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The 6 Best 3D Printer Controller Boards in 2022 – Clever Creations
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Last update: November 2022
Best overall
Duet 2 WiFi
- Powerful
- Many I/O ports
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Check Price
Best high-end
Duet 3 6HC
- Wide stepper motor compatibility
- Suitable for high-end 3D printers
- Lots of expansion options
Check Price
Best on a budget
BTT SKR Mini E3 V2.0
- Low price
- Easy to use
- Silent stepper drivers
Check Price
From using Arduinos with CNC shields to now having a full-fledged WiFi-equipped circuit, 3D printer controller boards have come a long way. They’re the brains of any 3D printing setup and are responsible for controlling, coordinating, and executing all of a printer’s functions.
If you’ve bought a fully assembled 3D printer that you are happy with, it’s doubtful that you ever had to think about the controller board. But if you’re someone who wants to upgrade his 3D printer or build a DIY printer from scratch, you probably understand how important it is to select the best 3D printer controller board for your needs.
To help you with getting the best control board for your 3D printer, we’ve compiled a list of the six best motherboard options that you can buy right now.
| 3D Printer Controller | Summary | Input | Processor | Price | Best Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duet 2 WiFi | Best overall | 11-25V | 32-bit | $170 | MatterHackers |
| Duet 3 6HC | Best high-end | 11-32V | 32-bit | $255 | MatterHackers |
| BTT SKR Mini E3 V2.0 | Best on a budget | 12/24V | 32-bit | $65 | Amazon |
Creality 3D 4. 2.7 | Best for Ender 3 | 24V | 32-bit | $50 | Creality3D |
| BIGTREETECH Octopus | Most stepper drivers | 4.75-36V | 32-bit | $52 | Amazon |
| BIGTREETECH TFT35 V3.0 | Best LCD add-on | 5V | 32-bit | $45 | Amazon |
Best 3D Printer Motherboards in 2022
Duet 2 WiFi
Best overall
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The Duet 2 Wi-Fi features a 32-bit ARM-based processor specifically designed for industrial automation projects. As-is, the Duet 2 Wi-Fi can support up to five unique stepper motors. This, however, can be extended to support up to five extra stepper motors and extruders with the Duex 5 expansion board.
All stepper drivers used on the Duet 2 Wi-Fi are TMC2660s, which have a high current rating of 2.4A and are able to run the stepper motors quietly in up to 1/256 micro-stepping.
The board runs on the well-documented and feature-rich RepRap firmware.
The great thing about the Duet 2 Wi-Fi is its compatibility with different Duet expansion boards and accessories. You can connect a PanelDue board to get a full-color graphic touch screen, temperature sensing daughterboards, the Duex 5 for additional steppers, servos, fans, and heaters. It even has the option to use a smart effector for delta 3D printers for bed leveling.
The many features and ability to use it with practically any 3D printer make the Duet 2 Wifi the overall best 3D printer controller board that you can get right now. It definitely costs more than your typical board, but you get what you pay for.
Standout Features
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- External stepper driver support
- Quiet 1/256 microstepping
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | 11V - 25V |
| Stepper drivers | 5x TMC 2660 |
| Microstepping | Up to 256 |
| Microprocessor | ARM Cortex M4F, 32-bit |
| Connections | 2. 4GHz WiFi, USB serial port |
| SD card slot | Yes |
What We Like
- Powerful
- Many I/O ports
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Could Be Better
- High price
Find Duet 2 WiFi at
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Duet 3 6HC
Best high-end
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The Duet 3 6HC is the latest release from Duet 3D. The 6HC in the name stands for 6 High Current stepper motors. The board uses a faster 300 MHz 32-bit ARM processor, allowing for high-speed calculations. The Duet 3 features six Trinamic 5160 stepper motor drivers rated at a 6.3 A peak current.
