HardwareBarcelona, SpainFounded 2011· One of 1757 Hardware companies tracked by AMPulse
Manufacturer of RepRap 3D printers and filaments, specializing in FFF/FDM technology for industrial and educational applications
CEO / Founder
Jonatan Domenech Arboleda
Team Size
1-10
Stage
Active
Total Funding
$15.9M
Latest Round
Series B
Key Investors
Caixa Capital Risc; ICF; K Fund
Technology & Products
Key Products
RepRap 3D printers; 3D printing filaments; Paste extruder attachments
Technological Advantage
Open-source approach with community-driven development, cost-effective FFF technology, expertise in RepRap ecosystem
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides open-source RepRap 3D printers and filaments with focus on FFF technology, enabling cost-effective rapid prototyping and manufacturing
How They Differentiate
Early pioneer in RepRap movement with open-source philosophy, developed dual extruder technology before it became common, created paste extruder for alternative materials like clay and jelly
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial users, educational institutions, 3D printing enthusiasts
Industry Verticals
Education; Industrial manufacturing; Prototyping
Competitors
BCN3D Technologies; Ultimaker; Prusa Research
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Over 200 people have attended RepRapBCN workshops, indicating community engagement and training activity.
Major Milestones
2011: Founded as RepRapBCN; 2013: Developed BCN3D+ with dual extruder capability; 2015: Evolved into BCN3D Technologies; Developed paste extruder technology for alternative materials
Notable Customers
Fundacio CIM (FabLabs); Educational institutions in Barcelona
RepRapBCN occupies a distinct position in polymer additive manufacturing as a pioneer of the open-source RepRap movement. Founded in Barcelona in 2011, the company developed FFF printers and filaments aimed at cost-effective rapid prototyping, with a philosophy of community-driven design that contrasts with the proprietary ecosystems of competitors like Ultimaker and Prusa Research. Its evolution into BCN3D Technologies in 2015 reflects an attempt to scale beyond the hobbyist base into industrial and educational markets.
The company's core technology centers on FFF/MEX extrusion, with two notable innovations: a dual-extruder system introduced in the BCN3D+ model in 2013, and a paste extruder attachment that enables printing with alternative materials such as clay and jelly. These capabilities broaden the utility of desktop FFF beyond standard thermoplastics, appealing to FabLabs, design studios, and research institutions exploring non-traditional feedstocks.
RepRapBCN targets educational institutions and industrial prototyping users, with named customers including Fundacio CIM and various Barcelona-area schools. Its partnership with Siemens NX for design software and Thingiverse for design sharing reinforces its open-source, accessible positioning. The company has raised approximately $15.9 million from investors including Caixa Capital Risc, ICF, and K Fund, though its current team size remains under 10 people, suggesting a lean operation.
The company's strategic moat rests on its early mover status in the RepRap ecosystem and its dual-extruder and paste-extruder IP. However, the broader FFF market has commoditized dual extrusion, and the paste extruder remains a niche accessory. RepRapBCN's open-source model limits direct monetization of hardware, and its small team size raises questions about its ability to compete with well-funded rivals like Ultimaker and Prusa Research in service and support. The company's future likely depends on maintaining its educational foothold and expanding paste-extruder applications in specialized sectors.