In'Tech Industries Inc. of Ramsey, Minn. said Monday it is acquiring the 3D printing division of a Vadnais Heights-based Vista Technologies.

In a statement, In'Tech said the acquisition of Vista Technologies' Additive Manufacturing Division, a family-owned business with six employees, will help it expand in additive manufacturing, which uses 3D technology to make prototypes or products.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Both companies are privately owned.

"This acquisition marks an exciting time for our company as we look forward to continued growth in the rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing marketplace," Roger Neilson Jr., In'Tech vice president of sales and marketing, said in a statement.

In'Tech is a supplier of miniature plastic components for hearing aid manufacturers. It offers design and tooling services along with 3D printing and injection molding.

Additive manufacturing uses 3D printers to build products and prototypes in layers. By contrast, molding involves making things by injecting plastic into a mold.

Vista Technologies' 3D printing equipment and six employees will be relocated to In'Tech in Ramsey, company officials said.

Vista Technologies, which also uses the shortened name VistaTek, decided to leave the 3D printing business so it could focus on mold making and injection molding, its two other divisions, said Dan Mishek, VistaTek's managing director. He co-owns the company with siblings Allen Mishek, and Jennifer Sutherland.

Dan Mishek said the proceeds of the cash sale of the 3D printing business will be invested in the molding business. Founded in 1996, the company now employes 25 people, and more are being hired, he added. The company makes molds and parts for a range of products, including mobile phones, consumer electronics and medical devices, he said.

David Shaffer • 612-673-7090