TC Kleben GmbH

What TC Kleben GmbH does

TC Kleben GmbH (TechnologieCentrum Kleben), founded in 1996 and headquartered in Übach-Palenberg, Germany, is an independent institution specializing in the transfer of adhesive bonding technology (Klebtechnik) into industrial practice. The company is the designated training centre of the German Association for Welding and Allied Processes (DVS) and the only DAkkS-accredited certification body in Germany for adhesive bonding in rail vehicle construction per EN 17460 / DIN 6701; it is also designated by WIWeB (Bundeswehr) for TL A-0023 military product certifications. Its offerings span a four-tier personnel qualification system (Klebpraktiker / EAB, Klebfachkraft / EAS, Klebtechnologe / ABT, Klebfachingenieur / EAE), specialized seminars (glass, plastics, composites, isocyanate safety, calculation methods), in-house corporate training, and an equipped in-house testing laboratory.

The company generates revenue through four professional services streams: fee-based training and continuing education (VAT-exempt under German law), DAkkS-accredited company and process certification, independent adhesive bonding consulting, and laboratory testing services. Distribution is via direct sales from headquarters, partner training locations across Germany and Switzerland (Berlin, Munich, Duisburg, Halle, Ismaning, Garching, Rapperswil), in-house delivery at customer sites, and online refresher courses delivered via Microsoft Teams. Customer segments are predominantly enterprise B2B clients in regulated industries — railway vehicle construction, defense/military, automotive and transport manufacturing, wind energy, glass/plastics processing, and the composite/FRP sector — where adhesive bonding certification is legally required for safety-critical applications. Company certifications carry a three-year validity with mandatory surveillance audits, and certificates are registered in the official EN ISO 21368, DIN 2304, and DIN 35255 online registers for third-party verification.

Name

TC Kleben GmbH

Legal name

TC-Kleben GmbH

Website

https://tc-kleben.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TC Kleben GmbH is an independent German adhesive bonding technology institution founded in 1996, offering DVS-certified personnel training, DAkkS-accredited company certification, and testing services for enterprise customers in regulated industries including rail, military, automotive, and composites across Germany and Switzerland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Training and Certification Services

NAICS

Adhesive Manufacturing (32552), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Adhesives & Sealants (2891), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Tapes, Labels & Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (IMAEAGAJ)

Keywords

• Adhesive bonding training
• Industrial certification services
• Adhesive technology consulting
• Materials testing laboratory
• DVS personnel qualification

Headquarters

HQ city

Übach-Palenberg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Professional Training & Continuing Education: Fee-based training programs and seminars for adhesive bonding personnel, including certification courses (Klebpraktiker, Klebfachkraft, Klebtechnologe, Klebfachingenieur), specialized seminars (glass, plastics, window bonding, composite, isocyanate safety, calculation methods), and refresher courses. Courses are VAT-exempt (mehrwertsteuerfrei). Programs run at company facilities in Übach-Palenberg and partner locations across Germany and Switzerland.
2. Company & Process Certification: Certification services for companies and their adhesive bonding processes, including DAkkS-accredited certification per DIN 6701/EN 17460 (railway vehicles), DIN 2304/EN ISO 21368 (general adhesive processes), TL A-0023 (military products), and DIN 35255 (composite processes). Companies are audited and certified upon meeting requirements, with certificates valid for 3 years with surveillance audits.
3. Adhesive Bonding Consulting: Independent advisory services for adhesive technology questions, including expert opinions, market research, application-oriented testing (adhesive selection, long-term durability), standards-compliant component testing, surface treatment (especially for plastics), surface analysis, prototype bonding, and automation concept planning. Note: consulting is not offered for areas where TC Kleben acts as a certifying body due to separation requirements.
4. Testing & Laboratory Services: Testing laboratory services for adhesives, bonded joints, and surfaces, including mechanical testing (tensile/compression), climate/aging testing, surface pretreatment, DSC, TGA, IR spectroscopy, goniometry, and individual component testing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

TC Kleben GmbH is an independent institution for industrial adhesive bonding technology transfer, providing DVS/EWF-certified personnel training (Klebpraktiker through Klebfachingenieur), DAkkS-accredited company certification (EN 17460/DIN 6701, EN ISO 21368/DIN 2304, TL A-0023, DIN 35255), independent adhesive technology consulting, and testing laboratory services for adhesives, bonded joints, and surfaces. The company operates its own Prüftechnik lab and delivers training at its Übach-Palenberg HQ, partner locations across Germany, and in Switzerland.

