Sanjay Mortimer, one of the co-founders of E3D, a leading 3D printing company, passed away on November 27, 2021. His death has shocked and saddened the 3D printing community, as he was widely regarded as a pioneer and a legend in the field. His cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but some sources suggest that it was either an accidental overdose or suicide. In this article, we will explore his life, achievements, and legacy, as well as the impact of his death on the 3D printing industry.
Who was Sanjay Mortimer?
Sanjay Mortimer was born in 1989, making him 32 years old at the time of his death. He had a passion for engineering and technology since his childhood, and he studied mechanical engineering at the University of Bath. He was also an avid gamer and a fan of sci-fi and fantasy.
He got interested in 3D printing in 2012, when he and his friends bought a 3D printer kit online. They soon realized that the printer had many flaws and limitations, and they decided to improve it by designing and building their own components. One of their inventions was a hotend, which is the part of the printer that melts and extrudes the plastic material. Their hotend was so innovative and efficient that they decided to sell it online, and it became a hit among the 3D printing enthusiasts.
This was the beginning of E3D, the company that Mortimer co-founded with his friends David Crocker and Josh Rowley. E3D is based in the UK, and it specializes in producing high-quality 3D printing components, such as hotends, extruders, nozzles, and filaments. E3D has become one of the most respected and influential brands in the 3D printing industry, and it has a loyal customer base around the world.
Mortimer was the director of research and development at E3D, and he was responsible for creating and testing new products and technologies. He was also very active and popular in the 3D printing community, as he frequently shared his knowledge and expertise on social media, forums, blogs, and podcasts. He was known for his warm personality, contagious energy, and sense of humor, as well as his vision and creativity.
What did he achieve?
Mortimer was a key figure in advancing the 3D printing technology and making it more accessible and affordable for everyone. He and his team at E3D developed some of the most innovative and reliable 3D printing components in the market, such as the V6 hotend, the Titan extruder, the Hemera extrusion system, and the ToolChanger platform. These products have improved the performance, quality, and versatility of 3D printers, and they have enabled users to print with a wide range of materials, such as metals, ceramics, and composites.
Mortimer was also a pioneer in promoting open-source and collaborative approaches to 3D printing. He believed that sharing ideas and resources with other developers and users was the best way to improve the technology and foster innovation. He and his company released their designs and software under open-source licenses, and they encouraged feedback and contributions from the community. He also supported and participated in various 3D printing projects and initiatives, such as the RepRap movement, the Open Source Hardware Association, and the 3D Printing Nerd YouTube channel.
Mortimer was also an advocate for the social and environmental benefits of 3D printing. He believed that 3D printing could empower people to create their own products and solutions, and to reduce waste and pollution. He and his company supported various causes and charities that used 3D printing for humanitarian and educational purposes, such as e-NABLE, a global network of volunteers who 3D-print prosthetic limbs for children in need, and PrintLab, a platform that provides 3D printing curriculum and resources for schools.
How did he die?
The official cause of Sanjay Mortimer’s death has not been confirmed. However, it is believed to be either an accidental overdose or suicide, according to Newsweek. His death was sudden and unexpected, and it has left his family and friends in shock and grief. His company, E3D, announced his death on December 1, 2021, in a statement that read:
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the death of one of our founding directors, Sanjay Mortimer, who passed away on Saturday 27th November. Sanjay was a legend in our industry, a visionary engineer, a passionate advocate for open-source, and a dear friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and generosity that will continue to inspire and benefit the 3D printing community for years to come. Sanjay’s team will deliver on our vision of changing the way humanity manufactures goods. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and friends during this difficult time.
The 3D printing community has also expressed its condolences and tributes to Mortimer, as he was an incredibly well-loved and inspirational leader, according to 3D Printing Industry. Many 3D printing companies, media outlets, and personalities have shared their memories and appreciation of Mortimer on social media and online platforms, such as Matter Hackers, MicroSwiss, Prusa3D, 3D Printing Nerd, and TheRecentTimes .
What is his legacy?
Sanjay Mortimer’s death is a tragic loss for the 3D printing community and the world. He was a brilliant and talented engineer, a visionary and creative entrepreneur, a generous and supportive mentor, and a kind and fun-loving friend. He made a huge impact on the 3D printing technology and industry, and he touched the lives of many people with his products and personality. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans.
His legacy will live on through his company, E3D, and his products, which will continue to provide high-quality and innovative 3D printing solutions for users and developers. His legacy will also live on through his contributions and influence on the 3D printing community, which will continue to grow and evolve thanks to his vision and passion. His legacy will also live on through his values and beliefs, which will continue to inspire and motivate people to pursue their dreams and to make the world a better place with 3D printing.
