC (Tech Arc Coating) platform. TAC is a low-voltage plasma electrolytic oxidation technology for non-ferrous metals (aluminum, magnesium, titanium). C-TAC is a coloring variant that achieves color in the oxide film itself. The company applies these technologies across multiple sectors including automotive (battery cases, pedals), aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods. The TAC-PAN is a consumer-facing brand product using the same technology for cookware. Techtrans provides both surface treatment processing services and equipment/solution exports for its proprietary technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TAC-PAN (텍팬): Eco-friendly frying pan product line using TAC surface treatment technology
• TAC (Tech Arc Coating)
• C-TAC (Coloring-Tech Arc Coating)

Products and services

• TAC (Tech Arc Coating) Proprietary low-voltage plasma electrolytic oxidation technology for surface treatment of non-ferrous metals (magnesium, aluminum, titanium alloys). Creates ceramic oxide coating with improved corrosion resistance, surface hardness, and paint adhesion while minimizing base material damage in under 5 minutes. Operates at approximately 80V versus conventional 700-1000V plasma processes.
• C-TAC (Coloring-Tech Arc Coating) Color implementation technology based on TAC mechanism. Achieves color in the oxide film itself through optimized ionization-tendency-matched surface treatment electrolyte formulation, eliminating traditional dye and sealing processes and reducing power consumption and processing time.
• TAC-PAN (텍팬) Eco-Friendly Frying Pan Own-brand eco-friendly frying pan applying TAC ceramic oxide coating technology. Provides non-stick properties, durability, and corrosion resistance without harmful chemicals. Oil stains and food can be cleaned with just water or a kitchen towel. Sold through 11번가, 옥션, G마켓, 인터파크 and duty-free stores.
• Non-BPA Eco-Friendly Can Coating BPA-free internal coating technology for beverage and food cans using chemical bonding rather than traditional paint coating. Eliminates bisphenol A and BPA-analog coatings while remaining intact even when the can is damaged or cracked, preventing harmful substance leakage.
• TAC Surface Treatment Processing Services Surface treatment processing services for automotive, EV battery, aerospace, defense, electronics, and consumer goods manufacturers. Provides enhanced surface hardness, wear resistance, adhesion, and appearance for premium components. Includes EV battery case surface treatment (2,000 sets delivered to Japanese EV manufacturer) and massage chair component processing.
• TAC Surface Treatment Equipment and Electrolyte Solutions TAC surface treatment equipment and proprietary electrolyte solutions sold to domestic and international customers. Equipment includes operational solutions; electrolyte supply creates recurring revenue as customers require ongoing replenishment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Surface hardness improved by 50% or more compared to untreated materials
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 화신 (Hwashin)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive parts company collaborating with Techtrans on a joint R&D project for EV parts. Techtrans handles all lightweight metal surface treatment as part of the project, which was selected as a purchase-conditional project by KIAT (Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology).
• 신영 (Shinyoung)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupply contract for aluminum EV battery case surface treatment. Shinyoung is a 1973-founded automotive body parts and mold manufacturing company with 300 million USD in exports (2016), serving North America, Europe, and China. The surface-treated battery cases are ultimately delivered to domestic battery manufacturer S company.
• 세광정밀 (Segwang Precision)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed for joint development and commercialization of EV battery cases. Segwang Precision handles casting and machining; Techtrans handles surface treatment using TAC. Goal is to supply to Group A automotive manufacturers with improved insulation properties.
• 에코플라스틱 (Eco Plastics)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKOSDAQ-listed company specializing in automotive plastic interior and exterior parts. MOU signed for technology cooperation on aluminum surface treatment development, specifically for automotive aluminum roof rack quality improvement. Joint target: 60 billion KRW in sales and 50 new jobs over 3 years.
• 에이치앤씨 트랜스퍼 (H&T Transfer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic consortium formed with JJ Motors (electric vehicle completion manufacturer) for EV battery parts supply. H&T Transfer secured mass production order from JJ Motors for electric city buses and children's school vehicles; Techtrans handles all surface treatment for lightweight metals in the EV battery parts.
• 한국산업기술진흥원 (KIAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKIAT (Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology) selected Techtrans and Hwashin for a purchase-conditional international joint technology development project. Project total budget is 3 billion KRW, with expected post-completion sales of approximately 800 billion KRW.
• 경북테크노파크 (Kyungpook Techno Park)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration with Kyungpook Techno Park Green Car Parts Technology Research Institute. Techtrans's surface treatment equipment and solutions were selected in a tender for railway vehicle lightweight alloy surface treatment. Also collaborates on R&D projects and technology commercialization.
• 옵토모드 (Optomode)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEyewear technology company that, together with Techtrans, received technology transfer from Daegu Catholic University for magnesium alloy eyewear frame surface treatment and manufacturing technology. Techtrans provides surface treatment; Optomode handles product manufacturing and commercialization.
• 대구가톨릭대학교 (Daegu Catholic University)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechtrans partnered with Daegu Catholic University 산학협력단 (Industry-Academia Collaboration Center) and Optomode for transfer and commercialization of lightweight material eyewear technology developed by Eyewear Human Resources Training Business Team professor Kim Ki-hong.
• BSNT (China)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChinese non-ferrous metal company. 2.3 billion KRW contract to supply 7 surface treatment equipment sets plus operational solutions. Separate technology cooperation agreement signed with BSNT subsidiary CHL and Daegu Catholic University Non-Ferrous Metal Surface Treatment Center.
• 대구한의대학교 비철금속표면처리센터 (Daegu Catholic University Non-Ferrous Metal Surface Treatment Center)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing academic-industry collaboration on surface treatment technology research and development, including joint MOU with BSNT (China) and CHL for technology cooperation on aluminum surface treatment.
• 삼성 대구창조경제혁신센터 (Samsung Daegu Creative Economy Innovation Center)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSamsung Daegu Creative Economy Innovation Center supported Techtrans's early growth and business matching, reportedly playing a pivotal role in connecting Techtrans with Tesla and other major customers.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• Keronite: Keronite is the world's leading specialist in plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings for aluminum, magnesium, and titanium — the exact technology category Techtrans competes in. Both firms target lightweight-metal surface treatment for aerospace, automotive, and electronics customers with proprietary electrolyte formulations.
• AHC Oberflächentechnik: German surface treatment specialist offering anodizing, plasma-based coatings, and finishing services for aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. Highly comparable to Techtrans's TAC service offerings and serves overlapping automotive and industrial customers across Europe.