Product overview

TC Kleben GmbH is an independent technology and certification center for adhesive bonding technology founded in 1996, operating as a DVS-approved training center. The company offers a hierarchical training and certification system progressing from Klebpraktiker (EAB) through Klebfachkraft (EAS), Klebtechnologe (ABT), to Klebfachingenieur (EAE), complemented by specialized seminars (glas, Kunststoffe, Scheiben, Berechnungsmethoden, Isocyanaten), composite training (FVK-G, FVK-I, FKC), and online/inhouse delivery formats. Services include professional adhesive technology consulting and an equipped testing laboratory for adhesives, bonded joints, and surfaces. The company provides DAkkS-accredited certification services for companies per EN ISO 21368/DIN 2304, EN 17460/DIN 6701, TL A-0023, and DIN 35255 standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Klebfachingenieur (EAE) / European Adhesive Engineer Training Eight-week intensive DVS/EWF-certified training program qualifying participants to responsibly manage all adhesive bonding processes, from product development and adhesive selection to quality assurance and cost calculation. Designed for engineers and natural scientists.
• DVS-Klebtechnologe (ABT) Training Eight-week advanced DVS training qualifying participants to prepare, supervise, and manage adhesive bonding projects and processes, meeting requirements for adhesive supervision personnel per DIN 6701, DIN 2304, and TL A-0023.
• Klebfachkraft (EAS) / European Adhesive Specialist Training Three-week comprehensive DVS/EWF-certified training enabling participants to responsibly oversee adhesive bonding in production, design adhesive-friendly constructions, perform qualified adhesive selection, and systematically identify process chain errors.
• Klebpraktiker (EAB) / European Adhesive Bonder Training One-week foundational DVS/EWF-certified training teaching participants to execute bonding tasks properly according to specifications and recognize and avoid production errors.
• Refresher Courses for Klebpraktiker, Klebfachkräfte, and Klebfachingenieure 1-3 day refresher courses for European Adhesive Bonders (EAB), Specialists (EAS), and Engineers (EAE) to refresh and deepen knowledge in adhesive technology, processing, surface treatments, and workplace design, also offered as online classroom sessions.
• Kleben von Glas (Glass Bonding Seminar) Specialized training on quality-relevant adhesive techniques with glass materials, covering adhesive-specific properties of glasses, adhesive-friendly construction, adhesive selection, and practical laboratory exercises.
• Kleben bei der Isolierglasherstellung (Insulating Glass Bonding Seminar) Three-day specialized seminar on quality-relevant adhesive techniques for bonding insulating glass, covering fundamentals of adhesive technology and specific needs in insulating glass manufacturing.
• Kleben von Kunststoffen (Plastics Bonding Seminar) Specialized training on quality-relevant adhesive techniques for bonding plastics, addressing the diverse adhesive properties of different plastic materials.
• Kleben von Scheiben (Vehicle Glazing Bonding Seminar) Training on quality-relevant adhesive techniques for new and repair glazing in vehicle construction (automotive, commercial vehicles, and rail vehicles).
• Seminar Berechnungsmethoden der Klebtechnik (Calculation Methods Seminar) Three-day seminar covering mechanical fundamentals and adhesive-specific calculation methods for bonded structures, using DVS 3303 guidelines for structural verification.
