The Prusa CORE One is a high-performance enclosed 3D printer featuring CoreXY kinematics for 15–20% faster speeds than the MK4S, while maintaining Prusa’s print quality. Its active chamber control (up to 55°C), upgraded Nextruder with 360° cooling for support-free 75° overhangs, and a steel exoskeleton support reliable printing with materials like ASA, ABS, PC, and nylon. Compact yet spacious with a 250×220×270mm build volume, it suits beginners to professionals, offering safety features, easy maintenance, and award-winning design recognized by the Red Dot Award and All3DP.
What is the print quality and performance of the Prusa Core One, as confirmed by test prints?
The Prusa CORE One delivers consistent, high-quality prints across materials using a precision CoreXY system. It features 10mm Y-axis rods, an X-axis linear rail on a steel extrusion, and three Z-axis lead screws — Prusa’s most constrained Z-axis yet. Dimensional accuracy is excellent, with test prints measuring 100.03mm (X), 100.05mm (Y), and 100.00mm (Z) against 100mm targets. Its 0.9° stepper motors offer finer resolution and smoother, quieter motion than standard 1.8° motors.
3D X-ray CT inspection of a complex part showed the central bore and main body were within ±0.100mm of nominal dimensions. However, several mounting features and edges deviated by ±0.400–0.600mm, especially on lower tabs and edge transitions. These deviations, shown in orange-to-red on the CT map.
Mechanical Part Being Scanned:
Inspection Report:
The Prusa CORE One’s load cell-based auto bed leveling taps the surface for precise measurement, ensuring perfect first layers on any build plate without manual adjustment.
The upgraded Nextruder’s 360° cooling allows printing of 75° overhangs.
The enclosed chamber with active temperature control prevents warping and improves adhesion for shrink-prone materials. For ASA, it preheats to 40°C and can reach 55°C during printing.
Real-world testing shows the Prusa CORE One’s performance — a Speed Benchy printed in 28 minutes using 0.25mm layer height, 2 perimeter walls and 10% infill delivered excellent results. Indeed, assembled Core One is the fastest printer by Prusa Research!
A fishing lure printed in ASA finished in 1 hour 17 minutes at 0.2mm layer height, with smooth, warp-free results. A full-size Crocs shoe in 40D TPU printed in 21 hours without supports — 15 hours faster than the MK4.
The Prusa CORE One delivers consistent quality across its full build height — unlike bed-slinger designs that lose stability when tall. With speeds up to 600mm/s and input shaping for vibration control, it prioritizes reliability over raw speed. Pre-tuned profiles for 200+ filaments in PrusaSlicer ensure strong performance out of the box.
Which filaments can you use with the Prusa Core One?
The Prusa CORE One supports over 12 filament types, including PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PP, CPE, and PVB, with no special modifications. Its 290°C nozzle and 120°C bed handle most materials reliably.
The automatic ventilation system maintains 20–30°C for PLA, PETG, and TPU, even with doors closed. A top vent lets fans pull in cooler room air as needed.
With the optional Advanced Filtration System, the Prusa CORE One prints ABS, ASA, HIPS, PC, and Nylon reliably. Its enclosed, actively heated chamber (up to 55°C) prevents warping and improves adhesion.
The Prusa CORE One prints TPU from 90A to 95A hardness reliably, aided by the Nextruder’s high-torque planetary gear system.
TPU Print Sample:
The Prusa CORE One comes with a 0.4mm brass CHT nozzle, ideal for standard filaments but unsuitable for abrasives. For carbon fiber or metal-filled materials, a hardened steel nozzle is recommended. An adapter allows use of E3D V6-compatible nozzles for added flexibility.
Prusament filaments work seamlessly with the Prusa CORE One, supported by 200+ pre-configured profiles in PrusaSlicer. Third-party filaments are also compatible, needing only minor profile tweaks for optimal results.
What is the build volume of the Prusa Core One?
The Prusa CORE One offers a 250 × 220 × 270 mm build volume — 30% larger than the MK4S, mainly due to 50 mm more Z-height. Its CoreXY design ensures consistent quality across the full height, unlike bed-slingers that lose stability at taller prints.
| Printer Model |
Build Volume (mm) |
| Prusa CORE One |
250 × 220 × 270 |
| Prusa MK4S |
250 × 210 × 220 |
| Prusa XL |
360 × 360 × 360 |
The Prusa CORE One’s compact design uses 50% less space than the MK4S in an enclosure while offering a larger build volume. It supports all Prusa print sheets — smooth PEI, textured, and satin — for material versatility. With the MMU3, a prime tower is used, reducing available space for large or multi-part prints.
The Prusa CORE One’s tall 270mm Z-height supports prints like vases, figurines, and helmets — one red PLA helmet printed in 2 hours 10 minutes.
What is the difference between the Prusa Core One, Bambu Lab P2S, Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, Bambu Lab H2S, Creality K2 Plus?
Prusa CORE One — Best when you need stable enclosure control for ABS/ASA/PC (automatic preheat to ~40 °C and ~50 °C during prints, without opening the door for PLA), consistently accurate first layers from the load-cell system, practical Z-height (270 mm), and open connectivity (local USB/Ethernet and user-flashable firmware).
In contrast:
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon — Often matches Core One print times and can be ~20% faster in some cases, but does so with weaker temperature control on fast PLA passes; usable XY area is effectively similar (front-of-bed is used for calibration/filament cutting), while Prusa keeps a taller Z (270 mm vs 256 mm). Additionally, the Bambu Lab closed ecosystem approach limits the use of third-party tools such as OrcaSlicer.
