Affordable prosthetic limbs 3D printed in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, has emerged as a game-changer across various industries. From manufacturing to healthcare, its impact is undeniable. Meet Alan Garcia Arriaga, a visionary entrepreneur from Mexico City, who harnessed the power of 3D printing to transform lives. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Alan’s journey, his groundbreaking project, and the fusion of technology and compassion.
Alan Garcia Arriaga: The Visionary Behind Mapili
Alan Garcia Arriaga introduces himself as a passionate advocate for affordable prosthetic limbs healthcare solutions. His brainchild, the “Mapili” project, aims to create low-cost prosthetic limbs using cutting-edge 3D printing technology. Alan’s mission? To empower individuals with functional, customized prostheses that don’t break the bank.
Who Are You and What Do You Do?
I’m Alan Garcia Mexico Arriaga and I’m from México City. I have a project to create low-cost prosthesis called “Mapili”.
The Genesis of Mapili: A Personal Quest
Alan’s journey began serendipitously. Faced with the challenge of finding an economical solution for his father, who was missing two fingers, Alan stumbled upon 3D printing. His curiosity led him deeper into the world of additive manufacturing. As fate would have it, Alan’s professional background in reputable companies—both local and international—fueled his determination to make a difference.
When Did You Discover the 3D Printing Domain?
I found 3d printing luckily, trying to find an economical solution for my father who is missing 2 fingers, that led me to seek more information and I found of 3D technology.
Working for reputable companies in my country and some in the international business, helped me to think that if this could help my dad if I can help more people.
I found notes on projects about people who had made their own prosthesis as existing are very expensive. And my project helps the price of the prosthesis is less than half the regular price. Because in my country a finger can cost $ 600 dollar’s than it is to me an exaggeration still a third world country, so the Mapili project is my way of contributing.
Mapili: Affordable Prosthetic Limbs
Mapili isn’t just a project; it’s a lifeline. Alan leveraged 3D printing to design and produce prosthetic hands, fingers, and even entire feet. His innovative approach slashes costs, making these life-changing devices accessible to those who need them most. In a country where a single finger can cost $600, Alan’s commitment to affordability is revolutionary.
In what way 3d printing technology helped your business grow?
With the above in mind try to create prosthetic hands first, this to help the amniotic band constriction where all the fingers of one hand not develop, over time cases appear with different needs not only the fingers problem, I take that problems to think how to help too. And the 3D technology was a great solution because my project entirely depends on it, provides the ability to create things out of nothing and modify them being much cheaper to create a prototype as a final piece.
That was how I thought of prostheses for amputation wrist, transtibial amputation, finger etc.
Currently I’m working on one knee, so I could complete catalog prosthesis benefit many more people.
I finance myself the project by buying equipment and marketing, financed basically everything without government aid or any foundation, it is difficult to find support in this country. My decision has been difficult because I do not have many resources but someone had to do it.
And 3D printing is the best tool I can use for this purpose.
The Mapili Legacy: A Third-World Solution
Alan’s vision extends beyond profit margins. He recognizes that Mexico is still a third-world country, where healthcare disparities persist. Mapili isn’t just about business; it’s about compassion. By bridging the gap between technology and humanity, Alan Garcia Arriaga is leaving an indelible mark— affordable prosthetic limbs at a time.
What Means Mapili and how it motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
Mapili is a native language of my nation means “finger” in Nahuatl language. Since Mapili conceived every day I think about how to improve, how to innovate, how to make them better and stronger. I wake up thinking about where else to turn to present the project who may need to know more. There are days when I sleep and I wake up thinking about the number of people who need me and unfortunately do not know me.
My project seeks to be economical and may not be very profitable for many business and there is a lack of interest of certain authorities or institutions. But always I received support from my family and my dear friends Maria Steluta Cordunianu and Alan Velazco, which I consider and are part of my team. Without them this project would not be what it is, that and people needs are my greatest motivation to continue and create.
In the heart of Mexico City, Alan’s dream takes shape, layer by layer, as 3D printers hum with purpose. With each sunrise, he wonders who else needs Mapili’s affordable prosthetic limbs—people who may not even know it exists. Mapili isn’t just about fingers; it’s about transforming lives, one 3D model at a time.
Where people can find you and get in touch with you?
For any questions or if you want to share or only contact me, can do it in:
If you want to learn more about how this groundbreaking 3d printing technology is shaping the future of diverse sectors worldwide, you can read more here: 3D Printing Across Industries