• Seminar Sicherer Umgang mit Isocyanaten (Isocyanate Safety Training) Firm-specific in-house training per the Isocyanate Prohibition Ordinance for employees processing polyurethane-based adhesives, sealants, casting compounds, or paints, including certification valid for 5 years.
• Faserverbundkunststoff-Grundlagen (FVK-G) Seminar Five-day introductory course on fiber-reinforced plastic fundamentals covering properties, manufacturing, safety, polymers, matrix systems, fibers, textile semifinished products, and processing.
• Faserverbundkunststoff-Instandsetzer (FVK-I) Training Five-day training on repair and maintenance of fiber-reinforced plastic components, meeting DIN 35255 requirements for Competence Level 3 with focus on repair.
• Fachkraft für Composite (FKC) Training Three-week training and certification per DIN 35255 for Composite Specialist (Competence Level 2 - specific knowledge) covering fiber-reinforced plastic production and repair.
• DVS 2220 Initial and Renewal Examination for Plastic Laminators and Bonders Initial and renewal examination for certified plastic laminators and bonders per DVS 2220, valid for two years.
• Klebtechnisches Kolloquium (Annual Adhesive Bonding Colloquium) Annual two-day forum providing DVS/EWF adhesive engineers and specialist personnel with current technology information through specialized lectures and interactive presentations.
• Klebtechnische Beratung (Adhesive Bonding Consulting) Independent consulting services for adhesive technology questions, including expert opinions, market research, application technology tests, surface treatment, prototype bonding, and automation concept planning.
• Prüftechnik (Testing Laboratory Services) Comprehensive testing laboratory services including tensile and compression testing (up to 50 kN with climate control -40°C to +80°C), climate chambers, surface pretreatment methods (corona, plasma, flaming, radiation), DSC, TGA, IR spectroscopy, goniometry, and adhesion verification per DIN 54457.
• Zertifizierung nach EN 17460 / DIN 6701 (Rail Vehicle Adhesive Bonding Certification) DAkkS-accredited certification for rail vehicle construction per EN 17460 and DIN 6701, including auditing of companies for adhesive supervision personnel and production requirements; certificate valid 3 years with surveillance audits.
• Zertifizierung nach DIN 2304 / EN ISO 21368 (General Adhesive Process Certification) Accredited certification services for companies per EN ISO 21368 and DIN 2304 quality requirements for adhesive bonding processes, including auditing and certification for adhesive specialist companies.
• Zertifizierung nach TL A-0023 (Military Product Adhesive Bonding Certification) Certification as recognized body for TL A-0023 bonding on military products for the German Armed Forces, covering manufacturer and maintenance company qualification.
• Zertifizierung nach DIN 35255 (Composite Process Certification) Certification per DIN 35255 quality requirements for composite processes, covering fiber-reinforced plastic production along the complete composite process chain.
• Inhouse-Seminare (Custom In-House Training) Customized in-house training programs tailored to specific company needs, including needs analysis, seminar preparation, organization, and evaluation; individually quoted and not available in the DIN 6701 accredited area.
• Online-Seminare (Online Classroom Training via Microsoft Teams) Online classroom training delivery option for refresher courses, using Microsoft Teams platform with learning videos, self-tests, and interactive learning units; requires PC with screen, audio, microphone, webcam, and stable internet.

