What CIM UPC does

CIM UPC (legal name: Fundació Centre CIM) is a private, non-profit technology foundation affiliated with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC), headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. Founded in 1990 as a Computer Integrated Manufacturing initiative and constituted as a UPC foundation in 2005, the center specializes in 3D printing and additive manufacturing across metal, plastic, concrete, and biomaterials. It operates a Pilot Plant with a full technology stack spanning Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Laser-Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED), Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF), Direct Ink Writing (DIW), and Vat Photopolymerization (SLA/DLP), alongside CNC machining, post-processing, and custom 3D printer design capabilities.

The center generates revenue through professional services (prototype and pre-series production, R&D contracting, and competitive research grants at national and European level), hardware commercialization via spin-offs (notably BCN3D for desktop 3D printing and Aridditive for concrete 3D printing), training programs, and FabLab-based community/educational services. Its customer base spans industrial manufacturers (automotive via SEAT, metallurgy via Arcelormittal and SANDVIK), hospitals and biomedical research consortia, construction firms, academic institutions, and citizens. CIM UPC leads the XaRFA reference network for additive manufacturing in Catalonia and sits at the center of a dense regional 3D printing ecosystem that includes HP Barcelona and the IAM3DHUB hub at DFactory.

As of 2026, CIM UPC employs 45 professionals (15 dedicated to R&D) and reported 2024 revenue of 2.5 million EUR with a publicly stated 10% annual growth target in both workforce and billing. Its strategic positioning rests on three pillars: deep multi-technology additive manufacturing expertise, leadership of multi-partner European research consortia (SPAR3D, SUMMSEED, 3DBBT, SPART3D), and a spin-off engine that has produced two operational companies commercializing its internally developed technology (IDEX via BCN3D in 2018/2019, concrete AM via Aridditive in 2023).

Name

CIM UPC

Legal name

Fundació Centre CIM

Website

https://cimupc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

CIM UPC is a Barcelona-based UPC-affiliated technology foundation specializing in 3D printing and additive manufacturing R&D, providing multi-technology prototyping, custom equipment design, and pilot production services to industrial, healthcare, construction, and academic clients across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

3D Printing Services

NAICS

Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (3353)

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590)

akta.pro primary industry

Conferences, Workshops & Industry Events (AM Knowledge Sharing) (IMAAAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC)

Keywords

• Additive manufacturing services
• 3D printing research
• Rapid prototyping services
• Custom 3D printers
• Advanced manufacturing technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Pilot Plant Services: Prototype and pre-series production services made by 3D printing and advanced machining, as well as various laboratories for testing with innovative printers and other technologies for industrial projects
2. Market-based Project Billing: Primary financing through market-based billing for manufacturing pieces for third parties (companies, administrations, hospitals) and innovations that become independent companies (spin-offs)
3. Custom Equipment Design and Production: Design and production of custom Advanced Manufacturing equipment, enabling new production processes based on 3D printing, including desktop 3D printers sold to professionals and businesses (via spin-offs BCN3D and ARIDDITIVE)
4. Open Innovation Research Projects: National and European collaborative research projects through competitive funding frameworks (national, international, clusters and regional networks)

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CIM UPC operates a Pilot Plant that delivers custom prototyping and pre-series production using eight additive manufacturing technologies (SLS, FFF, L-DED, WAAM, LPBF, FGF, DIW, SLA) along with CNC machining, post-processing, and design/engineering services. The center also designs and builds custom 3D printers (including its proprietary PowerDIW system), runs public FabLab fabrication spaces, and offers professional specialization training programs for industry.

