AZTERLAN

What AZTERLAN does

AZTERLAN is a non-profit metallurgical research center founded in 1986 and headquartered in the Basque Country, Spain (Durango/Bilbao), operating as part of the BRTA (Basque Research & Technology Alliance) network. The organization specializes in metallurgy and metallic transformation processes, serving industrial companies that develop, manufacture, and use metallic components across the metal-mechanical, automotive, and broader European industrial sectors. AZTERLAN operates a two-track business: (a) AZTERLAN Servicios Tecnológicos, providing ENAC-accredited testing, characterization, inspection, and failure analysis services (chemical assays, mechanical testing, metallography, corrosion testing, non-destructive testing including tomography and radiography), and (b) AZTERLAN I+D+i, conducting applied R&D in material development, process optimization, and technology transfer.

The center's core technology stack combines proprietary equipment and software for foundry process control. Trademarked products include ALU-Q® (portable liquid aluminum quality analyzer), ALU-V® (vacuum system for HPDC aluminum molds), ALU-C® (ultra-refrigerated aluminum casting designs), SENTINEL® (AI-based predictive process control), KASANDRA® (real-time defect risk prediction for iron casting), PDManager® (digitalization and traceability platform), PASAPORTE DIGITAL (component manufacturing history), SMART CASTING®, ENGINEERED COOLING®, COLDMOLD, and COMPENSADOR METALÚRGICO. The 2025 launch of DOSING TRACK SYSTEM extended the portfolio into intelligent magnesium treatment management for aluminum foundries. The patent portfolio covers high-entropy alloys, recycled aluminum casting methods (granted EP2471967A1 in 2014), and super-refractory stainless steels.

AZTERLAN generates revenue through professional services (testing, R&D+i projects, training/knowledge transfer) and licensing of proprietary technologies (ALU-Q®, ALU-V®, KASANDRA®, SENTINEL®). Pricing is project-based via direct quote requests, with multi-year contracts typical for industrial engagements. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales supplemented by content marketing through the Knowledge Hub, LinkedIn, YouTube, industry events (EUROGUSS, Global Foundry Show), and email newsletters. Recent strategic alliances include a 4-year collaboration framework with FAGOR EDERLAN and participation in the Horizon Europe-funded BRISA consortium with 17 organizations across 8 countries, alongside ENAC accreditation pursuits and BREF environmental compliance expertise.

Name

AZTERLAN

Legal name

AZTERLAN – Centro de Investigación Metalúrgica

Website

https://azterlan.es

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AZTERLAN is a non-profit metallurgical research center founded in 1986 in the Basque Country, Spain, providing ENAC-accredited testing, R&D+i, and AI-enabled process control products for metal-mechanical, automotive, and European industrial manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Metallurgical Research & Testing Services

NAICS

Other Nonferrous Metal Foundries (except Die-Casting) (331529), Clay Building Material and Refractories Manufacturing (327120), Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing (3313)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Primary Smelting & Refining Of Nonferrous Metals (3330)

akta.pro primary industry

Refractory, Furnace & Kiln Maintenance Services (IMAIACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aluminum Fabrication & Finishing (Machining, Anodizing, Coating) (IMAKACAI), Aluminum Project Development, Engineering & EPC (Smelters/Refineries) (IMAKACAO)

Keywords

• Metallurgical research services
• Foundry testing characterization
• Non-destructive testing
• Metallurgical R&D
• Metal casting technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Durango

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Technological Services: Testing and characterization services for metallic materials including chemical assays, physical tests, mechanical characterization, metallography, corrosion testing, and non-destructive testing
2. R&D+i Projects: Research, development, and innovation projects in metallurgy with industrial orientation, including European research programs
3. Training and Knowledge Transfer: Advanced training services, doctoral programs, master's thesis projects, and technology transfer to industry
4. Equipment Licensing: Licensing and transfer of proprietary technologies and equipment such as ALU-Q®, ALU-V®, KASANDRA®, SENTINEL®

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AZTERLAN is a metallurgical research center that provides testing, characterization, inspection, and R&D+i services for metallic materials and components, together with the development and licensing of proprietary foundry technologies (such as ALU-Q®, ALU-V®, SENTINEL®, KASANDRA®, PDManager®, and ENGINEERED COOLING®). Its work spans chemical, physical, mechanical, metallographic, corrosion, and non-destructive testing, plus applied research in new alloys, casting processes, digitalization, and sustainability for the metal-mechanical industry.