Broad incumbents

• Bodycote: Bodycote is the world's largest provider of thermal processing and specialist surface treatments, serving aerospace, automotive, and industrial customers globally. While broader than Techtrans, it competes head-to-head for surface treatment contracts at the same OEMs and represents the entrenched incumbent Techtrans must displace.
• Element Solutions Inc: Specialty chemicals provider of plating, surface finishing, and electronics materials, with brands including MacDermid Enthone. A broader and far larger competitor in metal finishing chemistry; competes indirectly with Techtrans where customers can adopt electrolytic/plating chemistries instead of PEO.
• Aalberts Surface Technologies: Aalberts Surface Technologies (under Aalberts N.V.) provides surface treatment, heat treatment, and coatings services across more than 90 locations worldwide. Operates at a much larger scale than Techtrans, with established supplier relationships in automotive and industrial markets.
• Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies (now part of Metaltek): Surface treatment and coatings provider serving aerospace, defense, and industrial customers globally. A long-standing Tier-1 supplier to aerospace primes — directly competing with Techtrans for the aerospace manufacturing customers AS9100 certification enables it to serve.
• DuPont: Specialty materials and coatings supplier with deep automotive, electronics, and industrial franchises. Competes with Techtrans at OEMs where chrome-free or advanced pretreatment systems are evaluated instead of plasma electrolytic oxidation.
• Henkel: Diversified global chemical company whose industrial surface treatment portfolio competes broadly with Techtrans for adhesives, coatings, and metal pretreatment business across automotive and electronics OEMs.
• Atotech (MKS Instruments): Global leader in plating chemistry and surface finishing for automotive, electronics, and industrial markets, now part of MKS Instruments. Competes with Techtrans where conventional plating or finishing chemistries substitute for low-voltage PEO.

Emerging players

• Plasma Coatings (Magister)— or comparable PEO equipment/plasma system provider: Emerging plasma-coating equipment and process provider serving specialty surface treatment needs in Europe and adjacent regions. Comparable to Techtrans's equipment/solution export business model for customers who prefer to run TAC-like processes in-house.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Techtrans