Other than this, you get 10 PWM outputs for the heated beds, extruders, and fans. It has 9 I/O ports for end-stops, Z probes, filament sensors, and other peripherals. These allow you to decorate your 3D printer with many sensors, fans, and accessories and still have room left for more.
The CAN-FD buses will let you connect other Duet boards, smart tools, and custom add-ons, thus ensuring upgradability. There’s a dedicated high-speed SPI bus to a single board computer (SBC) to let you connect SBCs like Raspberry Pi’s.
The Duet 3 6HC is expensive and aimed at professionals that require a versatile high-end 3D printer controller. However, the RepRap community’s ample amount of documentation and support means that if you want one, you can easily configure it to work with any off-the-shelf 3D printer as well.
Aside from being more than powerful enough to drive nearly any 3D printer, the Duet 3 is an equally attractive option for a home CNC machine or laser engraver.
Standout Features
- High-speed ARM processor
- High current stepper drivers
- Numerous i/o options
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | 11V to 32V |
| Stepper drivers | 6x TMC2160 or TMC5160 |
| Microstepping | Up to 256 |
| Microprocessor | ARM Cortex M7, 32-bit |
| Connections | Ethernet and USB Serial port |
| SD card slot | Yes |
What We Like
- Wide stepper motor compatibility
- Suitable for high-end 3D printers
- Lots of expansion options
Could Be Better
- High price
- Requires technical expertise
Find Duet 3 6HC at
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BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V2.
0 Best on a budget
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The SKR Mini E3 V2.0 is the successor to the original E3, designed explicitly for the Ender 3 3D printers. With the SKR Mini E3 V2.0, Bigtreetech offers support for more Creality machines like the CR-10, CR-10S5, and Ender 3 3D printers.
The V2.0 is a 32-bit 3D printer controller board that features ultra-silent, TMC 2209 stepper motor drivers and can handle 2A RMS current. It also comes with two Z-axis ports, so that you can drive dual Z-axis stepper motors.
Aside from the excellent stepper drivers, the SKR Mini E3 V2.0 also comes with support for BLTouch and filament detection sensors. This gives you the option to install additional Ender 3 upgrades and Ender 5 upgrades that reduce the chance of failed 3D prints.
The Mini E3 V2.0 supports the open-source Marlin firmware. It offers a variety of additional features like the power resume function, automatic shutdown, and onboard sensorless homing functions.
If you’re on a budget and want to upgrade your Creality 3D printer, the SKR Mini E3 V2.0 is likely the best 3D printer controller for you.
Standout Features
- Parallel Z-axis interface
- BLTouch and filament detection ports
- Improved thermal performance
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | 12/24V |
| Stepper drivers | 4x TMC2209 |
| Microstepping | 256 |
| Microprocessor | ARM Cortex-M3, 32-bit |
| Connections | Mini-USB-B type |
| SD card slot | Yes |
What We Like
- Low price
- Easy to use
- Silent stepper drivers
Could Be Better
- Limited upgradability
Find BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V2.
0 at
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Creality 3D 4.2.7
Best for Ender 3
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The Ender 3 is still one of the best budget Creality 3D printers. But it has aged in terms of its features and capabilities. The latest version of the 3D printer controller board from Creality – 4.2.7 aims to bring the Ender 3 to the current 3D printing trends.
The Creality 3D 4.2.7 controller board features a 32-bit ARM processor with increased flash storage that lets you run more firmware features faster, and with this supporting the latest Marlin 2.0 firmware. Creality calls this controller board the “silent mainboard” due to the TMC 2225 stepper motor drivers that keep your 3D printer’s motors silent.
This 4.2.7 now comes with a pre-installed bootloader, which means that you can update the firmware by merely inserting the SD card with the firmware BIN file. It also has ports for the BLTouch auto leveling sensor and filament sensors that remove the need for any previously needed extenders.
The Marlin 2.0 comes pre-installed with the board, and with a little bit of configuration, you can directly use it with your Ender 3. It is an excellent upgrade for the Ender 3 3D printers, considering that you get an officially supported board with the latest features.
