compare 8 bit to 32 bit printer controller

Hi everybody,
i kindly ask your opinion about difference from 8 to 32 bit: is it a real improvement?
I see i think 90% of the printers are running a 8 bit board with good results: what is the real practical difference i could see (microprocessor speed a part!) using a 32 bit controller?
I'm building my 3d printer, 500x500x600 mm active volume and i have to decide what board to use.
Thanks a lot for your answers.
Andy.

Delta printers are supposedly pushing the edge of 16 Mhz CPU performance, due to the complex calculations they need to do. The current crop of popular 8-bit controllers are obviously fine for a Cartesian printer, and support is easy to get. If you plan to build a Delta or push the envelope with insanely fine microsteps, then you may want to consider a faster processor or 32-bits. Otherwise, especially if this is your first 3D printer or if you need significant help with the electronics, go with a common board like RAMPS to take advantage of the peer support because almost everyone here has one.....

Hi Vreihen,
many thanks for your answer,
probably i did a mistake because i bougth a duet board plus expansion. As you know is a 32 bit. What's your opinion about this board?
My design is cartesian.
I choosen this board because i have 7 stepper (2 for every axis + 1 extruder) and also because of the 32 bit.
I've got a very good help from people of duet until now so i hope i'll have the same when i'll start it up.
Many thanks again.
Andy

I don't know anything about that combination, other than that I think Repetier's firmware supports it as one of the DUE family boards. Is there a Marlin build for it? I don't think that any board is a bad decision...if you are comfortable with electronics and firmware and are up to the challenge of making it work. I still haven't made a decision on what 32-bit board I will be upgrading to, but then again my current Delta printer is still far from tuned or finalized.....

Hi Zairus,

if you need 2 for every Axes (X/Y/Z syncron) you can design a y-cable (for x and y)
32 bit is NOT strictly nessesary for a normal cartesian, but ...

In Future it will be availible the 128 Micrstepperdrivers, than for the Precision ...
I will sell the RADDS v1.1 on Monday for 49,90 Euro. I think, that the Arduino DUE 36 Euro +VAT etc.. (nearly the same Price like arduiono Mega+Ramps 1.4 ..)
If you use Repetier Firmware it is a nice Electronic Solution ...

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Mein Club: [hackerspace-ffm.de]
RADDS-Shield -> Commercial [max3dshop.org]

Hi Vrehein, thanks for your answer!
Angelo, what type of stepper driver is 1/128? is it compatible with duet?
I'm very interested!
Thanks.
Andrea.

Hi zairus,
i think, that duet has plugged the 1/16 directly (no).
I will test the 1/128 Microstepperdriver with the RADDS Shield.

In 2-3 Weeks it is for sold.

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Mein Club: [hackerspace-ffm.de]
RADDS-Shield -> Commercial [max3dshop.org]