If you’ve considered buying a 3D printer, you’ve probably also considered the cost of the 3D printer controller. While 3D printers themselves have become more accessible in terms of price, the convenience of a 3D printer-controller combo is still a major consideration. But the good news is that there are many different controllers that fit a wide range of budgets.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best 3D printer controllers to help you find the right one for your needs.
Read on to learn more.
Our Editor’s Best 3d Printer Controllers Reviews
- BIGTREETECH Combo Set: Comes with BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 32 bit control board and TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 touch screen display with dual modes as a set. perfect for Ender 3 3D Printer, plug and playing, Adopted the latest G0 series MCU-STM32G0B0RET6 main control chip packing excellent performances
- Upgraded More Capabilities: Intergrated with TMC2209 V1.3 mute stepper driver, BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 motherboard offers silent performance as default, and supports dual Z steppers for linear rail and belt upgrades, filament runout support, automatic shutdown (UPS support), power-off resume, sensorless homing and so on
- Impressive Heat Dissipation: The BTT SKR MINI E3 V3.0 silent board also looks aesthetic with upgraded designs.New heatsink and 3 PWM controlled fans serve to cool down the machine during printing, effectively improving performances on heat dissipation. A direct 3D printer control board replacement for Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, and Ender 5 3D Printer motherboards
- Supports Touch and Graphic Display: BTT tft35-e3 v3.0 display enables you to easily switch between the Marlin LCD emulator and touch screen with menu interface, simply by pressing and holding the selector wheel. It's a plug and play on Ender series printers with BTT SKR MINI E3 V3.0 control board.（Note: When running Klipper firmware, tft35 e3 v3.0.1 display only support 12864 mode)
- Satisfying After-Sales Support: If you have any problems about BTT SKR MINI E3 V3.0 with TFT35 E3 V3.0.1 smart display combo sets, please feel free to tell us anytime. We have profession technical supports team to help you as soon as we can
- 【32 Bit 3D Printer Motherboard】BTT SKR V1.4 control board adopts 32-bit 100MHz ARM-class Cortex-M3 series LPC1768 main control chip. It comes with Marlin firmware 2.0, and also supports to run Klipper with BTT Pi v1.2 or CB1+Pi4B.
- 【Wide Compatibility】SKR V1.4 is the is the upgraded version of SKR V1.3, it is compatible with most FDM 3D Printers in the market such as Ender-3/Ender-3 V2/Ender-3 S1, CR 10 etc. It supports TFT2.4/TFT2.8/TFT3.5 touch screen and also LCD2004/LCD12864 screen; And compatible with TMC2208/TMC2209/EZ2209/TMC2208/TMC5160 stepper drivers.
- 【DIY-friendly】 BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 is an ideal cost-effective control board for those 3D DIY enthusiast. It reserves I2C, SPI and WiFi interface. When use the WiFi module, you can use BTT Writer for firmware flashing, serial port debugging and so on.
- 【Reserved DC Module Interface】Reserved DCDC Mode V1.0 power module interface to supply power to TFT panel, BL touch and Neopixel(also reserved RGB light bar supporting Neopixel scheme).
- 【Other Interfaces】Dual Z-axis interfaces to eliminate the trouble of external drive expansion module; The thermistor interface is protected by a capacitor and a varistor to enhance the resistance of the interface. There are 4 fan interfaces on the board in total: 1-way CNC fan and
- Our heater is equipped with buttons to set the target temperature ( from 10°C to 50°C). The optimal heating temperature for resin being 30°C. Some other heaters default to cooling at 25°C and do not allow target temperature adjustments.
- Use for: Resin 3D printer mini heater designed for Resin 3D printers, it is small but powerful, for use in cold weather. It helps you to heat up the resin and rise the ambient temperature. Make your 3D printer work well, save your time and Resin material.
- Professional design: Our heater is designed for long-term working, capable of running continuously 24/7. The PCB is dual-sided and wiring are professionally engineered to ensure an exceptionally long service life.
- Professionally manufactured: Our 3D printer heater built-in high-precision industry temperature sensor, accurate to 0.1 ℃. Fireproof case, high-quality power cord, all professionally designed for your safe printing.
- Small Size: Our 3D printer heater is compact, measuring 10.8 x 5.7 x 3.2 cm (4.25 x 2.24 x 1.25 inches) and weighing 117 grams. It is perfect for 8-15 inch resin 3D printers. The heater can raise the temperature from 40°F to 80°F in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for use in cold weather.
