Duet3D
Duet 3 Mainboard 6HC
Best high-performance controller for advanced custom 3D printer and CNC builds.
The Duet 3 Mainboard 6HC is the advanced control center for your 3D printer, CNC machine, or laser cutter, built by Duet3D. This powerful board features a 32-bit ARM Cortex M7 processor and six high-current Trinamic 5160 stepper drivers. It offers extensive connectivity with a dedicated SBC bus and CAN-FD expansion capabilities. With 10 PWM outputs, it supports high-current heated beds, multiple extruders, and numerous fans, while also accommodating a wide range of Z probes for precise calibration. This mainboard is designed for ultimate flexibility and performance.
$319.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
5
/ 532
#5 in 3D Printer Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+665%
Above average
Processor
730032
/ ARM Cortex M @Mhz ( Bit)
Who it's for
- Engineers building complex, scalable multi-tool printing systems
- Professionals requiring reliable performance for large-format industrial machines
- Power users wanting sophisticated control and remote browser-based management
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists looking for an affordable entry-level upgrade
- Beginners preferring plug-and-play firmware over manual G-code configuration
- Makers with limited space inside compact printer enclosures
Performance breakdown
Processing Power
The Cortex M7 chip handles complex kinematics with effortless speed.
Motor Control Precision
Trinamic 5160 drivers deliver exceptionally smooth and quiet motion control.
Expansion Capability
CAN-FD bus integration allows for nearly limitless hardware upgrades.
Connectivity Versatility
Dedicated SBC bus support makes remote management and monitoring seamless.
Thermal Management
Robust PWM outputs handle high-current demands without breaking a sweat.
Configuration Flexibility
The onboard web interface simplifies complex tuning for any machine setup.
Key Specs
Processor
ARM Cortex M7 @300Mhz (32 Bit)
Stepper Drivers
6 x Trinamic 5160 (up to 4.45A RMS, 6.3A peak)
Microstepping
Up to 256
Bus Systems
Dedicated High speed bus to SBC, CAN-FD bus
PWM Outputs
10 (for heated bed, 3 extruders, 6 fans)
IO Ports
9
Temperature Inputs
4 Thermistor/PT1000 inputs, support for 4 PT100/thermocouple inputs (via daughterboards)
Weight
340 g
Features
- Powerful 32-bit processor
- Six high-current stepper drivers
- Dedicated SBC connection bus
- CAN-FD bus for expansion
- Onboard web interface
- Supports high-current heated beds
- Multiple extruder support
- Wide Z probe compatibility
What customers say
The Duet 3 Mainboard 6HC is highly regarded as a premium control solution for advanced 3D printing. Users consistently praise its robust build quality and powerful processing, which integrates seamlessly with RepRapFirmware. Its modular design, supporting expansion boards and CAN FD toolboards, is a significant advantage for scaling complex machines and achieving clean wiring. The onboard TMC2660 drivers offer reliable high current handling for demanding tasks. Furthermore, the Duet Web Control interface provides unparalleled ease for remote monitoring and configuration. While the initial cost is high, the consensus is that this board delivers professional grade stability and performance, justifying its premium investment for serious builders.
Know before you buy
Yes, the board is highly versatile and is specifically designed to handle the requirements of CNC machines and laser cutters in addition to FDM 3D printers.
The CAN-FD bus allows you to easily expand your machine's capabilities by connecting additional tool boards, motor controllers, or sensors without needing to run extensive wiring back to the mainboard.
While the board features a dedicated SBC bus for connecting a Single Board Computer like a Raspberry Pi to run Duet Software Framework, it can also operate in standalone mode using its onboard web interface and SD card.
The 6HC comes equipped with six high-current Trinamic 5160 stepper drivers, allowing you to control up to six motors directly from the board.
The board includes four standard thermistor/PT1000 inputs. If you need to use PT100s or thermocouples, you can easily add support for them by installing the appropriate daughterboards.
The board features dedicated high-current PWM outputs specifically designed to handle the power requirements of heated beds, ensuring reliable performance even for large-format machines.
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