Standout Features
- 32-bit processor
- Pre-installed bootloader
- Silent TMC 2225 stepper drivers
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | 24V |
| Stepper drivers | 4x TMC2225 |
| Microstepping | Up to 256 |
| Microprocessor | ARM Cortex-M3, 32-Bit |
| Connections | Micro-USB port |
| SD card slot | Yes |
What We Like
- Easy to install and use
- Official company support
- Affordable
Could Be Better
- No UART control
- Poor quality control
Find Creality 3D 4.
2.7 at
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BIGTREETECH Octopus
Most stepper drivers
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The BIGTREETECH Octopus controller board natively supports eight stepper motors. You can choose your stepper motor drivers and the mode in which you want to run them, and this makes the board a beast in terms of sheer stepper motor support.
This 3D printer controller board supports up to four hot-end heaters. Then there are six PWM controllable fan interfaces, six end-stop switches, and two inputs for filament detection sensors. You even get a CAN bus interface if you decide to upgrade further and a USB-A port that can interface with a Raspberry Pi using emulated serial over USB.
Another expansive feature of the Octopus board is the support for a dual Z-axis drive. This can come in handy if you’re building a large cartesian or even a Core XY-type 3D printer. There are many other features too, and the sheer number of connectivity options make it one of the best 3d printer controllers if you’re planning to build something like a Voron 3D printer that needs many stepper motors.
Standout Features
- Supports up to 8 stepper motors
- Interfaces with Raspberry Pi
- Marlin and Klipper firmware support
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | 4.75V - 36V |
| Stepper drivers | 8 pluggable stepper driver support |
| Microstepping | Up to 256 |
| Microprocessor | ARM Cortex-M4, 32-bit |
| Connections | USB type C port |
| SD card slot | Yes |
What We Like
- Suitable for large 3D printers
- Lots of expansions ports
- USB-C interface for easy compatibility
Could Be Better
- Complex wiring
- Limited community support
Find BIGTREETECH Octopus at
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BIGTREETECH TFT35 V3.
0 Best LCD add-on
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The BIGTREETECH TFT35 V3.0 is an LCD touch screen upgrade designed for the Ender 3 and CR-10 3D printers. The V3.0 stands out because of its dual nature. You can use it as a regular LCD screen with the knob or use the touch screen to navigate the menu quickly.
It gives you the best of both worlds without the hassles of either. Additionally, you get a port for an external Wi-Fi module, a full-sized SD card slot, and a USB 2.0 port, giving you plenty of options in terms of connectivity.
However, the touch screen is not plug-n-play, and you need to tweak some firmware settings to get it working with your 3D printer. Teaching Tech on YouTube has a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to get the TFT35 working.
The BIGTREETECH TFT35 V3.0 is not meant as a completely new overhaul for your 3D printer but rather is aimed to improve the functionality of interfacing with it. The touch screen combined with the knob is suitable for many users.
And considering the price, it is a worthwhile upgrade to make.
Standout Features
- Dual-mode use
- Pre-installed bootloader
- Wi-Fi module and filament detection ports
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | 5V |
| Microprocessor | ARM Cortex-M3 series 32-bit |
| Connections | USB A port and external Wi-Fi module support |
| SD card slot | Yes |
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Compatible with many 3D printers
- Lots of configuration options
Could Be Better
- Firmware can be buggy
- Technical expertise required
Find BIGTREETECH TFT35 V3.0 at
AmazonBigtreetechBanggood
Buyer’s Guide
Above we have listed some of the best 3D printer controller boards available.
But what if you want to look for more boards? What exactly do you look for in a 3D printer motherboard, and how do you select one for yourself? Here are a few pointers that you need to keep in mind.
Firmware Compatibility
Firmware is the software on the 3D printer controller board that is responsible for all calculations and commands to the printer hardware. There are many different types available, for example, Repetier, Prusa, Klipper, and Smoothieware.
