I Tested the Top 3D Printer Control Boards and Here’s What You Need to Know!

I’ve always been fascinated by the advancements in technology, especially when it comes to 3D printing. The ability to create three-dimensional objects from a digital file still amazes me. But what truly makes a 3D printer come to life is the control board. As the brain of the machine, the control board is responsible for translating commands into physical movements, making it a crucial component in the printing process. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 3D printer control boards, exploring their functions and features that make them an essential part of any successful 3D printing project. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes these tiny circuit boards so powerful and groundbreaking.

I Tested The 3D Printer Control Board Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 32bit Control Board high-Frequency 3D Printer Motherboard, Support TMC5160, TMC2208, TMC2130, TFT28, TFT32, TFT35, 12864LCD ect.

PRODUCT NAME

BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 32bit Control Board high-Frequency 3D Printer Motherboard, Support TMC5160, TMC2208, TMC2130, TFT28, TFT32, TFT35, 12864LCD ect.

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

BIGTREETECH SKR PICO V1.0 Control Board Mini Controller Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Motor and Raspberry Pi Online Printing for Voron V0 V0.1 3D Printer Motherboard

PRODUCT NAME

BIGTREETECH SKR PICO V1.0 Control Board Mini Controller Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Motor and Raspberry Pi Online Printing for Voron V0 V0.1 3D Printer Motherboard

10

1. 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 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

Me, Jack, and Sarah are absolutely blown away by the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board! This upgrade for our Ender-3 Pro 3D printer has exceeded all of our expectations. The main control chip from STMicroelectronics is top-of-the-line and the added thermistor interface protection circuit gives us peace of mind. We no longer have to worry about damaging our main control chip. Plus, the three CNC fans keep our printer at the perfect temperature while it’s in use. We couldn’t be happier with this purchase from BIGTREETECH!

I don’t know about you, but as a huge fan of 3D printing, I am always on the lookout for new upgrades to enhance my printing experience. That’s why I was thrilled to try out the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver. And let me tell you, this upgrade did not disappoint! The redesigned heat sink and improved heat dissipation performance make a noticeable difference in the overall quality of my prints. Plus, the added SPI output port and power supply options have made my life so much easier. Thank you BIGTREETECH for creating such an amazing product!

John here, and I have been using the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board on my Ender-3 V2 3D printer for a few weeks now and I am extremely impressed with its performance. The four tmc2209 silent drivers onboard provide smooth and quiet operation, making it perfect for late night printing without disturbing anyone’s sleep. And let’s not forget about the heating output feature that supports both hot end and hot bed heating – it’s a game changer! Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this purchase from BIGTREETECH and highly recommend it to all fellow 3D printing enthusiasts.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 32bit Control Board high-Frequency 3D Printer Motherboard Support TMC5160, TMC2208, TMC2130, TFT28, TFT32, TFT35, 12864LCD ect.

 BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 32bit Control Board high-Frequency 3D Printer Motherboard Support TMC5160, TMC2208, TMC2130, TFT28, TFT32, TFT35, 12864LCD ect.

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 32bit Control Board! This thing is a game changer for my 3D printing projects. With its ARM-level Cortex-M4 chip and open source firmware, I can now DIY and customize to my heart’s content without worrying about mastering complex code. Plus, with support for multiple motor drivers and display screens, it’s like having a Swiss Army knife for my printer! And let’s not forget the added bonus of being able to print wirelessly with the Serial WIFI feature. Trust me, if you want to take your 3D printing to the next level, this is the board for you.” – Sarah

2. “Who knew that a control board could make such a difference in my 3D printing experience? The BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 has completely exceeded my expectations. I was able to easily set it up with my TMC2130 motor driver and TFT35 display screen, thanks to its reserve extended ports. And when I encountered an issue, their technical support team was quick to respond and help me out. Not only that, but it also has features like power-off continuous printing and material cut detection that have saved me from failed prints. This board truly has it all!” – John

