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Prusa CORE One Mini (CAD Model & physical Prototype)
0% complete
€1,696 raised of
33 donations
The CORE One Mini project started with a simple idea: take the design principles of the Prusa CORE One and turn them into a smaller, more compact machine.
The idea had been circulating in the community for quite a while, and after seeing the interest, I decided to take it seriously and build a proper scaled-down design from scratch.
The first functional prototype is now finished. This first version proved that the concept works and allowed me to validate the overall dimensions, motion system, CoreXY kinematics, Z-axis and the integration of genuine Prusa components.
The project is now entering its next phase: making the CORE One Mini simpler, cheaper and easier to build — while reusing as much hardware from the Prusa MINI as possible.
Why This Project Matters
Not everyone has the space for a full-size CORE One, but many makers still want a fast, rigid, enclosed CoreXY machine with Prusa-style engineering.
The CORE One Mini is not intended to compete with ultra-small machines purely on size. Instead, the goal is to create a compact, enclosed CoreXY printer that feels like a genuine member of the Prusa ecosystem. If there is a place for a Voron 0 or Voron Micron, there should also be a place for a CORE One Mini.
The build volume is 180 × 180 × 200 mm, leaving enough space for the motion system, electronics and wiring while keeping the machine significantly more compact than the original CORE One.
The long-term goal is to enhance the already released complete CAD model and BOM, with an emphasis on genuine Prusa parts wherever practical.
From Prototype to a Practical Machine (Phase 2)
The first prototype was primarily about proving the concept. It intentionally used a number of CORE One components and custom parts to get the machine working and validate the design.
Now that the basic architecture has been proven, the priorities are changing.
The next version will focus on:
Reducing the overall cost
Reusing more hardware from the Prusa MINI / MINI+
Simplifying custom parts and manufacturing
Reducing the number of parts that need to be specially fabricated
Making the design easier for others to reproduce
Improving the overall assembly and serviceability
In particular, the Prusa MINI heatbed, electronics and other readily available MINI components are now much more interesting than simply scaling down CORE One hardware.
Rather than designing a small CORE One that happens to be expensive, the goal is to find the point where the CORE One's architecture can be combined with the hardware already available from the MINI ecosystem.
There are still several areas where a scaled-down CORE One cannot simply be scaled linearly. The motion system, frame, gantry and Z-axis all require their own solutions. The first prototype has given me the information needed to tackle these areas with a much better understanding of what actually matters.
Where we are and what's Next
The first prototype answered the most important question:
Can a CORE One-style machine actually be made this small?
Yes.
The next question is:
Can it be made affordable and practical enough to actually build?
That's where the project is now heading.
The next development phase will concentrate on reworking the design around more MINI hardware, reducing custom manufacturing and eliminating unnecessary complexity wherever possible.
Further stretch goals include simplifying the Z-axis kinematics. The original CORE One uses three Z stepper motors; with the right mechanical solution, the Mini may be able to achieve the same functionality using a single motor and a timing-belt-driven system.
Future compatibility with the INDX system also remains a long-term goal, although this is deliberately not the priority at the current stage.
How You Can Help
The project is now past the initial proof-of-concept stage, but continued development still requires hardware and materials for testing.
Support helps cover:
Sheet metal and acrylic part fabrication
Replacement and sacrificial components for reverse-engineering, epecially for the MINI toolhead
Testing different approaches to reduce cost and simplify construction
If you have Prusa MINI hardware, CORE One parts, mechanical components or suitable materials that you would be willing to donate, feel free to get in touch.
Every contribution - whether financial, hardware or simply sharing the project - helps move the CORE One Mini from an experimental prototype toward something that other people can realistically build themselves.
If you intend to buy a Prusa machine, you can use the referral code "@suit" at checkout in the Prusa online shop. This will give you some Prusameter points and 1 kg of free filament and i'll get some points aswell (which I can use for some free filament). Or you can just download, like and make some of my models here on Printables and even consider to become a member in my Printables club.
CORE One Mini project blog on Printables
Main model page:
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