Why Are 3D Printers Still Using ANCIENT Motors?

..and why is the answer "it depends"? 😁 Thanks to #UGREEN for sponsoring a part of this video! Check out the #UGREENNAS DXP4800 Plus and their Prime Day collection direct from UGREEN (US) https://s.attribuly.com/P5JSGhLl and (DE) https://s.attribuly.com/BcCgWUcu and on Amazon (US) https://bit.ly/3K3YT1O (DE) https://bit.ly/3UTD0ES Learn more about SimpleFOC https://simplefoc.com/ BLDC stuff I used: MKS ESP32 FOC boards These are available with an onboard ESP32 or as separate parts. Either one works (but the ESP32 plug-in modules are a non-standard size and pinout) https://go.toms3d.org/mksdualfoc BLDC motors Generally, lower "kv" ratings mean higher torque at the same current - but also means you'll need to supply more voltage to the driver to get to that current. For robotics, you'll most likely want a kv rating as low as possible. The smallest I would recommend for motion/robotics work is "2807" or "2806.5" size (stator diameter x height) - 1300kv https://go.toms3d.org/28065bldc Mid-size motor - actually closer to 4006, but they call it a "5010", which it absolutely is not. 360kv https://go.toms3d.org/5010bldc Alternate mid-size motor, higher pole count (finer resolution) - 380kv https://toms3d.org/4108bldc Large motor, probably the upper end up what the MKS SimpleFOC boards can handle. Typically "MiToot" branded - 335kv https://toms3d.org/5008bldc The OG of BLDCs for robotics: The Eaglepower 8308 90kv. Requires Odrive-class hardware. https://toms3d.org/goat Magnetic encoders There are basically three relevant options: The AS5600 has barely enough resolution to be usable with robotics-class BLDCs, but can be a decent option for smaller (lower pole count) motors. But... it's cheap https://go.toms3d.org/as5600 The AS5048 is a drop-in upgrade, but can cost 10x as much as an AS5600 https://toms3d.org/as5048 The MT6701 should perform as good as the AS5048 at a fraction of the price. Supported by SimpleFOC in I2C mode since June 2024. https://toms3d.org/mt6701 Product links are affiliate links - I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you) Read the article to this video here: https://toms3d.org/2025/10/10/why-are-3d-printers-still-using-ancient-motors/ 🩵 Support the channel by shopping through my affiliate links Buy Bambu Lab printers and printer accessories https://go.toms3d.org/Bambu Buy Prusa Research printers and printer accessories https://go.toms3d.org/prusa/ Tools I use: 🔩 Onshape Cloud-native CAD (free for Makers) https://onshape.pro/ThomasSanladerer 🎵 Epidemic Sound for video music (30-day trial) https://share.epidemicsound.com/MadeWithLayers 📷 Camera gear and recording equipment (not free, unfortunately) https://toms3d.org/my-gear 🎧 Check out the Meltzone Podcast (with CNC Kitchen)! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzUgJrG-w_KQexroYkJR9XQ 👐 Enjoying the videos? Support my work on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/toms3dp