Sunlu T3 Firmware Update [ 2027 ]
Updating the firmware on the Sunlu T3 (a budget Ender-3 clone) can improve print stability and fix bugs, but the process is less user-friendly than mainstream printers like Prusa or Bambu Lab.
Test print – A simple 20mm calibration cube is perfect.
Updated firmware often allows higher maximum temperatures (e.g., raising the cap from 260°C to 300°C for the hotend, if hardware permits), enabling you to print nylon or polycarbonate.
Most printer motherboards have a safety feature to prevent re-flashing the same version. To ensure the update triggers:
Updating the Sunlu T3’s firmware is straightforward if you follow the steps above. While the printer works well out of the box, a modern firmware can iron out small annoyances and occasionally add useful features like M600 filament change or better mesh bed leveling.
If you’re not experiencing any issues, you don’t need to update. But if you’re chasing better print quality or fixing a specific bug, go for it – just proceed patiently.
Have a successful update story or a problem not listed? Let us know in the comments.
Updating the firmware on a Sunlu T3 (also known as the "Terminator") is a common procedure used to resolve issues like z-axis squashing, enabling PID tuning, or adding advanced Marlin features. The Sunlu T3 uses a 32-bit controller board that is largely a clone of the BigTreeTech SKR Mini E3 V2, which makes it highly compatible with standard Marlin firmware. Finding the Firmware
You can choose between official stock firmware or community-modified versions depending on your needs:
Official Stock Firmware: Sunlu provides firmware files on their official website or through their Official Facebook Support. Version v3.43 is a notable overseas release that supports both Chinese and English.
Custom Community Firmware: Many users prefer custom builds to unlock features like 5x5 Automatic Bed Leveling (ABL) or higher hotend temperatures (up to 285°C). Popular community sources include:
Kaot93's Custom Firmware: Available on Printables, this build improves bed tramming and filament runout detection.
Anson Liu’s Marlin Configuration: For users who want to compile their own, Anson Liu provides a Marlin 2.0 configuration that fixes bugs like the extruder cooling fan being misassigned.
GitHub Archives: General archives of the official firmware can also be found on GitHub for developer use. Update Procedure (SD Card Method)
The Sunlu T3 features a bootloader that allows for easy updates via the microSD card slot. SUNLU T3 Marlin Configuration and Controller Board Pictures Sunlu T3 Firmware Update
Updating the firmware on your is a straightforward process that uses an SD card to flash the printer's 32-bit motherboard. The T3 is often considered an Ender 3 clone and uses a motherboard similar to the SKR E3 Mini V2. 1. Preparation
Before starting, ensure you have a standard microSD card (8GB to 32GB is ideal) formatted to
: Save your existing configuration or EEPROM settings if possible. Check Hardware
: Note your current firmware version in the printer's "About" menu to confirm the update later. 2. Download Firmware
You can obtain the firmware from official or community sources: Official Website : Download the latest Sunlu T3 32-bit Firmware (e.g., version 3.40 or newer) from the Official Sunlu Download Page Community/Custom
: For advanced features like 5x5 Bed Leveling or higher nozzle temperatures (up to 285°C), you can use custom Marlin builds from sites like Printables
: If you are switching to Klipper, a configuration file is available on 3. Update Procedure
This report outlines the procedures, benefits, and risks associated with updating the firmware on the
(Terminator) 3D printer. The Sunlu T3 is equipped with a 32-bit motherboard, typically a modified version of the BigTreeTech SKR Mini E3 V2 Update Overview
Updating firmware on the Sunlu T3 can improve performance, fix factory bugs, and unlock features like increased hotend temperatures or optimized bed leveling. Official Version v3.40 (released Oct 2022) Firmware Type Marlin 2.0 Primary Method microSD Card (Auto-update on boot) Key Hardware STM32F103 MCU (32-bit) Preparation & Requirements Before beginning, ensure you have the following: MicroSD Card: Must be formatted to with a small allocation size (e.g., 4096 bytes). Firmware File: file named exactly firmware.bin for official/custom Marlin, or specifically configured for Official Downloads: Available via the Sunlu Support Page (v3.40 is the latest stable official release). Update Procedure (SD Card Method) Obtain the correct file for your specific machine version. Ensure the microSD card is clean and formatted to FAT32. Copy the file to the root of the SD card and rename it to firmware.bin Turn off the printer. Insert the SD card into the printer's slot.
Turn on the printer. The screen may remain blank for 10–30 seconds while the update installs.
Once the UI loads, check the "About Printer" or "Info" menu to confirm the new version number. Critical Considerations & Known Issues klipper/config/printer-sunlu-t3-2022.cfg at master - GitHub
Updating the firmware on a Sunlu T3 (also known as the "Terminator 3") is often a necessary step for enthusiasts because the stock firmware has several known limitations, including fan mapping errors and disabled PID tuning for the bed. The T3 is essentially a modified Ender 3 clone using a 32-bit board similar to the BTT SKR Mini E3 V2. Available Firmware Options
Depending on your comfort level with tinkering, you have three primary paths: Updating the firmware on the Sunlu T3 (a
Official Sunlu Firmware: Official updates are hosted on the Sunlu Website or shared via their Official Facebook Page. Version 3.40 is a common stable target for official users.
