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I’ve started working on a full CAD model to create a compact, small-form-factor version of the Prusa CORE One - the CORE One Mini. This idea has been circulating in the community for quite a while and after seeing the interest, I decided to take the project seriously and begin building a proper scaled-down design. Prusa themselves most likely won't release a scaled down version, because it won't really cut down the cost by much.
My goal is to produce a functional 3D model of a Core ONE-style machine in a smaller form factor with a target build volume of around 180 × 180 × 180 mm, with possible clearance up to 180 × 190 × 200 mm to allow extra space for wiring, motion and hopefully future INDX compatibility.
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-grade engineering. While the CORE One Mini will not be substantially smaller, it aims to fill that gap - if there is a Place for a Voron 0 or a Voron Micron, there is a place for a CORE One Mini aswell. My goal is to release the complete CAD model & BOM that mostly relies on genuine Prusa parts. Since some parts, especially the Base plate and the CoreXY plate are difficult to manufacture, I'll aim to simplify the parts in a way, they can be produced with a limited set of tools possibly without the need for sheet metal bending.
Since scaling down the CORE One does not directly work in a lot of places, the design needs a lot of changes. In the first step, I'll aim to use manufacturing techniques utilized by Prusa to ensure part compatibility, in the next step I will move over to recreate the parts that cannot be easily manufactured "at home" with different processes. Another stretch goal would be to reduce the complexity of the kinematics. The CORE One by default uses 3 stepper motors for the Z-axis - with enough creative effort and the right parts, it can be reduced to one motor with a timing belt.
Where the budget will be used
To continue and complete this project, I need to purchase and test several key items:
- A CORE One kit - to validate dimensions, motion geometry and mounting interfaces for an accurate prototype (this was already sponsored by Prusa Research)
- Prusa MINI heatbed parts - to make sure the design works with genuine Prusa parts
- Sheet metal and acrylic materials - for laser-cutting custom frame parts and enclosure panels
- 3D Printing Filament - for printing custom parts
- Extra components to sacrifice - for reverse-engineering: especially gantry, motion system and extruder parts
- 4-tool INDX kit - that will be a long way down the road from now
These parts are essential for building a real prototype, checking tolerances and making sure the final model can be reliably reproduced by others.
How you can help
Your monetary support directly helps me acquire the hardware and materials needed to move from CAD to a fully tested physical prototype. Every contribution accelerates development and brings the project closer to a reliable, open-source compact CORE One. Since lots of the steps do not involve a functional, working CORE One to begin with, even damaged parts would do the job - if you are willing to Donate parts, hardware or Materials: hit me up.
Thank you for supporting the idea - each donation or share helps me push the CORE One Mini toward reality.
What will happen, if I get more money than I need?
The money will be then used to donate to some local (yet to be decided) makerspace, repair cafe initiative or similar.
Further Info can be found in those posts on Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/prusa3d/comments/1p4tbqk/core_one_mini_behindthescenes_cad_model_early_wip/
Or the project blog on Printables:
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