- BIGTREETECH Kraken Control Board Utilizes 32-bit ARM Cortex-M7 series STM32H723ZGT6 MCU with a main frequency of 550MHz; High-performance MOSFETs to reduce heat generation
- Onboard 8 TMC2160 drivers in SPI mode with DIAG function pins; simply plug and unplug jumpers for easy use; Onboard two MAX31865 modules, supporting dual PT thermocouples and compatible with two or four-wire PT100/PT1000, facilitating DIY usage for customers
- Reserve 2 CANbus ports (JST socket, which can directly connect to BTT EBB SB2209/SB2240 CAN wiring); Reserve two four wire fan interfaces, with optional 24V/12V/5V voltage, and can be used to connect to water cooling devices
- Reserve proximity switch interface, supporting NPN and PNP type selection (24V/12V/5V) voltage options; Reserve SPI extension interface for users using Klipper firmware to connect external acceleration sensors for acceleration compensation
- If you plan to DIY assemble a Voron24 Core XY 3D printer with large-sized dual IDEX high-performance properties, you can choose: BTT Kraken x 1PC, EBB SB2209 or EBB36 or EBB42 CAN x 2PCS, BTT Pi x 1PC, HDMI5 or HDMI7 x 1PC; This set combination will satisfy you
- 【64-bit Strong Computing Power】The Creality Sonic Pad features a large 7" color touch control screen and the Klipper firmware runs fully on a powerful 64-bit computing platform that delivers amazing performance. With hardware and software integration, you'll get the best experience with less hassle.
- 【Advantages of Klipper Firmware】It is able to achieve high-precision stepper motor motion control, thus ensuring the stability of the printer at a faster 3D printing speed. The unique pressure compensation function is to reduce the nozzle overflow by compensating the pressure inside the nozzle. Resonance suppression can reduce the system vibration and reduce the striations on the model surface.
- 【Speed up Printing without Qaulity Loss】This 3d printing Pad uses precise algorithms to control the motors for faster printing speed. The built-in input shaper function will mitigate oscillation during high-speed printing and keep the model quality smooth.
- 【Wide Compatiblity】The Creality 3d pad is compatible with most FDM printers that come with a USB interface. The user-defined printer compilation function is integrated into the Sonic Pad, making it much easier to use Sonic Pad with non-Creality printers than before. Pre-configured Ender 3 V3 SE,Ender 3 V2, Ender 3 S1, Ender 3 S1 Pro, Ender-3 Pro, Ender 3 S1 Plus, Ender3 MAX, Ender3 MAX Neo,Ender 5 Plus, CR-10 Smart, CR-10S Pro V2, CR-10 V3,CR-10 S4,CR10 S5, CR-6 MAX,CR-M4. The rest of Creality
- 【Control Access from Multiple Platform】It can be operated directly from the Sonic Pad touch screen. Or remotely control from the web UI when a LAN is connected.
- ★ Latest CNC Shield Expansion Board V3.0 ★-CNC shield board is updated version 3.0, which is suitable for CH340G Shield 3.0 version compatible with for ArduinoIDE, GRBL 0.9.
- ★ Professional 3D printer CNC Kit ★ This is a professional 3d printer DIY kit with multiple types of modules or components you need. It is a great assortment set for starters and professionals.
- ★ Premium Quality ★ Each part of this Logrunner 3d printer conk kit was made of premium material. These components can be used in a wide range of application.
- ★ DRV8825 Stepper Motor Driver with Heat Sinks ★ High quality stepper motor drive with 4 Aluminum Cooler, running within 2.5A current (Maximum), compatible with for ArduinoIDE software and hardware.
- ★ Good after-sales service. We'll respond within 24 hours for any questions.
- 【Intelligent Temperature Control for Hassle-Free Printing】ELEGOO mini heater features precise and intelligent temperature control, ensuring optimal stability from start to finish. Say goodbye to frustrating issues like mid-print detachment, warping, and poor interlayer adhesion that hinder your progress.
- 【PTC Rapid Heating, Ultimate Speed & Efficiency】Experience the power of swift and efficient printing with the Mini Heater's advanced PTC heating technology. Overheating is prevented with the PTC element's self-regulating properties, providing enhanced safety throughout operation.
- 【Fresh Workspace, Assured By Air Filtration】Embrace the combination of cleanliness and precision with ELEGOO Intelligent temperature control Heater , which incorporates an efficient air filtration system, allowing to remove impurities and ensure a clean and purified printer chamber.
- 【Fresh Workspace, Assured By Air Filtration】Embrace the combination of cleanliness and precision with ELEGOO Intelligent temperature control Heater , which incorporates an efficient air filtration system, allowing to remove impurities and ensure a clean and purified printer chamber.
- 【10,000R/Min High-Speed Fan Enables Rapid Heat Transfer】Equipped with a 10,000R/Min high-speed fan, the Mini Heater provides optimal airflow and efficient, even heat distribution, eliminating hotspots and maintaining a consistent temperature, which ensures uniform melting and deposition of the print material for remarkable print quality.
- 80W Electric Iron with Digital Display – Features a temperature range of 180°C to 500°C, operating at 110V/60W. Includes 8 versatile soldering tips, providing precision for various 3D printing needs.
- Ideal for 3D Print Finishing & Repairs – Perfect for finishing, smoothing, repairing, and modifying 3D printed parts. Works with all common materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PC, PP, and HIPS.
