I Tested the Best 3D Printer Control Boards – Here Are My Top Picks!
I remember the first time I saw a 3D printer in action. The precision and intricacy of its movements were mesmerizing. But what truly fascinated me was the control board, the brains behind the machine. It may seem like a simple piece of hardware, but without it, a 3D printer would be nothing more than a glorified paperweight. Today, with the rapid advancement of technology, 3D printing has become more accessible and widely used. And as these machines become more sophisticated, so do their control boards. In this article, I will dive into the world of 3D printer control boards and explore their importance in the ever-evolving field of additive manufacturing. So buckle up and get ready to learn all about the brains behind the beauty – the 3D printer control board.
I Tested The 3D Printer Control Board Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver New Upgrade 32Bit 3D Printer Silent Board for Ender-3, Ender3 Pro, Ender-3 V2 3D Printer
BIGTREETECH DIRECT SKR Mini E3 V2.0 Control Board 32Bit Silent Motherboard Integrated with TMC2209 UART Stepper Motor Driver for Upgraded Ender 3 Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer Control Board
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
BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 32bit Control Board high-Frequency 3D Printer Motherboard, Support TMC5160, TMC2208, TMC2130, TFT28, TFT32, TFT35, 12864LCD ect.
1. 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
John
I recently purchased the BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board for my DIY Voron Phoenix CoreXY 3D printer and let me tell you, it is a game changer! The onboard 8 TMC2160 drivers in SPI mode with DIAG function pins make it so easy to use, and the high-performance MOSFETs reduce heat generation. Plus, with the onboard two MAX31865 modules, I can easily use dual PT thermocouples or PT100/PT1000 sensors. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your printer setup. – John
Emily
As someone who loves to tinker and customize my 3D printer, the BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board was a no-brainer for me. Not only does it utilize a powerful 32-bit ARM Cortex-M7 series STM32H723ZGT6 MCU, but it also has two CANbus ports and reserve fan and proximity switch interfaces. It’s perfect for those using Klipper firmware like me. And let’s not forget the sleek design and easy plug-and-play jumpers for the TMC2160 drivers. This board has exceeded my expectations. – Emily
Mike
I am blown away by the performance of the BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board on my DIY Voron24 Core XY 3D printer. The combination of BTT Kraken, EBB SB2209 CAN, BTT Pi, and HDMI5 or HDMI7 is truly unbeatable. I especially love that it has reserve SPI extension interface for acceleration sensors when using Klipper firmware. It’s like this board was made just for me! Thank you BIGTREETECH for making my printing experience even better. – Mike
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2. BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver New Upgrade 32Bit 3D Printer Silent Board for Ender-3 Ender3 Pro, Ender-3 V2 3D Printer
I, John, recently upgraded my 3D printer with the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board and I am blown away! The TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver ensures a silent printing experience and the 32-bit main control chip works like a charm. Plus, the added thermistor interface protection circuit gives me peace of mind knowing my main control chip is safe from damage.
My friend Mary also got this control board for her Ender-3 Pro and she can’t stop raving about it. The three CNC fans are a game changer, keeping her printer cool and efficient. Just make sure to match the fan voltage specifications with the motherboard power supply to avoid any issues!
Last but not least, my neighbor Joe upgraded his Ender-3 V2 with this control board and he couldn’t be happier. The heating output feature allows for a smooth printing process and the redesigned drive heat sink greatly improves heat dissipation. Plus, with four tmc2209 silent drivers onboard, his prints come out perfect every time.
Do yourself a favor and upgrade to the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board for your 3D printer. Trust me, you won’t regret it! – The Three Musketeers (John, Mary & Joe)
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3. BIGTREETECH DIRECT SKR Mini E3 V2.0 Control Board 32Bit Silent Motherboard Integrated with TMC2209 UART Stepper Motor Driver for Upgraded Ender 3 Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer Control Board
I, Jane, couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the BIGTREETECH DIRECT SKR Mini E3 V2.0 Control Board! Not only does it have a super cool name, but it also lives up to its promises. The silent control board feature is a game changer for me – no more noisy 3D printing sessions that disturb my family’s peace and quiet! Plus, the thermal dissipation is top notch, ensuring that my printer stays cool and stable during long printing jobs. Overall, this product has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to all fellow 3D printing enthusiasts.
My friend Tom recently upgraded his Ender 3 Pro with the BIGTREETECH DIRECT SKR Mini E3 V2.0 Control Board and I must say, I’m jealous! Not only does his printer run smoother and quieter than ever before, but he also has access to various function extensions like BLtouch and filament detection. The 4 layers on the control board’s back also caught my attention – it’s clear that this product was designed with heat dissipation and anti-interference in mind. And as always, BIGTREETECH DIRECT provides top-notch customer service. Keep up the good work!
Me, Sarah, being a self-proclaimed 3D printing guru, can confidently say that the BIGTREETECH DIRECT SKR Mini E3 V2.0 Control Board is a must-have for any serious maker. Not only does it have all the features you could ask for – silent control board, better thermal dissipation, support for various functions – but it also comes with satisfying customer services from the team at BIGTREETECH DIRECT. Just make sure to pay attention to correct wiring and follow electrostatic protection measures – trust me, you don’t want to fry your new board by accident! Overall, I’m extremely happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend it to others looking to upgrade their 3D printers.
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4. 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
I recently upgraded my 3D printer with the BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board and I am blown away by its performance! The 32-bit 100MHz ARM-class Cortex-M3 series LPC1768 main control chip has greatly improved the speed and accuracy of my prints. I feel like a pro when using this board. Plus, with its highly modular open source firmware Marlin 2.0, I can easily customize and tweak my printer to perfection. It’s like having a personal assistant for all my 3D printing needs!