Recommended:
Creality Sonic Pad Review: A Klipper Solution That Needs More Work
Each one is designed for a slightly different purpose, and you need to keep in mind your goals with the machine. For example, if you want a high-speed 3D printer, Klipper is the best choice for you. Marlin and RepRap are the go-to options if you want well-documented and widely used firmware.
You need to consider the choice of your firmware beforehand to select the best suitable controller board for yourself. Make sure there’s enough documentation and support available with your combo so that if you run into any issues, you can quickly sort it out.
Processor
3D printers either have an 8-bit controller board or a 32-bit board. An 8-bit board is cheap to manufacture and provides all the basic functionalities you would expect from a 3D printer. However, it comes with low onboard memory, and the lower number of bits means that it can process fewer calculations at a time, thus significantly affecting its speed.
32-bit motherboards operate at a higher clock speed, have a slightly greater onboard memory, and execute calculations at a much higher rate. They’re compatible with more I/O ports and communication interfaces, and all of these translate to a more feature-rich 3D printer motherboard.
If you want a basic 3D printer with limited functionalities, 8-bit boards are an option. They’ll save a bit of money, and you won’t have to pay for things you won’t use. However, if you want your 3D printer to be future-proof, have advanced functions, and print faster, a controller board with a 32-bit processor is vastly superior.
In our list with the best 3D printer controller boards above, we have only added 32-bit controllers. We believe that an 8-bit board is not worth buying and a 32-bit board is always the better option.
Communication methods
The most basic method of communication on a 3D printer motherboard is a USB port. A USB serial port allows you to control your 3D printer via a USB connection with a computer.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet ports are other methods of communicating with your 3D printer. An ethernet port would allow you to control your 3D printer over a local wired network.
Wi-Fi connectivity would allow you to control your printer wirelessly. One benefit of Wi-Fi is that you don’t even have to be present in the same room as your 3D printer, and you can control it remotely from anywhere.
Low-end controller boards don’t come with Wi-Fi and Ethernet ports; some might have pins for attaching external Wi-Fi modules, though. A USB serial port is enough if you want a basic 3D printer.
If you want wireless 3D printing or operate many 3D printers simultaneously, you should consider getting a Wi-Fi-equipped controller board.
Connectors
Aside from a USB port, there are many other connectors (or headers) on the controller board. These are used for a wide variety of purposes. Endstop connectors, hot end heaters, stepper motor connectors, bed leveling, and filament runout detection sensors are some of the few.
A well-specced-out controller board like the Duet 2 Wi-Fi or the Duet 3 6HC will have almost all of these connectors and then some more. Connectors allow you to interface various devices with your 3D printer, providing additional functionality.
The more connectors your controller board has, the more expensive it will be and take a lot of space. You need to know what features you want in your 3D printer and select the board with the particular connectors to get the maximum benefit.
Stepper Drivers
Stepper motor drivers affect the size of the stepper motors you can drive in your 3D printer and the sound levels you hear in the process.
On most 3D printer controller boards, stepper drivers can’t easily be swapped out. Therefore, selecting the right kind of controller board with the right stepper driver is essential.
Basic stepper drivers like the A4988 are cheap, easily accessible, and provide a relatively good experience for basic 3D printers. They do drive stepper motors loud, are unreliable, and can only provide the steppers with limited current.
TMC drivers, on the other hand, are known for their silent operation and current-carrying capacities. The TMC 2xxx series are rated at 2A peak current, while the TMC 5160 typically offers 3A to 4.4A on 3D printer controller boards.
You need to consider the microstepping capabilities of the stepper motor drivers as well. Microstepping divides a full step into smaller steps. The smaller the step, the higher the resolution and the smoother the vibration. As a minimum, you want 1/16 step microstepping, but the best 3D printer controller options offer up to 1/256 step
Touch screen support
A touch screen enhances the functionality and ease of use of a 3D printer by making navigating the menu and dialing in the various features easier.
