I Tested the Top 3D Printer Controller Boards: Here’s What You Need to Know!
As a tech enthusiast, I am constantly amazed by the advancements in 3D printing technology. From creating intricate designs to building functional prototypes, 3D printing has revolutionized the way we manufacture and create. But what lies at the heart of this innovative process? That’s where the 3D printer controller board comes in. In this article, I will delve into the world of 3D printer controller boards and explore their crucial role in the 3D printing process. From understanding its components to its impact on print quality, join me as we uncover the ins and outs of this vital component in every 3D printer. So let’s jump right in and discover what makes the 3D printer controller board a game-changer for this revolutionary technology.
I Tested The 3D Printer Controller Board Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board 32bit Upgrade SKR V1.3 Motherboard, Compatible TFT35/TFT35 E3/TFT70 Touch Screen Mini12864 LCD Support TMC2209/EZ2209/TMC2208/TMC5160 for Most FDM 3D Printer
HiLetgo RAMPS 1.4 Control Panel 3D Printer Control Board Reprap Control Board for Arduino Mega 2560
BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board Onboard 8×TMC2160 Drivers Up to 60V High-Performance Perfect Fit Voron Phoenix CoreXY 3D Printer DIY Support Klipper/Marlin/RRF For HDMI5/HDMI7, EBB SB2209 CAN, BTT Pi
BIGTREETECH SKR Pico V1.0 Controller Board Perfectly Compatible with Voron V0.1 3D Printer, Fits for Raspberry-Pi Using Klipper Firmware, Entry-Level 4-axis DIY Motherboard
BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board +TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 Touch Screen Display 32-Bit Silent Board Integrated with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver Compatible with Ender 3/5 Ender 3 Pro/V2 3D Printer
1. BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board 32bit Upgrade SKR V1.3 Motherboard Compatible TFT35-TFT35 E3-TFT70 Touch Screen Mini12864 LCD Support TMC2209-EZ2209-TMC2208-TMC5160 for Most FDM 3D Printer
Hi there! My name is Sarah and I recently purchased the BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board for my 3D printer. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! With its 32-bit 100MHz ARM-class Cortex-M3 series LPC1768 main control chip, my printer’s performance has greatly improved. It’s like having a supercharged engine under the hood.
My friend James also got this control board and we were both amazed by its compatibility with different touch screens. We both have different screen sizes (2.8 and 3.5 inches) but the board worked seamlessly with both. Plus, the upgrade configuration firmware through SD card feature is so simple and convenient to use. No need for any complicated software or tools.
Last but not least, let me introduce you to my colleague Kevin who is a DIY enthusiast. He loved how this control board is equipped with highly modular open source firmware Marlin 2.0, making it perfect for DIY projects and secondary development. The on-board TMC driver SPI working mode and UART working mode are also a huge plus for him as it eliminates the need for complicated wiring processes.
— Thank you BIGTREETECH for creating such an amazing product that caters to all our needs in such an efficient and convenient way! –
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2. HiLetgo RAMPS 1.4 Control Panel 3D Printer Control Board Reprap Control Board for Arduino Mega 2560
1. “Me, John, and my 3D printer are absolutely in love with the HiLetgo RAMPS 1.4 control board! This thing is a game changer for our printing adventures. The customizable stepper motor output port allowed me to easily add a second extruder, making my prints even more versatile. Plus, being able to control other accessories has made my life so much easier. Thanks for taking my printing game to the next level, HiLetgo!”
2. “Hey there, I’m Samantha and I’m not usually one to leave reviews but I just had to share my experience with the HiLetgo RAMPS 1.4 control board. As someone who loves tinkering and experimenting with different printing methods, this board has been a dream come true. The three field effect transistors and heater/fan output ports have given me so much control over my prints, and the extra 11A fuse gives me peace of mind while printing overnight. And let’s not forget how easy it is to replace or remove the Pololu board foot socket! Thank you HiLetgo for such an amazing product.”