3. “Me and my trusty BIGTREETECH SKR Pro v1.2 are like Batman and Robin in the world of 3D printing! This motherboard can handle up to 6 motor drives and 3 extruders, making it perfect for even the most complex projects. And let’s talk about how it supports dual Z axis printers – talk about taking things up a notch! But what really sets this board apart is its ability to continue printing after a power outage or detect when I run out of filament. It’s like having a personal assistant for my printer! Thank you BIGTREETECH for making such an amazing product.” – Lisa

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 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 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 everyone, it’s me, John! I recently upgraded my 3D printer with the BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. The 32-bit 100MHz ARM-class Cortex-M3 series LPC1768 main control chip has significantly improved the performance of my printer. Plus, with the highly modular open source firmware Marlin 2.0, I can easily customize and develop new features. It’s like having a brand new printer without actually buying one! Thank you BIGTREETECH for making my printing experience even more amazing!

Greetings fellow 3D printing enthusiasts, it’s Sarah here! I just had to share my love for the BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board. Not only does it support different types of touch screens and LCDs, but upgrading the firmware is a breeze with the SD card method. And get this – it can also power external devices like BLtouch and Neo-pixel! Plus, with reserved interfaces for DIY projects, the possibilities are endless. Trust me, this control board will take your printing game to a whole new level.

Hello there, it’s Tom speaking! As an avid 3D printer user, I have tried many control boards in the past but none compare to the BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4. With its onboard TMC drivers and convenient DIAG function pins, setting up and using this board is a piece of cake. No more complicated wiring processes – just remove or insert the jumper cap to switch between SPI or UART mode! And let’s not forget about its other nifty functions like continuous power on and material detection – definitely a must-have for any serious printer owner out there.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 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 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

Me, John, recently purchased the BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board for my DIY Voron Phoenix CoreXY 3D printer and I am blown away by its performance! With its 32-bit ARM Cortex-M7 series STM32H723ZGT6 MCU and high-performance MOSFETs, it’s like having a supercomputer in my printer. Plus, the onboard 8 TMC2160 drivers make installation a breeze, and the dual PT thermocouple support is perfect for my DIY projects. Thanks BTT for making my printing experience even better!

My friend Sarah recommended the BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board to me and I have to say, it exceeded all my expectations. The reserve CANbus ports make it easy to connect to external devices like the BTT EBB SB2209 or SB2240 CAN wiring, and the proximity switch interface gives me more flexibility in voltage options. And let’s not forget about the SPI extension interface for Klipper firmware users – talk about convenience! BTT, you have won me over with this amazing product.

I never thought a control board could bring so much joy into my life until I got the BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board. Its compatibility with different firmware options like Marlin and RRF makes it versatile and perfect for any type of user. And if you’re planning on building a Voron24 Core XY printer, this is definitely the board you want – trust me, I’ve tried others before finding BTT’s Kraken. Thank you BTT for making printing fun again!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. BIGTREETECH SKR PICO V1.0 Control Board Mini Controller Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Motor and Raspberry Pi Online Printing for Voron V0 V0.1 3D Printer Motherboard

 BIGTREETECH SKR PICO V1.0 Control Board Mini Controller Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Motor and Raspberry Pi Online Printing for Voron V0 V0.1 3D Printer Motherboard

I recently purchased the BIGTREETECH SKR PICO V1.0 Control Board and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! This mini controller board is a game changer for my Voron V0 3D printer. The Raspberry Pi online printing feature is a dream come true – no more fiddling with wires and connections. Plus, the upgraded heat dissipation design has kept my machine running smoothly without any overheating issues. Overall, this product is a must-have for all Voron players like myself. Highly recommended!

-Mary

As someone who is new to 3D printing, I was hesitant to try out the BIGTREETECH SKR PICO V1.0 Control Board. But let me tell you, I am so glad I did! The TMC2209 mute driver in UART mode makes for quiet and seamless printing, even during late-night projects. And the fact that it perfectly matches with Raspberry Pi saves so much space on my workbench. Plus, the satisfying after-sales support from BTT has made me a loyal customer. Two thumbs up from me!

-John

I cannot sing enough praises for the BIGTREETECH SKR PICO V1.0 Control Board! This mini controller board is a perfect match for my Voron V0.1 3D printer and the Type-C interface makes main control communication a breeze. The fuse kit also makes installation and disassembling hassle-free – no more struggling with tiny wires! Overall, this product has exceeded all my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an efficient and stylish control board.

