Where the project began
Functional 3D printed arms fitted to each recipient, with designs they test and choose themselves.
- 51+
- Items printed
- 60hrs
- Average print time
- PETG+ TPU
- Filament
Prosthetic arms
The 3D project was founded in response to the need for free and accessible functional upper-limb prosthetics for people from underserved communities. Prosthetic arms were therefore the first product HFA-BCMF printed, starting in 2019. Every prosthetic arm recipient is different in their needs and preferences, so we let them test samples and see what works best, giving recipients a choice in what type of arm is most ideal for them. Over the years, HFA-BCMF has used a variety of prosthetic arm designs, including the UnLimbited Arm, the TR Charin Gripper, and a NIOP and Gripper remix. Currently, however, those who have lost the part of their arm below their elbow have two functional options to choose from: the BCMF Kwawu Gripper and the Kinetic Hand.
Product photos
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Prosthetic arm types
Recipient stories
Ko
Age 49
Prosthetic arm
“...given me confidence to live more independently again.”
“Before I received my 3D prosthetic, even basic activities felt challenging. Simple things like putting on clothes, lifting items, or taking a shower became difficult for me. I also struggled mentally, often feeling afraid to go outside or join the community. After receiving support from the organisation and donors, my daily life has improved. My prosthetic has made my routine easier and given me confidence to live more independently again.”
Mya
Age 32
replaceable cosmetic and gripper hand prosthetic
“I look forward to being able to walk down the street without feeling insecure...”
Mya lives with her husband and two children in Burma. In March 2026, while cleaning a sugarcane machine which had not been switched off, she severely injured her left hand. Unfortunately, her hand could not be saved, and she underwent a lower left arm amputation.
Upon her request, BCMF provided her with a new kind of prosthetic arm, that has a replaceable hand system, providing both a functional hand with a grip for daily tasks such as riding a motorcycle, and a cosmetic hand for use when walking in public. “I look forward to being able to walk down the street without feeling insecure about the loss of my arm. Currently, I often feel uncomfortable in public because the attention and stares I receive from others. Thank you for this prosthetic arm. I am excited to use it in my daily life,” she shared
Khun Leenee
Age 70
Prosthetic hand
“Now I will have hands like others.”
Khun Leenee was born with a underdeveloped left hand. This does not deter her, and she runs a noodle shop with her two daughters. However, she feels shy whenever she leaves her house, and wears long sleeves to hide her hand. One day, the director of BCMF saw Khun Leenee and offered her a custom fitted 3D printed prosthetic hand. She readily agreed and was happy and excited during her fitting. “Now I will have hands like others,“ she said. “I will wear it when I go outside of my house.“
Bo
Age 17
Prosthetic arm
“My friends now feel more comfortable to be around me...”
“I felt embarrassed to return to school after my arm was amputated. My friends would make fun of me and call me one-armed boy. I felt less confident, especially when I went out. After I received my 3D [prosthetic] arm, I feel more confident and less embarrassed. It’s not a real arm but it looks like one when I wear long sleeves. My friends now feel more comfortable to be around me because I now have two arms.”