Product overview

AZTERLAN is a metallurgical research center offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialized products and services for the metal manufacturing industry. The portfolio includes branded technological products (ALU-Q®, ALU-V®, SENTINEL®, KASANDRA®, PDManager®) for aluminum quality evaluation, vacuum systems, AI-based predictive control, defect prediction, and process digitalization. Additional products include ENGINEERED COOLING®, COLDMOLD, COMPENSADOR METALÚRGICO, SMART CASTING®, and DOSING TRACK SYSTEM for foundry process optimization. Services encompass chemical testing, physical/mechanical testing, metallography, corrosion testing, non-destructive testing (tomography, radiography, ultrasound, magnetic particles, liquid penetrants, visual inspection), failure analysis, material development, process optimization, and technology transfer. The center also conducts applied R&D in metallurgy and coordinates European research projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AZTERLAN Servicios Tecnológicos: Technological services for characterization, testing and inspection of metallic components
• AZTERLAN I+D+i

Products and services

• ALU-Q® Portable equipment for evaluating metallurgical quality of liquid aluminum alloys, performing simultaneous density analysis, oxide/inclusion level analysis, and thermal analysis (Thermolan-Al® plug-in). For aluminum foundries.
• ALU-V® Sequential fluid extraction (vacuum) system for aluminum injection molds that reduces porosity and defects in parts manufactured by High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC). For aluminum foundries.
• SENTINEL® AI-based predictive process control system that predicts manufacturing quality of metallic components. For foundries and metal-mechanical manufacturers seeking AI-driven quality control.
• KASANDRA® Software for real-time prediction of defect risk in iron casting, including shrinkage defects in spheroidal, lamellar, and compact graphite iron casting. For iron foundries.
• PDManager® Real-time production control system for digitalization, traceability, and ordered storage of key parameters in casting processes. For foundries pursuing digital transformation.
• PASAPORTE DIGITAL Digital passport providing traceability and documentation of component manufacturing history for metallic components. For foundries and OEMs requiring component traceability.
• DOSING TRACK SYSTEM Transfer-active solution for intelligent magnesium treatment management in aluminum foundry operations. For aluminum foundries seeking automated dosing control.
• ENGINEERED COOLING® Controlled cooling technology for producing ausferritic as-cast materials without additional heat treatments. For foundries producing high-performance cast components.
• COLDMOLD Accelerated cooling system for large-dimension foundry components. For foundries producing large castings.
• COMPENSADOR METALÚRGICO Graphite promotion system for the final stages of solidification in cast iron production. For iron foundries seeking microstructure control.
• SMART CASTING® Methodology for manufacturing as-cast pieces with optimized quality through advanced foundry techniques, enabling prediction of mechanical properties. For foundries producing high-performance cast components.
• Ensayos No Destructivos (END) Non-destructive testing services including tomography, industrial digital radiography, ultrasound testing, magnetic particle testing, liquid penetrant testing, and visual inspection for metallic materials and welds. For industrial manufacturers requiring inspection without damaging components.
• Ensayos Químicos Chemical testing services for determination of properties in metallic materials and components. For industrial clients needing chemical characterization.
• Ensayos Físicos y de Características Mecánicas Physical and mechanical characteristics testing services for metallic materials, including determination of mechanical properties. For industrial clients requiring physical characterization.
• Metalografía y Caracterización Estructural Metallography and structural characterization services for analysis of metallic materials microstructure. For industrial clients requiring structural analysis.
• Ensayos de Corrosión y Protección de Materiales Metálicos Corrosion testing and protection services for metallic materials. For industrial clients needing corrosion evaluation and mitigation.
• Diagnóstico y Análisis de Fallo Failure diagnosis and analysis services for metallic components and materials, identifying root causes of in-service failures. For industrial clients investigating component failures.
• Desarrollo de Materiales R&D services for development of new metallic materials with improved properties for industrial applications. For industrial clients requiring custom alloy or material development.
• Optimización de Procesos de Transformación y Fabricación

