4 Best 3D Printer Filament Sensors
Reading Time: 7 minutes When it comes to 3D printer filament sensors, there are so many types and brands out there. If you’re looking for high-quality printer filament sensors, this article is for you.
I decided to create a list of the best 3D printer filament sensors to help you make the right choice. They are backed by many positive reviews from real users. These electronic sensors are installed in 3D printers to monitor the amount of filament left on the printer spool.
Alright, let’s get straight into the list.
1. BIGTREETECH Direct SFS Smart Filament Sensor
One of the best 3D printer filament sensors you can get is the BIGTREETECH Filament Sensor from Amazon.
It has many great properties, such as:
- Durable construction for long service life
- Automatic filament detection
- Compatible with a variety of control boards
- Suitable for various screens
- Good technical support
- 【Auto Filament Runout Sensor】BIGTREETECH smart filament sensor can not only detect filament runout but also filament break and filament jam. After detecting above abnormal extrusion circumstances, our smart filament detector will conduct auto pause or stop print (depend on your set-up in advance) to help save print and remove you from filament waste.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
BIGTREETECH Direct has designed this filament sensor with durability in mind. It uses high-quality materials in its construction to ensure a longer lifespan. The sensor is responsive and can successfully lessen friction between printing components.
That can save you a lot of prints in the long run. One user who used this sensor with an SKR-mini-E3 motherboard on his Ender 3 said that it saved him on at least one print per day. He also likes how easy the physical setup is.
When detecting filament runout, the sensor automatically pauses the printer, alerting you to load your filament. That can also help avoid issues like clogged nozzles or jammed filaments.
The filament glides smoothly and feeds through without much effort.
Another user said that he had problems with Marlin 2.0, but it’s excellent in 2.1.2. He struggled a bit with different configurations, but after setting it up, the sensor started to work as expected.
This fantastic sensor fits various screens and works with different control boards, including SKR MINI E3, SKR V1.3, SKR E3 DIP, MKS GEN V1.4, and MKS GEN L. It comes in blue and black color.
You can get yourself the BIGTREETECH Filament Sensor from Amazon for a great price.
2. HOCENWAY Filament Runout Sensor
The next printer filament sensor you should consider choosing is the HOCENWAY Filament Runout Sensor. It is “Amazon’s Choice” for many good reasons, such as:
- Independent modularized design
- Suitable for Ender 3 series
- Precise and fast detection
- Great price
- Only used for 32bits motherboard like version 4.2.2, 4.2.7. Suitable for Ender 3/ Ender 3 V2/ Ender 3 pro / Ender 6 / CR-10S PRO/ CR-10 V2 V3/ENDER 3 MAX. But the installation bracket is only used for Ender 3 series, as Ender 6 and cr10s pro printer already have the sensor installation holes or bracket
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The first thing to notice about this sensor is that it is suited for 32-bit motherboards only. While you would be able to use the installation bracket for many printers from Ender 3 series, it’s not suitable for some printers such as the CR-10S Pro and the Ender 6.
As one user said, this sensor is a nice fit on his Ender 3 V2. But according to some other reviewers, it doesn’t work with the Ender 3 Pro.
The sensor is redesigned with a brand-new inner structure. It comes with a frosted outer cover that contributes to its modern design.
However, the best feature of this device is precise detection. Filament breakage detection uses a proximity switch to make sure the feeding of filaments is always smooth.
It is equipped with a blue LED that signifies normal feed-in. When your filament starts to run out, it will turn off, letting you know that you should change it to avoid problems.
One user said this device comes in handy when doing long prints. It stops the program immediately if your filament breaks, and once you fix it, the print can be continued from that spot.
Get yourself the HOCENWAY Filament Runout Sensor from Amazon.
3. Befenybay Filament Detection Sensor
The third item on this list of the best 3D printer filament sensors is the Befenybay Filament Detection Sensor. Here are the most important properties of this fantastic sensor:
- Designed for 1.75mm filament
- Comes with a new smart module
- Can be used on different boards
- Comes with a low price tag
- Product Name: Material Inspection Module; Suitable for 1.75mm Filament
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Befenybay has created this device to help users find out if their filaments run out while printing. As many of them have stated, it requires some wiring modification, but it’s nothing complicated.
One user said that after modifying the wiring and swapping the wires into the plug, the sensor started to work well.
When the filament starts to run low, it will automatically stop the printer. It uses an improved filament detection module which ensures that the filament has not been used up altogether.
You may need to carry out some modifications. One user had a problem with this easy-to-fit sensor as it kept shorting out his OctoPrint when triggered, but he fixed it easily.
After swapping the positions of red and black, the sensor started to function fine. He recommends swapping the connection from open to close when working with the reloaded sensor.
Another user recommends changing the code, activating the pull-down resistor, and deactivating the pull-up resistor. This has resulted in the switch to work perfectly.
If you experience the same issues, try out these simple tricks. That should not discourage you from buying this fantastic sensor.
Get yourself the Befenybay Filament Detection Sensor from Amazon for a great price.
4. CREALITY CR6 SE Filament Runout Sensor
Another 3D printer filament sensor you want to consider is the CREALITY CR6 SE Filament Runout Sensor. Below are the features that make it worth checking out:
- Smooth filament traveling
- Independent modularized design
- Precise detection
- New inner structure
- Independent Modularized Design, Compatible with CR-6 SE, CR-6 MAX, Ender 3 S1, Ender 3 S1 Pro, CR-10 Smart, CR30, Sermoon D1 and 3DPrintMill 3D Printer, but not stuiable for Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro / V2, CR10, CR10 S4 and S5, please know before ordering.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This filament sensor is redesigned to work and look better. Now it boasts a new inner structure.
It works with many printers, including the CR-6 MAX, CR-6 SE, CR-10 Smart, CR30, and Ender 3 S1. However, it’s not suitable for the Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro CR10, CR10 S4, and CR10 S5.
That’s something worth noting before placing an order. Also, keep in mind that it is specially designed for 1.75mm filaments.
One user who replaced his Sermoon D1 with this sensor said that it works perfectly. Most other reviews are positive as well.
Another user stated that the product performs as expected, but the backplate screws didn’t fit in the holes. He easily solved this problem with electrical tape. It can help keep the backplate in place attached to the sensor and prevent it from falling through.
Filament traveling is flawless thanks to a metal built-in guider. It has a smooth surface to decrease friction resistance and make sure the feed-in is ideal during the printing process.
Precise detection relies on the blue LED that turns off when the printing filament starts to run low.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with this product. As one reviewer said, this is exactly what was expected. He also mentioned that the sensor was delivered quickly.
Get yourself the CREALITY CR6 SE Filament Runout Sensor from Amazon for a great price.