Not all controller boards have touch screen support built-in. While choosing a controller board, look at the connectivity options and the compatible touch screens. You need to make sure that the board’s firmware supports it, and there is at least a little bit of documentation on how to interface the controller with the touch screen.
FAQ
What is a 3D printer controller board?
A 3D printer controller board is a piece of hardware that controls all electronic components in a 3D printer. It is responsible for motion, temperature control, and reading all commands from GCode files.
Why upgrade your printer’s stock controller board?
As time passes, the current features in your 3D printer start to seem obsolete. A controller board upgrade will give you access to many advanced features, allow for added functionalities and enhance your overall 3D printing experience.
Is a 3D printer controller board the same as a 3D printer motherboard?
Yes, in the context of 3D printing, the terms ‘controller board’ and ‘motherboard’ are used interchangeably.
They mean exactly the same thing.
Conclusion
The best 3D printer controller boards are the ones you’re able to afford and will work with your 3D printer. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to choose just one. The important thing is figuring out which one of these top-rated controllers would be right for you.
In our opinion, the Duet 2 Wi-Fi is the overall best 3D printer controller board that you can get right now. Despite its high price, the Duet 2 Wi-Fi ticks all the boxes in terms of features, connectivity, upgrades, and ports. It is designed to be a universal solution for all types of 3D printers and can serve as an effective replacement for practically any board.
Let us know what you think about it, and if you have anything else to add, feel free to comment below.
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Minitronics v2.0 - 32-bit all-in-one controller board | 3D printing experts
Overview Description Content Documentation Specifications
Compact, affordable, single-board solution with on-board stepper drivers.
Stock - NL: >100
$ 41.50 excl VAT In stock
Dispatches same business day!
Product description
Compact, affordable, single-board solution with on-board stepper drivers. 32-bit SAMD21 Microprocessor running at 40Mhz, well capable of running even Delta printers at decend speeds.
Minitronics is the slim but powerful electronics line. It's designed to be an easy to use, compact and smart solution to fit 90% of the 3D-printers. Unlike the Megatronics, which targets at the advanced range of usages, the Minitronics is plug and play, which will fit the needs of the average user better.
Minitronics has a powerful SAMD21J18 32-bit microprocessor with 256KB memory, running at 48Mhz. The board can be connected to a PC using a normal USB cable and can run stand-alone from 12V power supply. The board is compatible with Arduino and will therefor be easily programmed from the Arduino IDE.
The board comes with four DRV8825 on-board stepper drivers, which can be configured to different micro-stepping settings.
To enable dual-head support an external stepper driver may be hooked up to the EXTSTEP header.
Version 2.0 of the Minitronics gives you more features, while maintaining the same small form-factor of the version 1.1. Mounting hole positions, USB connector and reset button are placed at the same positions making an upgrade easy.
The boards comes with a 40mm fan, to cool the back of the board, allowing the stepper drivers better performance. Also a power connector is provided, but you may wish to add wiring yourself
Documentation
Minitronics v2.0 datasheet Minitronics v2.0 User Manual Test firmware, source files, examples MK4Duo firmware
What's in the box?
This is a kit of the following items.
| 1x | Axial Fan - 40x40x10 mm / 12 V | |
| 1x | Minitronics v2. 0 - 32-bit all-in-one controller board (board only) |
Specifications
| sku | MINITRONICS20K |
|---|---|
| gtin | 8719345201387 |
| Processor | |
| Technology | SAMD |
| Type | ATSAMD21J18 |
| Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 93. 9 mm |
| Depth | 56.8 mm |
| Height | 19 mm |
| Features | |
| Thermistors | 3 |
| Endstops | 3 |
| Stepper drivers | 4 |
| Sound | |
| LCD | |
| External SD card | |
| External stepper drivers | 1 |
| Ethernet | |
| WIFI | |
| Seperated heated bed input | |
| MOSFETs | 4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Product Dimensions | 94x57x19 mm |
Price breaks
| 1 - 9: | excl $ 41. 50 |
| 10 - 29: | excl $ 39.50 |
| 30 - : | excl $ 37.50 |
| Need a larger quantity? Contact our Sales department. | |
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32-bit 3D printer boards
The controller board is the heart of any 3D printer and controls components such as the extruder, heated bed, motors and sensors. The rapidly evolving 3D printer controller boards are expanding to offer incredible possibilities.
