On 7th March, several members of the Quantum Technology Club attended the annual Sanjay Mortimer RepRap Festival (SMRRF).
Sanjay Mortimer always wanted to know how things work – from a very early age.
His thirst for knowledge never diminished, right through his education years and he went to University to study Computer Science, Mechatronics and Education. He was often to be found in a lab somewhere making and breaking things.
He went on to become a teacher and enjoyed using 3D printers in the classroom. In his spare time, with his friend Dave, he developed an improved printing nozzle. Joined by a third friend, Josh, the put their teaching careers on hold and formed their new business venture E3D.
As time went on, their 3D print head was continually improved with Prusa, now one of the largest 3D printer manufacturers in the world, adopting it as their standard fit head. Never resting on their laurels, developments in the range of print heads came thick and fast.
Sadly, Sanjay’s life was cut short far too early at the age of just 32. Today, the Sanjay Mortimer Foundation exists to “help those with neurodiverse minds recognise their strengths and talents through engineering and making”.
For several years now the Foundation have hosted the Sanjay Mortimer ReRap Festival and several Quantum Technology Club members attended this year’s event at the Manchester Metropolitan University.
More than forty-five exhibitors supported the event. Some demonstrated what they make, others innovations they had developed. There were 3D printers, parts and consumables available to buy, many at greatly reduced prices for the show only.
Over the two day event there were seventeen talks on various aspects of making, nine workshops and a Death Racers contest held outside on the Saturday lunchtime.
This is the definitive 3D printer show in the UK and we all look forward to next year’s event.