Product overview

CIM UPC is a technology center affiliated with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia that provides advanced manufacturing services centered on 3D printing and additive manufacturing. The portfolio consists of a Pilot Plant offering custom prototype and pre-series production using multiple 3D printing technologies (SLS, FFF, L-DED, WAAM, LPBF, FGF, DIW, SLA), complemented by custom 3D printer design and manufacturing, post-processing services, CNC machining, and design/engineering consulting. The center also offers professional training programs and operates public digital fabrication spaces (FabLabs). Two spin-off companies—BCN3D (desktop 3D printers) and Aridditive (concrete 3D printing)—have emerged from CIM UPC's innovations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pilot Plant (Planta Pilot) Custom prototype and pre-series production service using 3D printing, advanced machining, and dedicated laboratories. Designed for industrial clients, companies, administrations, and hospitals needing small-batch production and testing, especially for metal parts.
• Additive Manufacturing Technology Services
• Custom 3D Printers
• Post-Processing Additive Manufacturing
• Design and Engineering Services
• Fast Prototyping Services
• CNC Machining
• Specialization Training Courses
• Digital Fabrication Spaces (FabLabs)

Quantifiable outcome

• 35 years of experience in advanced manufacturing
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 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

Feature13 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SEAT S.A.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative R&D project SPAR3D (CPP2022-009865) for developing additive manufacturing processes for metal spare parts supply. CIM UPC contributes expertise in additive manufacturing technologies including extrusion-based methods and laser-based metal filament melting. Project funded by MICIU/AEI and EU NextGenerationEU/PRTR.
• Cluster MAVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Cluster MAV coordinates 3DBBT consortium developing synthetic bone using 3D printing. CIM UPC is a founding member. Cluster MAV has AEI distinction since 2022 for high activity and competitiveness impact.
• CATALONIA.HEALTHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Healthcare cluster member of 3DBBT consortium developing realistic synthetic bone for biomedical research using advanced 3D printing technology and photopolymerization processes.
• DAN*NAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in 3DBBT consortium for synthetic bone development, contributing to biomedical 3D printing applications with realistic anatomical representation.
• PerdigóminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in 3DBBT synthetic bone project contributing to development of realistic synthetic human bone model for biomedical research.
• ElisavacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Design and engineering school (UPF) affiliated foundation participating in 3DBBT consortium bringing biomimetic design expertise for synthetic bone development.
• UPCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SUMMSEED project coordinator. CIM UPC participates in development of medium manganese steels adapted to casting and LW-DED remanufacture, reducing dependence on critical raw materials in support of European policies.
• SIDENOR R&DcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SUMMSEED project partner providing steel metallurgy expertise for developing sustainable medium manganese steels for heavy industries.
• TU DelftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SUMMSEED project partner contributing academic expertise in metallurgy and additive manufacturing for sustainable steel development.
• MELTIOcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025SUMMSEED and SPAR3D project partner and event presenter. MELTIO provides DED technology solutions and collaborates on LW-DED metal 3D printing applications.
• TUBAFcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SUMMSEED project partner (Technical University of Bergakademie Freiberg) contributing to additive manufacturing research for sustainable steel materials.
• SANDVIKcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SUMMSEED project partner contributing expertise in material production and quality validation throughout the manufacturing chain.
• PoweDIWcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025DIW technology partner with CIM UPC's proprietary PowerDIW system. Project Manager Andrea Gusano presented advanced capabilities with 800N extrusion force for high-viscosity materials.
• AIMPLASminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Research partner presenting on 3D electronics manufacturing via DIW, discussing advances and challenges in functional ink printing for sensors, heaters, and embedded circuits.
• UTFSM (Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Dr. Claudio Aguilar presented DIW transformation of mining residues into green hydrogen technology, promoting circular economy in mining using PowerDIW 800N.
• (Add)liancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025European alliance for 3D printing launched at Global AM Hubs Summit, aimed at establishing stable international collaborative framework facilitating technology adoption.
• ARIDDITIVEcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2023Spin-off from CIM UPC founded in 2023 applying concrete 3D printing technology for prefabrication companies and urban furniture manufacturers, reducing time, costs, emissions, and material usage.
• EurecatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022SPART3D project participant designing new aluminum alloys for L-PBF and developing characterization methods including fast fatigue evaluation and surface finish studies.
• Stereos GPA Innovative SLminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022SPART3D project participant contributing to additive manufacturing R&D for metal spare parts in automotive industry.
• ArcelormittalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022SPART3D project participant bringing metallurgy expertise for developing metal additive manufacturing processes for steel and aluminum automotive spare parts.
• BCN3DcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2019Spin-off from CIM UPC created in 2019 after developing IDEX (Independent Dual Extrusion) technology. Now has over 70 workers offering desktop 3D printers democratizing access to 3D printing technology.
• XaRFA (Xarxa de Referència en Fabricació Additiva de Catalunya)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReference Network for Additive Manufacturing in Catalonia. CIM UPC leads this network focused on advanced manufacturing, with members including national research collaborators and European partners.
• IAM3DHUBcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner3D printing hub launched by public and private actors, housed at DFactory (Consorci de la Zona Franca), positioning Barcelona as a leading 3D printing hub in southern Europe.
• DIH4CATcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital Innovation Hub for Catalonia supporting digital transformation of SMEs through advanced manufacturing technologies.
• AM PlatformminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean additive manufacturing platform connecting value chain actors in advanced manufacturing technologies at national and international levels.
• EFFRAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Factories of the Future Research Association, connecting advanced manufacturing research and industry stakeholders.
• Vanguard InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean network connecting regions for smart specialization in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
• AddimatminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish additive manufacturing cluster connecting companies and institutions in the sector.
• CEQUIPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquipment cluster connecting companies in manufacturing equipment and technology provision.
• MANU-KETminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean network for manufacturing KETs (Key Enabling Technologies) connecting research and industry.
• SIFminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSociety of Manufacturing Engineers equivalent for Spanish-speaking community.
• HP BarcelonacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHP's 3D printing center in Sant Cugat del Vallés, one of the world's leading companies in additive manufacturing, part of Barcelona's dense 3D printing ecosystem.
• DFactory (Consorci de la Zona Franca)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital manufacturing hub hosting IAM3DHUB and Global AM Hubs Summit, driving adoption of additive manufacturing beyond laboratories in Barcelona's ecosystem.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Protolabs: Global on-demand digital manufacturing services company offering rapid prototyping and low-volume production. Directly comparable business model to CIM UPC's Pilot Plant services for industrial customers.
• Materialise: Belgian AM services and software company combining contract manufacturing (3D printing on demand) with proprietary software, particularly strong in medical and industrial verticals—directly comparable to CIM UPC's Pilot Plant services model.
• BCN3D: Spin-off from CIM UPC's own R&D (IDEX technology), selling professional desktop 3D printers. The most directly comparable company as it originates from the same technology base and shares Barcelona roots.
• Aridditive: Concrete 3D printing spin-off from CIM UPC (founded 2023). Highly relevant peer as a sibling entity targeting prefabrication and urban furniture using large-scale additive manufacturing.