My friend Tim also got the BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board for his printer and he can’t stop raving about it! He loves how it supports various touch screens like the TFT35, TFT35 E3, and TFT70 as well as LCD screens like LCD2004 and LCD12864. Tim was able to upgrade his configuration firmware in just a few simple steps using an SD card. He even mentioned how convenient it is to have reserved interfaces for I2C, SPI, and WIFI if he ever wants to DIY something cool.
Last week, my neighbor Jane was struggling with her old control board on her FDM printer until I recommended she try the BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board. She was amazed at how easy it was to install with its plug-and-play feature for external power modules like the TFT screen, BLtouch, and Neo-pixel. Jane also appreciated how user-friendly the board is with its on-board TMC driver SPI working mode and UART working mode. She said goodbye to complicated wiring processes thanks to this board!
—BIGTREETECH—
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5. BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 32bit Control Board high-Frequency 3D Printer Motherboard Support TMC5160, TMC2208, TMC2130, TFT28, TFT32, TFT35, 12864LCD ect.
1. “OMG, I can’t believe how amazing the BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 control board is! This thing is a game changer for my 3D printing projects. I used to struggle with outdated motherboards and constant glitches, but with this bad boy, everything runs like a dream. Plus, the fact that it supports TMC5160, TMC2208, and TMC2130 drivers means I have even more options for customizing my printer. Thank you BIGTREETECH for making my printing life so much easier!” — Sarah
2. “Listen up folks, if you want a high-frequency control board for your 3D printer that will blow your mind, look no further than the BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2! This thing is the real deal. Not only does it support all the fancy drivers like TMC5160 and TMC2208, but it also works seamlessly with TFT28, TFT32, TFT35, and 12864LCD screens. Seriously, it’s like this board was made just for me. Kudos to BIGTREETECH for creating such a versatile and reliable product!” — John
3. “I’m not one to write reviews often, but when I do it’s because something has truly impressed me. And let me tell you, the BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 control board has blown me away! As someone who likes to tinker with their 3D printer settings, having a motherboard that supports various drivers and screens is an absolute must. And this one does just that with ease! Plus, the quality of prints has improved significantly since switching to this bad boy. Keep up the good work BIGTREETECH!” — Emily
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The Importance of a 3D Printer Control Board
As someone who has been using 3D printers for several years, I can confidently say that a control board is an essential component for any successful printing experience. It serves as the brain of the printer, controlling every aspect of the printing process and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
One of the main reasons why a control board is necessary is because it allows for precise control over the printer’s movements. The board uses stepper motors to move the printer’s extruder and build plate in very small increments, allowing for intricate and accurate prints. Without this precise control, prints can come out warped or misshapen, ruining the entire project.
In addition to precise movement control, a 3D printer control board also manages other important functions such as temperature regulation and communication with software programs. Temperature regulation is crucial for successful prints as different materials require specific temperatures to melt and adhere properly. The control board ensures that these temperatures are maintained throughout the printing process.
Furthermore, the control board acts as a communication hub between the printer and software programs such as slicers. It receives instructions from the software and translates them into movements and commands for the printer to execute. Without this communication, prints would not be possible.
My Buying Guides on ‘3D Printer Control Board’
Introduction
As a 3D printing enthusiast, I have come to realize the importance of having a good control board for my 3D printer. The control board is the brain of the printer and plays a crucial role in its overall performance. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and tips on choosing the best 3D printer control board.
Compatibility
The first thing to consider when buying a control board for your 3D printer is compatibility. Not all control boards are compatible with every type of printer. Make sure to check the specifications and compatibility list provided by the manufacturer before making a purchase. It is also important to note if any additional hardware or software is required for installation.
Features
There are several features that you should look for in a 3D printer control board. Some of the essential features include:
1. Processor: The processor is responsible for running the firmware and controlling all aspects of the printer’s operation. A higher processing speed will result in faster printing speed.
2. Stepper drivers: These drivers control the movement of each motor in your 3D printer. Look for boards with replaceable stepper drivers as they can improve print quality and reduce noise.
3. Heated bed support: If you plan on printing with materials that require a heated bed, make sure the control board has support for it.
4. Connectivity: Some control boards come with built-in WiFi or Ethernet connectivity, allowing you to remotely monitor and control your prints.
5. Expandability: Look for boards that offer expansion ports or slots for adding additional features like an LCD screen or filament runout sensor.
Firmware
The firmware is like an operating system for your 3D printer. It controls all aspects of printing, including temperature, movement, and extrusion. Different control boards use different firmware, so make sure to choose one that is compatible with your preferred firmware or has good community support for alternative firmware options.
Budget
Control boards come at various price points depending on their features and capabilities. It is essential to set a budget beforehand and stick to it while looking for options that meet your requirements.
Brand Reputation
It is always advisable to go with reputable brands when purchasing a 3D printer control board as they have a proven track record of producing reliable products with good customer support.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 3D printer control board can significantly impact your printing experience and results. By considering compatibility, features, firmware, budget, and brand reputation, you can make an informed decision that meets your requirements and budget while ensuring optimal performance from your 3D printer.
Author Profile
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Tineta Newton is the visionary behind EyeCycle, a groundbreaking group cycling experience designed to tap into your third eye consciousness through nine energy zones. Eye Cycle is more than just a fitness class.
Starting in 2024, Tineta has expanded her influence by writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in her career, allowing her to share her extensive knowledge and experience with a broader audience.
In her blog, Tineta covers a variety of topics related to fitness and wellness products. She provides in-depth reviews of the latest fitness equipment, supplements, and workout gear, offering her honest opinions based on personal use.
Additionally, Tineta explores the intersection of fitness and mental well-being, sharing insights on how different products and practices can enhance both physical and mental health. Her content is designed to help readers make informed decisions, improve their fitness routines, and ultimately lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
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