- Multi-Purpose Heat Set Insert Tool – Equipped with multiple interchangeable tips to meet diverse needs, making it an excellent tool for fine trimming and detailing of 3D printed models.
- Fast Heating & Stable Temperature – Heats up quickly with adjustable temperature settings. The LED display ensures precise control, allowing you to maintain the perfect temperature for your project.
- Easy Tip Replacement – Changing tips is simple. Just remove the stock soldering tip, screw on the brass adaptor, and switch to your preferred tip style for smooth workflow transitions.
- 【Control & Maintain Temperature】 This resin 3d printer heater controller is designed to control the resin printing, so that you can print in any environment where the room temperature is lower than 25 ° C/77 ° F. Start heating when the temperature is lower than the set temperature; Start the fan cycle when the temperature reaches the set temperature.
- 【Reduce Odor】This printing air controller is with fan and activated carbon filters, which can filter odor.
- 【Improve the Printing Quality】With this 3d printer temp controller you can speed up printing time, decreases warping, increases detail level on thick resins.
- 【High Quality Design】The resin 3d printer temperature controller built in high-precision temperature sensor, accurate to 0.1 ℃. Fireproof case, high-quality power cord, all professionally designed for your safe printing.
- 【Widely use】The size is t 10.8x5.7x3.2cm/4.25x2.24x1.25 in, Prefect for most brand resin printer,such as Creality,Anycubic,ELEGOO,Frozen, Flahforge,etc..
- 【Control & Maintain Temperature】 This resin 3d printer heater controller is designed to control the resin printing, so that you can print in any environment where the room temperature is lower than 25 ° C/77 ° F. Start heating when the temperature is lower than the set temperature; Start the fan cycle when the temperature reaches the set temperature.
- 【Reduce Odor】This printing air controller is with fan and activated carbon filters, which can filter odor.
- 【Improve the Printing Quality】With this 3d printer temp controller you can speed up printing time, decreases warping, increases detail level on thick resins.
- 【High Quality Design】The resin 3d printer temperature controller built in high-precision temperature sensor, accurate to 0.1 ℃. Fireproof case, high-quality power cord, all professionally designed for your safe printing.
- 【Widely use】The size is t 10.8x5.7x3.2cm/4.25x2.24x1.25 in, Prefect for most brand resin printer,such as Creality,Anycubic,ELEGOO,Frozen, Flahforge,etc..
Best 3d Printer Controllers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best 3D printer controller you should consider following options:
1. RAM Memory: RAM memory is the fastest form of computer memory. It acts as a temporary storage location for the operating system and program files a computer uses.
For 3D printer controllers, RAM memory is used to store information while programs run. It is important that you purchase a 3D printer controller with enough RAM memory to run the programs you will use.
If you are planning to print large, complex objects, you will need a 3D printer controller with at least 1GB of RAM memory. If you are using your 3D printer controller for simpler 3D printing jobs, 512MB will be enough.
2. Flash Memory: Flash memory is a non-volatile storage medium. This means that it can store information even when the power is off.
The information stored in flash memory is used to control the printer’s functions. 3D printer controllers with more flash memory have a higher level of customization.
If you are new to 3D printing and are unsure what settings to use when printing, a 3D printer controller with a limited amount of flash memory may be best.
3. ROM Memory: ROM memory is a non-rewritable form of computer memory that holds an operating system and program instructions.
For a 3D printer controller, ROM memory is used to store the operating system. A higher amount of ROM memory allows the 3D printer controller to run more efficiently and with fewer errors.
A 3D printer controller with 512MB of ROM memory is recommended for new users. Experienced users may find that a 3D printer controller with 1GB of ROM memory is more than enough.
What else you should know about 3d printer controllers
1. What are the different types of 3D printer controllers?
There are three main types of printer controllers:
1. Stand-alone controllers: These controllers are typically dedicated to a single printer and are not connected to a network. They are typically used for lower-end printers.
2. Embedded controllers: These controllers are built into the printer itself and are used for mid-range and high-end printers.
3. Networked controllers: These controllers are connected to a network and can be used to control multiple printers.
2. What are the benefits of using a 3D printer controller?
A printer controller is a device that helps manage printing jobs and sends them to the appropriate printer. It can be used to monitor the progress of print jobs, track printer usage, and control access to printers.
3. What are the features of a 3D printer controller?
Some features of a printer controller may include:
-The ability to connect to and control multiple printers simultaneously
-A user-friendly interface for managing print jobs
-Support for a variety of printing technologies (e.g., inkjet, laser, thermal, etc.)
-Advanced features for managing color printing, paper size and orientation, and other print job settings
4. How does a 3D printer controller work?
A printer controller is a device that connects a printer to a computer. It allows the computer to send data to the printer and receive data from the printer.
5. What are the limitations of a 3D printer controller?
Some printer controllers only work with specific types of printers, so if you change printers you may need to also change the controller. Printers also require specific types and amounts of ink or toner, which the controller may not be able to accommodate.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best 3d printer controllers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best 3d printer controllers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.