Duet3D
Duet 3 Main Controller Board
Best high-performance controller for advanced 3D printer and CNC builders.
The Duet 3 Mainboard 6HC is an advanced, high-power control solution from Duet3D, perfect for sophisticated 3D printers and CNC machines. This board offers exceptional flexibility, allowing direct machine control or expansion via CAN-FD connected boards. It boasts six high-current stepper drivers and multiple outputs for comprehensive peripheral management. Running RepRapFirmware 3.x, it supports various machine geometries. The current version is 1.02C, ensuring you have the latest stable hardware for your build.
$319.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
1
/ 147
Best Printer, Copier, & Fax Machine Circuit Boards
Price vs Category Average
+78%
Above average
Processor
327300
/ bit ARM Cortex-M microcontroller running at up to MHz
Who it's for
- Engineers building complex, high-speed industrial printing systems
- Power users seeking seamless browser-based machine management
- Professionals requiring reliable, safety-focused hardware for industrial workflows
Who should skip it
- Hobbyists working with limited project budgets
- Beginners accustomed to simpler, plug-and-play firmware environments
- Makers preferring open-standard hardware compatibility over proprietary ecosystems
Performance breakdown
Processing Power
The 300MHz Cortex-M7 core handles complex kinematics with effortless speed.
Stepper Driver Capability
High-current drivers provide robust torque for demanding large-scale machine builds.
System Expandability
CAN-FD bus integration offers virtually limitless modular growth for advanced setups.
Firmware Flexibility
RepRapFirmware provides unparalleled configuration depth for custom machine geometries.
Connectivity Options
Seamless SBC and Ethernet integration streamlines remote management and monitoring.
Power Versatility
Wide voltage input range supports diverse high-power heating and motor configurations.
Key Specs
Processor
32bit ARM Cortex-M7 microcontroller running at up to 300MHz
Stepper Drivers
6x TMC2160/5160 drivers, 6.3A peak motor current per phase
High Current Outputs
1x 15A and 3x 5A PWM outputs
Supply Voltage
Capable of accepting 12-48V
Expansion Options
CAN-FD BUS for connecting multiple expansion boards
Connectivity
Dedicated SPI Bus to SBC or Ethernet network connection
Temperature Measurement
4 thermistor/PT1000 inputs
I/O
Nine I/O connectors with 30V-tolerant inputs
Features
- Six high-current stepper drivers included
- Supports high-power heating elements
- CAN-FD bus for modular expansion
- Powerful 300MHz ARM Cortex-M7 core
- Runs flexible RepRapFirmware 3.x
- Six dedicated fan outputs
- High voltage supply capability
- Easy SBC connectivity
What customers say
The Duet 3 Main Controller Board earns high praise as a premium solution for advanced motion control, especially in high-end 3D printing and CNC. Users consistently value its robust 32-bit architecture and the sophisticated capabilities provided by integrated RepRapFirmware. A key strength is the modular design, which simplifies complex setups using CAN-bus expansion boards, drastically reducing wiring needs. Reliability is frequently noted; once set up, the board offers stable, consistent performance essential for precision work. While the initial investment is substantial compared to budget options, experienced users agree that the superior quality, advanced features, and long-term dependability fully justify the cost, establishing it as a top choice for serious applications.
Know before you buy
Yes, the board is designed for both 3D printers and CNC machines. Its high-current stepper drivers and support for various machine geometries make it a versatile choice for custom motion-control projects.
The CAN-FD bus allows you to easily expand your machine by connecting additional boards, such as tool boards or extra driver modules. This modular approach simplifies wiring and allows you to scale your machine's capabilities without replacing the main controller.
No, the Duet 3 6HC can operate as a standalone controller using its Ethernet connection. However, it does support easy connectivity to a Single Board Computer (SBC) if you prefer to use that setup for your interface.
The board is highly flexible and can accept a supply voltage ranging from 12V to 48V. This wide range allows you to optimize your motor performance and heating element speed based on your specific machine requirements.
The board features six high-current TMC2160/5160 stepper drivers, allowing you to control six motors directly. If your machine requires more axes, you can add further drivers via the CAN-FD expansion bus.
The board runs RepRapFirmware 3.x, which is known for its flexibility and ease of configuration via a simple text-based config file. It is widely documented, making it accessible for users who want to fine-tune their machine's behavior.
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