Quantifiable outcome

• BRISA project aims to reduce RCS exposure by 70% and VOCs/FA by ≥50% in foundry operations
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• BUCHHOLZ & CIE Giesserei GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026German foundry partner in BRISA project focusing on metallurgy sector, collaborating on development and validation of alternative molding materials (sands and resins) to reduce worker exposure to crystalline silica and VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene.
• FORESA TECHNOLOGIEScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Spanish chemical company collaborating in BRISA project on development of safer molding materials for the metallurgical sector, working alongside AZTERLAN and BUCHHOLZ & CIE.
• AICE - Instituto de Tecnología CerámicacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Project leader of BRISA (Breakthrough Research on Industrial Safety against Airborne Carcinogens and Emerging Pollutants) - Horizon Europe funded research project with 17 organizations from 8 European countries.
• FAGOR EDERLANcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Strategic partnership for joint research, technological development and innovation in iron and aluminum foundry processes, industrial sustainability, process digitalization, and intelligent manufacturing technologies. Includes collaborative R&D+i projects, technology contracting, and coordination on regional, national, and European funding programs. Duration of 4 years with long-term continuation vision.
• Universitat Jaume ImajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish university participating in BRISA consortium for industrial safety research
• Fundación CartifmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish research foundation in BRISA consortium
• Fraunhofer GesellschaftmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman research organization participating in BRISA consortium
• Renewi E-waste B.V.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch waste recycling company participating in BRISA pilot for plastic recycling sector
• Piezas y Rodajes S.A.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in NEWmine project (RTC-2017-6039-5) for developing components for large mining excavators, alongside Ask Chemicals and UPV/EHU university
• Ask Chemicals S.A.U.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in NEWmine project for advanced components in large mining equipment
• Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in NEWmine project for metallurgical research
• AEND - Asociación Española de Ensayos No DestructivosmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish Association for Non-Destructive Testing where AZTERLAN's Carmelo Santamarina serves as Secretary of the Northern Committee, contributing to professional certification and technical standards
• BRTA - Basque Research & Technology AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAZTERLAN is part of BRTA, the Basque Research & Technology Alliance, coordinating with other technology centers in the Basque Country

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• RISE Research Institutes of Sweden: Swedish state research institute with materials and manufacturing divisions including metals research. Comparable as a publicly-funded European research organization offering metallurgical testing, characterization, and industrial R&D.
• SIRRIS: Belgian collective research center serving manufacturing industry with testing, characterization, and applied R&D. Comparable as a European industry-research organization offering accredited testing and foundry/manufacturing technology services.
• Fraunhofer IFAM: German Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials, focused on casting, foundry, and metallic materials R&D. Directly comparable on metallic-component casting research, NDT, and BRISA consortium co-participation.
• TECNALIA Research & Innovation: Spanish/Basque applied research center and fellow BRTA member covering materials, manufacturing, and industrial technologies. Most comparable peer given shared Basque Country base, multi-disciplinary industrial R&D, and similar B2B services and proprietary technology licensing model.
• AIMEN Technology Centre: Spanish research center focused on materials, manufacturing, and welding technologies. Comparable on metallurgical R&D, NDT services, and B2B industrial customer base, particularly in northwest Spain.
• TWI Ltd (The Welding Institute): UK-based industrial research organization focused on welding, joining, and materials integrity. Comparable on metallurgical testing, NDT, and industrial R&D services for manufacturing customers.
• Idonial (formerly ITMA): Spanish technology center specializing in materials, metallurgy, and manufacturing processes. Highly comparable as a fellow Spanish non-profit research center serving foundries and industrial customers with testing, R&D, and proprietary equipment development.

Others

• ASK Chemicals: Global supplier of foundry chemicals, resins, and binders. Comparable as a partner in the NEWmine project and as a complementary supplier to AZTERLAN's foundry customer base, though commercially rather than a direct research peer.

Regional players

• Fundació CTM Centre Tecnològic: Catalan technology center serving metal-mechanical and materials industries. Comparable as a Spanish non-profit research center with metallurgical testing and R&D capabilities, though serving a different regional industrial base.

Broad incumbents

• Fraunhofer (overall organization): Largest European applied research organization with multiple institutes covering manufacturing, materials, and NDT. A broader incumbent peer via IFAM and others, participating alongside AZTERLAN in BRISA and similar consortia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/azterlan
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/AZTERLANMetallurgyResearchCentre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/azterlan-metallurgy

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 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 AZTERLAN