About us
FABINVENTORS is a creative and innovation company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing. We help designers, inventors, and industries develop their products, create novel manufacturing systems, and find inventive solutions to complex challenges. With expertise spanning large-format 3D printing, custom machine design, prototyping, and consulting, we turn ambitious ideas into reality.
Inventiveness
The act of being inventive. We add creativity on top of engineering to achieve unique solutions.
Brio
A Portuguese word that means doing the correct things with care and honor.
Our timeline
FABINVENTORS was built on research, innovation, and persistence. Our timeline highlights the key steps that brought us here.
2015 – 2018
It all started with one idea…
In 2016, Nuno Frutuoso (Software), João Boto (Concept) and Manuel Sardinha (Prototype), students at Instituto Superior Técnico, created the first Modular Additive Manufacturing System. With the crucial supervision of Professors Marco Leite, Rodrigo Ventura, António Relógio Ribeiro, Luís Reis and Bruno Soares, the team succeeded – a patent was submitted and the novelty was recognized.
2018 – 2020
From Lab to Market
In 2018, the FCT-funded R&D project “BIG FDM” began, leading to the Proof of Concept for our patent. At the same time, the entrepreneurial spark was lit — Lab2Market at Instituto Superior Técnico marked our first step into the startup world. We pitched and refined our vision through multiple startups competitions, ultimately celebrating a proud victory at BOOST UP 2020 by EIT Manufacturing.
2020 – 2022
FABINVENTORS is established
Winning BOOST UP 2020 powered the creation of our first large-scale demonstrator — the spark that launched our company. With operations moving to Porto alongside OPOLAB and UPTEC and research remaining in Lisbon, we began offering large-format 3D printing services. Each project pushed the limits, driving advances in both software and hardware, as we delivered solutions for R&D, industry, robotics, automotive and custom products.
2022 – today
FABINVENTORS today and tomorrow
FABINVENTORS has successfully integrated its first machine with a customer and continues to push boundaries in additive manufacturing. We create solutions for complex challenges — from turning ideas into market-ready products, to building custom machines like advanced 3D printing systems. Our expertise spans large-scale prototyping, series production, consulting, and training, turning advanced 3D printing into a competitive advantage for our partners. Our journey continues – join us shaping the way the world designs, manufactures, and innovates.