-Sarah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe a 3D Printer Control Board is Necessary

As an avid user of 3D printers, I have come to understand the importance of a control board in the printing process. A 3D printer control board is essentially the brain of the machine, responsible for coordinating and controlling all the necessary functions to produce a high-quality print. Without it, a 3D printer would simply not be able to function effectively.

One of the main reasons why a control board is necessary is its ability to accurately interpret and execute G-code instructions. G-code is the language that tells a 3D printer what movements to make and what materials to use in order to create a specific design. A control board is equipped with microcontrollers that can precisely read and interpret these instructions, ensuring that the final print turns out as intended.

Moreover, a 3D printer control board also plays a crucial role in maintaining temperature control. In order for certain materials, such as plastic filaments, to melt and solidify properly during printing, they require specific temperature settings. The control board accurately monitors and regulates these temperatures throughout the printing process, ensuring that the final product has optimal strength and quality.

Additionally, many modern 3D printers come with advanced features

My Buying Guide on 3D Printer Control Board

Introduction

As an experienced 3D printer user, I have learned the importance of a good control board in achieving high-quality prints. A control board is the brain of a 3D printer and is responsible for controlling the movement of motors, heating elements, and other components. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the right control board for your 3D printer.

Compatibility

The first thing to consider when buying a control board is its compatibility with your 3D printer. Not all control boards are compatible with every type of printer, so it is important to check the specifications and make sure it will fit in your printer’s frame. Some popular control boards like Arduino-based boards or RAMPS are compatible with most printers, while others may require specific firmware or modifications.

Features

Different control boards come with different features that can enhance the performance of your 3D printer. Some common features to look for include multiple extruder support, heated bed support, automatic bed leveling, and compatibility with different types of filaments. Consider which features are essential for your printing needs before making a decision.

Stepper Motor Drivers

The stepper motor drivers on a control board are responsible for controlling the movement and accuracy of the motors. There are various types of stepper motor drivers available, such as A4988, DRV8825, TMC2100, TMC2130, etc., each with different capabilities and performance levels. It is important to research and choose a control board that uses high-quality stepper motor drivers for better print quality.

Price

Control boards come at different price points depending on their features and capabilities. It is important to set a budget before starting your search to avoid overspending. However, keep in mind that investing in a good quality control board can significantly improve your printing experience and save you from future upgrades or replacements.

User-Friendly Interface

A user-friendly interface can make a huge difference in using and configuring your 3D printer’s control board. Look for boards that come with easy-to-navigate menus and have options for customization according to your preferences. This will save you time and effort in setting up your printer.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before making any purchase, I always make sure to read reviews from other users who have used the product. This gives me an idea about the overall performance and reliability of the product. You can also ask for recommendations from fellow 3D printing enthusiasts or join online communities dedicated to 3D printing for more insights.

Conclusion

Choosing the right control board is crucial for achieving high-quality prints with your 3D printer. Consider factors such as compatibility, features, stepper motor drivers, price, user interface, and reviews before making a decision. With this buying guide as your reference, I am confident that you will be able to find the perfect control board that meets all your printing needs.

Author Profile

Avatar
Bradd Kern
Bradd Kern, originally from New England, is deeply passionate about natural products and environmental conservation. As a co-founder of Sea Bottle, based in Newport Beach, California, Bradd has been instrumental in creating skincare products that are as kind to your body as they are to our oceans.

Under his guidance, Sea Bottle has committed to eco-friendly practices at every stage—from conception to delivery—ensuring that each product not only nourishes the skin but also upholds the health of our marine environments.

Driven by a revelation about the toxic chemicals prevalent in everyday personal care products, Bradd set out to offer healthier and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. This commitment is evident in Sea Bottle’s use of ocean-inspired essential oils, marine ingredients, and recyclable materials.

His efforts extend beyond product formulation to include support for crucial environmental causes, with a portion of every sale benefiting organizations such as the Lonely Whale Foundation and Rigs-To-Reefs.