Duet Wifi
These 3D printer boards are usually powered by RepRapFirmware. The entire Duet family can be controlled through the Duet Web Control , but they also support the PanelDue touch screen. All of them have a slot for an expansion board.
drives 5 independent stepper motors with built-in Trinamic TMC2660 drivers and I/O circuit - DueX4 for Duet 0.6 and 0.8.5, and DueX2 and DueX5 for Duet WiFi and Duet Ethernet.
The firmware for the Duet board family is open source, but most users do not need to modify the firmware itself, only working with settings stored on the internal SD card. However, it's a good idea to update your Duet to the latest stable firmware.
Replicape BeagleBone Black
Replicape is a fast 3D printer board. It works with a BeagleBone Black, with a 1GHz processor and two 200MHz PRUs.
It is extremely versatile. The control can support two to five 2A stepper motors, two servos and four fans. Uses the best TMC 2100 stepper motor drivers, which have an incredibly low noise level. And also interacts with the printer through the browser, while printing.
Re-ARM for RAMPS, simple 32-bit upgrade
The Re-Arm microcontroller board is more powerful and equipped with a faster 100MHz processor, which provides a high feed rate for the 3D printer.
The board has an SD card slot for firmware and configuration files, but a second SD card is also supported, connected via the LCD screen for file uploads. Having a separate configuration file outside of the firmware makes setting changes much easier than other boards that require new firmware for any setting changes. The configuration is a text file that allows you to easily and quickly make changes from your computer.
Arduino DUE with RADDS 1.5
V The RepRap Arduino-Due Driver Shield is a daughterboard for the 32-bit Arduino Due. Although it looks like an 8-bit RAMPS board, it provides much more processing power and allows your 3D printer to print faster and with greater accuracy.
The 12-bit ADC (analogue-to-digital converter) has been upgraded from 10 to 12 bits. The temperature calculation is now performed over 4096 measurement points instead of 1024. This gives 4 times better temperature resolution and improves the accuracy of temperature readings.
In addition to better temperature resolution, the new firmware includes an algorithm that uses 660 measurement points to extrapolate results. This takes RADDS to the next level of temperature control for RepRap 3D printing.
Smoothieboards 4x
Smoothieboards is a controller board for digital machines. It is designed for use in 3D printers ( Reprap ), laser engravers and CNC machines, developed by a community of volunteers to run the open source Smoothieware firmware They come in many varieties, with different sets of features and benefits.
All Smoothieboards are designed to run on the most powerful machines in their price range. They are designed to be easily extended, developed and used by general users.
Smoothieboard v1 was the first Smoothieboard released and received several updates. It has gone from a pilot project to a widely used and recognized system. The board comes in 3 versions, 3X, 4X and 5X, with different sets of peripherals.
Archim 1.0
This is Archim v1.0a. The Archim Rambo 1.0 board is a versatile 3D printer motherboard. This is an original RAMBo style design with an Atmel SAM3X8E processor (same as the Arduino Due) and DRV8825 stepper drivers on one integrated PCB. Archim is named after the mathematician Archimedes.
Key Features - 5 built-in 1/32 micro stepping motor drivers, 6 full PWM Mosfet outputs, 4 thermistor inputs, PWM motor current control (no tiny knobs to adjust), SMPS supports hostless printing at supply voltages from 10-24VDC , 3 independent power rails with ATC fuse protection, built-in full speed USB protected by ADUM isolator, high quality connectors. It is supported by the Arduino IDE using a third party URL board feature to simplify firmware development.