Broad incumbents

• Nikon SLM Solutions: Industrial metal AM equipment manufacturer specializing in LPBF and DED technologies. Comparable to CIM UPC's metal AM R&D focus (LPBF, WAAM, L-DED) and SEAT automotive spare-parts work.
• 3D Systems: Public AM leader offering the full stack from plastics to metals, plus contract manufacturing services. Comparable as a broad-spectrum AM technology and services provider competing for the same industrial customer base.
• EOS GmbH: Global industrial additive manufacturing leader for metal (DMLS) and polymer systems. Comparable as a vertically integrated AM technology developer and services provider targeting enterprise industrial customers.
• Stratasys: Public additive manufacturing leader offering polymer and metal AM systems plus services. Comparable across the full AM technology stack from equipment design to contract manufacturing.
• HP (Industrial 3D Printing): Major multinational with a Barcelona-based 3D printing center in Sant Cugat. Relevant peer both as a co-located ecosystem participant and as a competing enterprise AM equipment and services provider.

Emerging players

• Velo3D: Specialized metal AM company focused on large-format, high-complexity parts for aerospace and industrial customers. Comparable in metal AM technology focus, particularly around LPBF and difficult alloy printing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/CIMUPC
• Facebookfacebook.com/cimupc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cim-upc
• Instagraminstagram.com/cim_upc
• Xx.com/cim_upc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 CIM UPC