Prusa CORE One Mini (Community Edition) - DIY

The CORE One Mini is out :) - if you don't know what you are looking at, make sure to check out this article: CORE One Mini - The Rocky Road to a Prototype

The machine is not an offical Prusa product but built in a way, that it closely matches a genuine Prusa Product - the project was partially sponsored by Prusa Research and now you can build one yourself.

Sourcing the parts

You find the BOM with notes for assembly in the Downloads - the zip-File contains a Spreadsheet with a color coded part list. 

• green = parts are unmodified, standard Prusa parts (usually found in the CORE One Kit)

• yellow = custom parts, that you need to manufacture yourself or get manufactured

• blue = genuine Prusa parts, that need to be customized (or can be custom made aswell)

• orange = optional parts, that can be used instead of the parts listed right before

The most cost effective way to get the parts is going with used/second hand Parts. A Prusa MK4+ and a Prusa MINI will get you most of the parts needed. 

If you want to go brand new,  the unfortunate truth is: buy a CORE One Kit + the missing and custom parts. The machine will then obviously cost more than the CORE One.

I am in contact with Prusa already for cheaper sourcing options, they will be added here once they are available - also I'm working on cost optimizing various parts, making them 3D printable or easier to manufacture via DIY friendly processes. So the main issue will be the electronics, that needs sourcing directly from Prusa.

Part customization & assembly

Make sure, that you have at least some decent tools on hand, to modifiy parts (or have someone, that can modify them for you) - you will need to shorten Linear rails an lead screws and possible cut down metal profiles. A hacksaw and an angle grinder are must have tools.

Obviously you also need a few 3D printed parts, so a 3D printer is nice to have.

The assembly process similar to the CORE One+, all parts missing on this model page, are either identical to the CORE One+ or modified original Prusa parts. For simplicity, I'll also upload the parts that are identical to the CORE One L here, to avoid confusion.

I highly recommend, you check out all the updates in my Printables articles - it is basically a step by step guide for building the prototype.

Future outlook

The machine currently utilizes only a few parts from the Prusa MINI+ and depends on the more modern electronics of the CORE One. A stripped down "lite" version that utilizes the electronics of the Prusa MINI+ and therefore offers a more stable upgrade path is planned for future iterations.

Changelog

2026-07-19: initial release

• Initial release of the first full set of files for the initial prototype

2026-08-28: part optimization

• updated a few parts and moved away holes/cutouts slightyl away from bent edges, so no relieve cuts are neccesary (all parts remain fully compatible to the previous parts of the first prototype) 

2026-09-13: part optimization

• updated the back panel to version M3 - file is fully backwards compatible, but can be used now with the upcoming gen2 and lite frame profile variants

2026-09-28: BOM

• updated the BOM for the accurate lead screw lenghts for the 3 Z steppers @Marco Robo for spotting that oversight.

If you want to learn more about the project, make sure to checkout the main post "CORE One Mini - The Rocky Road to a Prototype." for the complete background and FAQ.

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.

I've also set up a GoFundMe campaign to tackle the costs. Thanks to everybody who has donated to the already - that means a lot and helps me cover the expenses.