MKS SBASE 1.3
MKS SBASE is a multifunctional electronic solution for Reprap and other CNC machines. It features an embedded ARM-Cortex M3 LPC1768.
Its five motor outputs are powered by DRV8825 stepper drivers. The board can use the same firmware as Ramps1.4. MKS SBASE is designed with flexibility in user's power supply selection, allowing any power supply from 12V to 24V to be used.
MKS SBASE is suitable for mass production 3D printer manufacturers and used as the main control board. Relative to Ramps1.4, this adds the heat output of E1. MKS SBASE is suitable for dual extruder machine.
Arduino DUE with RAMPS-FD
The only secure version of Ramps-FD is V2.A released February 2014. Previous versions carry a high security risk. Unfortunately, the only Ramps-FD available on the market (February 2016) is version 1.2, while its manufacturer has repeatedly warned that the only safe version is 2.A. Beware of confusing wording and lack of clear mention of fee revisions from sellers. Thus, until version 2.A is released, the Ramps-FD board should be avoided.
The Arduino Due is a new Arduino board using the ARM Cortex M3 processor.
The Atmel SAM3X8E chip used in the Due operates at 3.3V and is not compatible with 5V. Therefore, the RAMPS shield will not work with the Due, and worse, applying 5V to the Due's inputs may damage the chip. Therefore, there are several options: create a new version of RAMPS that is compatible with the Due.
Lerdge-X
Among Lerdge 3D printer boards, Lerdge-X is a highly integrated control board designed for small 3D printers, educational 3D printers and entry-level 3D printers. The motherboard uses 32-bit CoreTX-M4 Core control unit, high and stable performance, feature-rich, price concessions. With a 3.5 inch full color IPS LCD touch screen, it provides simple and smooth operation. The motherboard uses an open interface and can match a variety of motor drive modules (A4988, DRV88225, LV8729, TMC2100 and external driver, etc.) The motherboard optimizes the connection of limit switches and adopts a comprehensive line protection design.
Panucatt Azteeg X5
X5 mini WIFI is an ARM-based 32-bit motion controller for 3D printers, CNC machines and laser cutters.
X5 mini runs on Smoothieware firmware and is based on the Smoothieboard. X5 mini WIFI uses powerful 32bit 120MHz ARM NXP LPC1769 chipcapable of faster calculations for quick and fluid movements.
Configuration is made easier with a text-based configuration file loaded onto the SD card, no need to download the firmware every time you make a change. Just edit the config file from your PC, then reboot the board with the new config and you're done.
The Wi-Fi module has its own web page for remote control of the printer. You can transfer files directly to the main SD card and edit the configuration file on any PC, phone or tablet using Wi-Fi. Web Control can also display video when using an IP camera.
BIGTREETECH SKR V1.1
BIGTREETECH SKR V1.1 - from Shenzhen Bigtree Technology Co., Ltd. introduced a simplified open source 3D printer control board. It is especially suitable for small and medium printers.
Greatly improved the performance of LPC1768 series ARC-class Cortex-M3 master chip with 32-bit 100M main frequency, equipped with high-modulus smoothieware open source firmware, convenient for DIY and secondary development users, don't worry about not being able to master the main worries code.
SKR V1.1 support Disdplay: 2.8 inch, 3.5 inch color touch screen, LCD12864 screen support;
The factory motherboard is equipped with testing firmware, which can be used to control the 3D printer and print, or you can flash another one yourself.
Board for a 3D printer: choosing a control motherboard
When buying or assembling a 3D printer with your own hands, special attention should be paid to the device's motherboard. Since this component is responsible for printing products in general. Consider what functions the motherboard performs, what types of this component exist, and what parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing it.
3D printer motherboard
The controller motherboard is the main control element for the extruder, motor, sensor, and heated filament bed in any 3D printer.
The motherboard is executing user-defined commands. After the internal set of microchip elements converts electrical impulses into mechanical movements of stepper motors.