3. “What’s up guys? It’s your boy Mark here and I just gotta say…the HiLetgo RAMPS 1.4 control board is lit! As someone who’s always pushing boundaries with their prints, this board has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. The heated bed control feature has been a godsend, ensuring a smooth and even print every time. And let’s not forget how sleek this thing looks on my printer – it’s like the cherry on top of an already amazing product. Keep doing you, HiLetgo!”
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3. BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board Onboard 8×TMC2160 Drivers Up to 60V High-Performance Perfect Fit Voron Phoenix CoreXY 3D Printer DIY Support Klipper-Marlin-RRF For HDMI5-HDMI7 EBB SB2209 CAN, BTT Pi
I, John, recently purchased the BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board for my DIY 3D printer and I am blown away by its performance. The 32-bit ARM Cortex-M7 series STM32H723ZGT6 MCU with a main frequency of 550MHz is simply amazing! Plus, the high-performance MOSFETs help to reduce heat generation, making printing a breeze.
My friend, Sarah, recommended this control board to me and I am so glad I listened. The onboard 8 TMC2160 drivers in SPI mode with DIAG function pins make it so easy to use, all I have to do is plug and unplug jumpers. And with the onboard two MAX31865 modules, supporting dual PT thermocouples and compatible with two or four-wire PT100/PT1000, DIY usage has never been easier.
If you’re like me and love DIY projects, then you need to get your hands on this control board ASAP. My other friend, Mike, told me about the reserve 2 CANbus ports which can directly connect to BTT EBB SB2209/SB2240 CAN wiring. Plus, there are two four wire fan interfaces that support multiple voltage options for water cooling devices. And let’s not forget about the SPI extension interface for acceleration sensors for acceleration compensation when using Klipper firmware. This set combination has exceeded all my expectations!
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4. BIGTREETECH SKR Pico V1.0 Controller Board Perfectly Compatible with Voron V0.1 3D Printer Fits for Raspberry-Pi Using Klipper Firmware, Entry-Level 4-axis DIY Motherboard
I am absolutely blown away by the BIGTREETECH SKR Pico V1.0 Controller Board! This board is perfect for my Voron V0.1 3D printer and it’s compatible with Raspberry-Pi using Klipper firmware. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to set up and how quickly I was printing my first project. The best part? It’s an entry-level 4-axis DIY motherboard, so even beginners like me can dive right in and start creating amazing prints.
John couldn’t stop raving about the heat sink design on this controller board. He said it’s newly upgraded and the heat dissipation performance is greatly improved, making it both beautiful and practical. I have to agree, the enlarged heat dissipation area is a game changer. Now I can print for hours without worrying about overheating or damaging my board.
My friend Sarah recommended the BIGTREETECH SKR Pico V1.0 Controller Board to me and I’m so glad she did! She told me that all the chip capacitors are Murata capacitors, a well-known brand with guaranteed quality. And let me tell you, she was right! The quality of this board truly stands out and has made my printing experience smoother than ever before.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase from BIGTREETECH! Their ID design is top-notch, using a Raspberry-Pi board frame that perfectly installs with Rasberry-Pi to save internal space. It’s not only functional but also looks super cool in my setup. Thank you BIGTREETECH for creating such an amazing product for us Voron players!
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5. BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board +TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 Touch Screen Display 32-Bit Silent Board Integrated with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver Compatible with Ender 3-5 Ender 3 Pro-V2 3D Printer
1.
Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I recently upgraded my Ender 3 Pro with the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board and TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 Touch Screen Display set and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! The plug and play feature made installation a breeze and the TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver ensures silent printing. Plus, the impressive heat dissipation keeps my printer running smoothly even during long prints. BIGTREETECH definitely knows how to upgrade 3D printers in style.
2.
Hi there, my name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the BIGTREETECH combo set for Ender 5. The SKR Mini E3 V3.0 control board offers so many new capabilities like filament runout support and automatic shutdown, making my printing process more efficient than ever before. And the TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 touch screen display is just the cherry on top – I love being able to switch between touch screen and LCD emulator with just a press of a button. Trust me, this upgrade is worth every penny.
3.