Community Custom Firmware: Developers have released optimized Marlin versions that fix bugs found in the original code, such as incorrect extruder fan mapping where the fan only ran when motors were active rather than when the hotend was hot. You can find these on GitHub and Printables.
Self-Compiled Marlin: Since the T3 uses a standard architecture, you can compile your own firmware using the Marlin Configurations repository for the Sunlu T3, allowing for features like 5x5 grid bed leveling and higher hotend temperatures (up to 285°C) if you have an all-metal hotend. Installation Procedure
The T3 updates via a microSD card inserted directly into the motherboard slot at the front of the printer.
Format the Card: Use a microSD card formatted to FAT32 with an allocation unit size of 4096.
Prepare the File: Copy the .bin firmware file to the root directory of the card. Ensure it is the only .bin file present. Flash the Printer: Turn off the printer. Insert the microSD card. Power on the printer.
The screen will remain blank for several seconds while the light on the motherboard flashes. Once the main menu appears, the update is complete.
Post-Update Reset: It is highly recommended to select "Restore Defaults" and then "Store Settings" (EEPROM) after flashing to ensure old settings do not conflict with the new firmware. Key Improvements in Updated/Custom Firmware
Fixed Fan Control: Corrects the error where the hotend cooling fan fails to turn on during stationary heating.
PID Bed Tuning: Enables more stable bed temperatures, which Sunlu curiously left disabled in many stock versions.
Enhanced Leveling: Expands the Automatic Bed Leveling (ABL) to a more precise 5x5 grid.
Thermal Safety: Custom versions often include refined thermal runaway protection and higher temperature limits for upgraded hardware. Troubleshooting Common Issues sunlu 3d - Facebook
Sunlu T3 (Terminator 3) firmware "draft feature" typically refers to the Fast Mode (or F/N Mode), a core selling point that enables print speeds up to 250mm/s. Key Feature: Fast Mode (F/N)
This feature allows for rapid prototyping by overriding standard G-code settings directly through the printer's interface. Test print – A simple 20mm calibration cube is perfect
Functionality: It can be toggled in the printer's menu during a print. It works by significantly increasing acceleration and jerk settings.
Drawbacks: Users often report a sharp decline in print quality, including misaligned layers, holes, and visible "ringing" or ghosting.
Optimization Tip: To maintain better quality while printing fast, it is often recommended to manually increase the nozzle temperature by approximately 10°C to ensure the filament melts quickly enough for the high-speed extrusion. Updating the Firmware
Updating to the latest version (such as v3.40 or newer) can help resolve bugs in related features like jam detection and power loss recovery. Custom Firmware for SUNLU T3 by Kaot93 - Printables.com
To update the firmware on your , you will primarily use an SD card to flash a file directly to the printer's 32-bit motherboard. 1. Prepare Your Hardware
uses a 32-bit ARM-based controller board (similar to a BTT SKR Mini E3 V2) . To perform the update, you need: Micro SD card (ideally 8GB or smaller). A computer to format the card and download files. 2. Download the Firmware File
You can obtain the necessary firmware from official or trusted community sources: Official Firmware : Historically available on the Sunlu Website (Version 3.40 is a common stable release). Official Archive : A copy of the official firmware is archived on GitHub by denizkoekden Custom Marlin
: For advanced features like better fan control or refined Z-offset menus, community-optimized versions are available on Printables by Kaot93 3. Format the SD Card
The printer requires a specific format to recognize the update file: Insert the SD card into your computer. Format it as 4096 allocation unit size Ensure the card is empty before proceeding. 4. Flash the Printer Rename the File : Ensure the downloaded firmware is named exactly firmware.bin
. If the file has a long string of numbers or dates, the printer may not recognize it. Copy to SD : Move the firmware.bin file to the root directory of the SD card (not inside any folders). : Turn off your Insert Card : Insert the Micro SD card into the printer’s card slot.
: Turn the printer on. The screen will remain blank for about 15–30 seconds while it flashes the new code. : Once the main menu appears, go to About Printer to verify the new version number. Printables.com Important Post-Update Steps Reset EEPROM : It is highly recommended to go to Configuration > Restore Defaults Store Settings
immediately after updating to ensure old settings don't conflict with new firmware.
: Re-calibrate your Z-offset and level the bed, as these settings are often cleared during a flash. custom Marlin profile for the Sunlu T3 to enable specific features like Linear Advance denizkoekden/SUNLU-T3 - Marlin 3D Printer Firmware - GitHub
Since Sunlu does not use a standard "download center" for end-users and the T3 is a rebadged version of a popular printer, here is the complete guide to finding and installing the firmware for the Sunlu T3.
Your hotend and bed behave differently with new firmware. Run:
M303 E0 S200 C8 (Hotend PID tune at 200°C)
M303 E-1 S60 C8 (Bed PID tune at 60°C)
Save the output values using M301 and M304.