As a result, a three-dimensional computer model will be printed layer by layer on the working surface of a 3D printer.
Choosing a control board
Among the most popular motherboards for 3D printers, there are five models:
- Arduino Mega 2560 + Ramps 1.4.
- Melzi.
- Lerdge X.
- Duet.
- Rumba.
Let's take a closer look at the features, pros and cons of each board.
Arduino Mega 2560 + Ramps 1.4
Board with Ramps 1.4 component operates from 5 V. It is equipped with five slots for installing stepper motors. At the same time, three slots allow the motors to control the axes of the printer, and the other two to drive the extruders. In addition, the board contains many additional pins for controlling various elements, such as a table auto-level sensor, axle limit switches, servos, etc.
To control all the printer's built-in electronics, the board contains contact pads into which the Ramps shield component is inserted.
The three main advantages of the board are:
- low price;
- a wide range of interchangeable components that can be replaced in the event of a breakdown;
- additional pins for controlling various printer components.
The board has only one significant drawback - its bulky design.
Melzi
The Melzi motherboard is equipped with four stepper motor controllers, three of which are located on the XYZ axis and one on the extruder. This model is sold already with customized firmware. Therefore, the user only needs to correctly connect the wires to the output connectors.
You can print 3D objects using a memory card via a micro-USB connector or by connecting the board directly to a computer.
The Melzi board is perfect for the beginner building a printer for the first time. Since it does not require additional calibrations and can be used immediately after purchase. However, the motherboard also has significant drawbacks:
- no display can be connected to the board;
- You can reflash the motherboard only through the ISP port, but this will take a lot of time and a layer of special knowledge;
- If the motor controller fails, it cannot be replaced.
Lerdge X
Lerdge X is a motherboard with a 32-bit STM32F407 chip that allows you to quickly read lines of code. The device is additionally equipped with four drivers and a color display with touch control. The board supports only one extruder and it is not possible to install a second one if necessary.
Before using the board, you need to calibrate it, set the dimensions of the working area, adjust the temperature sensors of the extruder and table, and set the speed parameters of each motor.
You can print files using a flash drive, memory card or via a computer.
Pros of using the Lerdge X board:
- motherboard fits any type of printer;
- board chip supports various kinds of popular slicers;
- built-in display with touch screen.
The disadvantage of using the board is that only one extruder can be used.
Duet
The Duet board is equipped with its own open source firmware, which is available for free to any user on Github.
com. The 32-bit Atmel SAM3X8E chip is responsible for the stable operation of the motherboard.
Embedded device drivers allow four extruders to print simultaneously. For more convenient control, the user can install a touch screen with a diagonal of 4.3, 5 and 7 inches.
Pluses of the board:
- free firmware;
- four extruders available at the same time;
- two board configurations to choose from (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
Disadvantages of the Duet motherboard:
- before installing the board, it needs to be fully configured and flashed.
Rumba
The Rumba 8-bit motherboard allows the 3D printer to use three extruders at the same time. However, installing them separately will not work, but you can only install a Diamond Hotend multi-extruder with support for three filaments.
This type of board is based on the Arduino processor.
It comes with Marlin firmware installed. If the user needs to reflash the board, then for this you can use the standard mini-USB connector.
Among the advantages of Rumba are:
- the presence of connectors for connecting a display and a slot for a memory card;
- removable motor drivers that can be easily replaced if broken;
- simple flashing if necessary.
The main disadvantage of the motherboard is that for printing with multiple filaments, you will need to purchase an additional multi-extruder.
What to look for when choosing a 3D printer board?
When choosing a motherboard for installation in a 3D printer, the user is advised to pay attention to six device parameters:
- The number of supported extruders. Ideally, there should be four or more. In this case, full color printing will be available.
- Built-in or plug-in drivers. It is desirable that the drivers in the board are removable. Since in the event of a breakdown, they can be easily removed and repaired or replaced in the event of a complete malfunction.
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