Quantifiable outcome

• DAkkS accreditation per DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024 and DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 — recognized at national and international level for personnel and company certification
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DIN 35255 Consortium (BKT-GmbH, BÜFA Composite Systems, DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung, DLR, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, FR. FASSMER, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, oneLOG GmbH, SKZ – KFE gGmbH, Stahlkontor GmbH & Co. KG, TKMS GmbH, F & E Technologiebroker Bremen GmbH / TBBCert)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023TC Kleben participated in a broad consortium (2023) of industry partners, certification bodies, and research institutions that developed and published the DIN SPEC 35255 and subsequently the DIN 35255 'Quality Requirements for Composite Processes'. This consortium-developed standard now forms the basis for TC Kleben's composite process certification services.
• Wehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe (WIWeB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2018WIWeB is the Bundeswehr's scientific institute for materials and operating substances. TC Kleben has been designated as an Anerkannte Stelle (recognized body) by WIWeB since July 10, 2018, authorized to conduct company certifications per TL A-0023 for adhesive bonding on military products.
• Deutscher Verband für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren e.V. (DVS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTC Kleben is designated as a DVS training centre for adhesive bonding personnel qualification. The DVS provides the guidelines (DVS 3301, 3304, 3305, 3309) under which TC Kleben conducts DVS/EWF-certified training and examinations. DVS also facilitates access to the network of adhesive bonding professionals and companies in Germany.
• European Welding Federation (EWF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEAF/EAS/EAB certifications are recognized throughout Europe via the EWF (European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting). TC Kleben's Klebfachingenieur (EAE), Klebfachkraft (EAS), and Klebpraktiker (EAB) certificates are EWF-recognized, providing holders with internationally valid qualifications.
• Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDAkkS is the German national accreditation body. TC Kleben holds DAkkS accreditation per DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024 for personnel certification and DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 for company certification, making TC Kleben's certificates legally recognized and internationally accepted.
• ECARV (European Certification Centre for Adhesive Bonding of Railway Vehicles)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECARV is the European body responsible for adhesive bonding certification in railway vehicles. TC Kleben is the designated and accredited certification body within the ECARV framework for EN 17460 / DIN 6701 certifications in Germany.
• Institut für Fügetechnik und Werkstoffprüfung Jena (ifw)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTC Kleben cooperates with the ifw (Institute for Joining Technology and Materials Testing) in Jena for the annual specialized seminar on 'Kleben von Glas' (Glass Bonding), combining TC Kleben's adhesive bonding expertise with ifw's glass-specific knowledge.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• TÜV Rheinland: Major German testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) incumbent offering industrial certification services broadly. Comparable to TC Kleben because it certifies manufacturing processes and personnel in regulated industries, though it does not specialize in adhesive bonding like TC Kleben does.

Direct peers

• Fraunhofer IFAM (Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung): Fraunhofer Institute specializing in adhesive bonding technology, surface treatment, and composite materials. Directly comparable as a co-developer of DIN 35255 with TC Kleben and a leading German institution for adhesive bonding R&D, testing, and qualification.
• SKZ (Kunststoff-Zentrum): Würzburg-based plastics training, testing, and certification institute, also a documented DIN 35255 consortium partner. Comparable to TC Kleben because it offers vocational training courses, certified personnel qualification, and testing for plastics and composite bonding processes to similar industrial customers.
• BKT GmbH: German adhesive bonding services and consulting firm, also part of the DIN 35255 consortium with TC Kleben. Comparable as a specialized competitor in industrial adhesive bonding consulting, training, and process certification for German manufacturing customers.
• SLV Halle (Schweißtechnische Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt): Another DVS-affiliated SLV location offering welding, joining, and adhesive bonding training as well as materials testing. Directly comparable because it provides the same DVS/EWF qualification framework and competing Klebpraktiker/Klebfachkraft courses to overlapping industrial customers in eastern Germany.
• SLV Duisburg (Schweißtechnische Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt): Part of the DVS-affiliated network of welding and joining technology training and testing institutes in Germany. Directly comparable to TC Kleben as a DVS-designated training center offering vocational qualification courses in joining processes, mechanical testing, and quality assurance for industrial customers.
• ifw Jena (Institut für Fügetechnik und Werkstoffprüfung): Jena-based institute for joining technology and materials testing, already a documented seminar partner of TC Kleben for the Glaskleben course. Directly comparable because it offers adhesive bonding testing, training, and consulting to overlapping industrial customers in glass, plastics, and metallurgical joining.
• GSI mbH (Gesellschaft für Schweißtechnik International): German provider of welding and joining technology services including DVS personnel qualification, company certification, and testing. Directly comparable to TC Kleben because it offers the same DVS/EWF qualification hierarchy and company certification services for industrial joining and adhesive processes.

Others

• DVS e.V. (Deutscher Verband für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren): The German industry association that designates TC Kleben as a training center and sets DVS guidelines (DVS 3301/3304/3305/3309) governing adhesive bonding qualification. Not a competitor but a governing body and ecosystem partner; included because it controls the framework within which TC Kleben operates.

Regional players

• TWI Ltd (The Welding Institute): UK-based global welding and joining technology institute offering CSWIP personnel certification, training, and R&D. Comparable to TC Kleben as the leading non-German equivalent in adhesive bonding and joining technology training and certification, but operating primarily outside the DACH region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tc-kleben-gmbh

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 TC Kleben GmbH