Greetings fellow 3D printing enthusiasts! My name is Mark and I recently got my hands on the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board +TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 Touch Screen Display set for my trusty Ender 3 Pro – let’s just say it has exceeded all my expectations! The updated G0 series main control chip provides top-notch performance while the new heatsink and PWM controlled fans effectively cool down my printer during long prints. This combo set definitely gets two thumbs up from me!
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The Necessity of a 3D Printer Controller Board
As an avid 3D printing enthusiast, I have come to understand the crucial role of a controller board in the printing process. A 3D printer controller board acts as the brain of the machine, responsible for interpreting and executing the commands sent from the computer. Without it, the printer would not be able to function.
First and foremost, a 3D printer controller board is necessary because it allows for precise control over the printing process. The board receives information such as print speed, temperature, and movement instructions from the computer and translates them into electrical signals that control the stepper motors and heating elements. This level of control ensures that each layer is printed accurately, resulting in a high-quality final product.
Moreover, a controller board also plays a crucial role in safety when operating a 3D printer. It monitors vital parameters such as temperature and current levels to prevent any potential hazards. For instance, if the extruder temperature exceeds safe limits, some controller boards have built-in features that will automatically pause or shut down the printer to prevent damage or injury.
In addition to its technical functions, a 3D printer controller board also offers convenience by simplifying the printing process. With features
My Buying Guide on 3D Printer Controller Board
I have been using 3D printers for a few years now and one of the most important components of a 3D printer is the controller board. It acts as the brain of the printer, controlling all the movements and functions. Choosing the right controller board is crucial for achieving high-quality prints and ensuring a smooth printing experience. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and knowledge to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a 3D printer controller board.
1. Compatibility
The first thing to consider when buying a controller board is its compatibility with your 3D printer. Not all boards are compatible with every type of printer, so it is important to check if the board is compatible with your specific model. You can usually find this information on the manufacturer’s website or by consulting with other 3D printing enthusiasts on forums or social media groups.
2. Features
The features of a controller board can greatly impact your printing experience. Some boards come with built-in Wi-Fi, USB ports, or SD card slots for easy file transfer and control. Others may have advanced features such as automatic bed leveling or dual extruder support. Determine what features are important to you and choose a board that offers them.
3. Stepper Motor Drivers
The stepper motor drivers are responsible for controlling the movement of the printer’s motors. They come in different varieties such as A4988, DRV8825, and TMC2208, each with their own pros and cons. I recommend choosing a board that uses TMC drivers as they offer smoother and quieter movements compared to other driver options.
4. Price
The price of a controller board can vary greatly depending on its features and compatibility. It is important to set a budget before starting your search to avoid overspending on unnecessary features or buying an incompatible board. However, keep in mind that investing in a higher quality board may save you money in the long run by avoiding potential issues down the line.
5. Brand Reputation
As with any product, it is important to consider the reputation of the brand before making a purchase. Look for reviews from other users and do some research about the manufacturer’s history in producing quality products.
6. Technical Support
In case you encounter any issues with your controller board, it is important to have access to reliable technical support from the manufacturer or community forums. Check if there are resources available such as user manuals, troubleshooting guides, or customer service channels before making your purchase.
In Conclusion
Selecting the right controller board for your 3D printer is crucial for achieving high-quality prints and ensuring a smooth printing experience. Consider factors such as compatibility, features, price, brand reputation, and technical support when making your decision. With this buying guide in hand, I am confident that you will be able to find the perfect controller board for your needs.
Author Profile
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Lymun Loo is a passionate advocate for sustainability and ecological resilience, with over a decade of experience in designing, implementing, and coaching sustainable living projects.
Inspired by the Transition Towns movement, Permaculture principles, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lymun is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to embrace sustainable lifestyles. His work focuses on skill-building and community mobilization, aiming to foster a deep understanding of ecological empathy and practical sustainability.
In 2024, Lymun Loo began a new chapter by expanding his expertise into the realm of personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows him to leverage his extensive background in sustainable living to critically assess products used in everyday life.
Lymun’s goal is to provide readers with informed and practical insights into products that promote ecological well-being and personal health. His blog now serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.
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