- Bambu Lab P2S — Wins on price and speed/flow; loses to Prusa on wired networking (no Ethernet), closed ecosystem and shorter Z-axis (256 mm vs 270 mm).
- Bambu Lab H2S — Wins on volume (340³ mm), active chamber heat (to ~65 °C) and peak speed/flow; loses on lack of Ethernet and closed ecosystem.
- Creality K2 Plus — Big cube (350³ mm) on paper, but multiple units showed severe Z-banding on tall prints (~8–12 in) and build-plate surface shedding, undermining reliability for production-height parts.
| Specification |
Prusa CORE One |
Bambu Lab P2S |
Bambu Lab H2S |
Creality K2 Plus |
Bambu Lab X1 Carbon |
| Price (USD) |
$1,199+ |
$799 |
$1,249 |
$1,049 |
$749 |
| Build Volume (W×D×H) |
250×220×270 mm |
256×256×256 mm |
340×320×340 mm |
350×350×350 mm |
256×256×256 mm |
| Chamber (heat) |
Enclosed; up to 55 °C |
Enclosed; passive |
Enclosed; active to 65 °C |
Enclosed; ≤60 °C |
Enclosed; regulated airflow |
| Nozzle / Bed Max |
290 °C / 120 °C |
300 °C / 110 °C |
350 °C / 120 °C |
≤350 °C / ≤120 °C |
300 °C / 110–120 °C |
| Max Flow |
34-40 mm³/s |
40 mm³/s |
40 mm³/s (65 mm³/s HF opt.) |
40 mm³/s (advertised), 28 mm³/s (real) |
32 mm³/s |
| Leveling / First Layer |
Load-cell first layer; Mesh ABL |
Full-auto leveling |
Full-auto leveling |
Full-auto leveling |
Micro Lidar first-layer assist |
| Filtration |
Optional HEPA / Advanced |
Activated carbon (VOC/PM) |
G3 + H12 HEPA + carbon |
Air filter (type n/s) |
Activated carbon |
| Connectivity |
Ethernet, Wi-Fi module, USB |
Wi-Fi only |
Wi-Fi only |
USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
Wi-Fi only |
| Camera / Sensors |
Optional internal cam; door & filament sensors |
1080p cam; door & filament sensors |
1080p live, toolhead cam; (BirdsEye on Laser Ed.) |
AI camera; run-out; power-loss recovery |
1080p chamber cam; Micro Lidar |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) |
415×444×555 mm |
392×406×478 mm |
492×514×626 mm |
495×515×640 mm |
389×389×457 mm |
| Net Weight |
22.5 kg |
14.9 kg |
30 kg |
35 kg |
14.13 kg |
| Power (ref.) |
PSU 240 W; ~90 W PLA / 110 W ABS |
Max 1200/1000 W; ~200 W PLA |
Max 2050/1170 W |
1200 W |
Max 1000 W@220 V / 350 W@110 V |
Bottom-Line:
- Buy Prusa CORE One for controlled chamber thermals, repeatable first layers, taller Z, secure connection over Ethernet, and the open-source approach.
- Buy the Bambu Lab P2S for the best speed at the best price, if the closed, cloud-based ecosystem is not a concern.
- Bambu Lab H2S for max volume + active heat, if the closed, cloud-based ecosystem is not a concern.
- Avoid Creality K2 Plus, if you are not ready to fine-tune the machine for consistent results.
- Avoid the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, unless you buy it at a lower price than the Bambu Lab P2S.
What printer controls are available on the Prusa Core One?
The Prusa CORE One has a 3.5-inch touch LCD with a rotary knob, allowing easy control — even with gloves. The interface shows print status, temperatures, and estimated time remaining, with quick access to filament, temperature, movement, and calibration tools. The screen mounts magnetically to prevent damage during transport or maintenance.
The Prusa CORE One lets users adjust print settings mid-print via the "Tune" menu. An RGB light bar shows status — blue (idle), orange (printing), red (error) — for easy monitoring. A door sensor triggers configurable safety actions like pausing or warnings when opened.
What connectivity options are available on the Prusa Core One?
The Prusa CORE One offers USB, Ethernet, and a removable Wi-Fi module for flexible connectivity. An NFC receiver enables quick Wi-Fi setup via the Prusa App. It supports both PrusaLink for local printing and PrusaConnect for cloud management.
The Prusa CORE One supports remote monitoring with an optional $40 USB-C camera that mounts inside the enclosure and connects to the mainboard. The Prusa App allows mobile control, job uploads from Printables.com, status checks, and completion alerts. For offline use, the Wi-Fi module can be removed, with full functionality maintained via USB, including firmware updates.
What software is offered with the Prusa Core One?
The Prusa CORE One uses PrusaSlicer, which includes 200+ pre-configured material profiles for one-click slicing and advanced tuning. It integrates with Printables.com for direct model slicing. For quick adjustments on any device, Prusa also offers the web-based EasyPrint tool.
The Prusa CORE One connects to PrusaLink for local control and PrusaConnect for cloud management, offering remote monitoring, job scheduling, and status updates via web or app. Firmware updates are free and installable via USB, PrusaConnect, or the app. All Prusa software is open-source and free, with contributions from the RepRap core developers.
What is the design and build quality of the Prusa Core One?
The Prusa CORE One’s 22.5 kg all-steel frame ensures high rigidity and stability during fast prints.
The Prusa CORE One won a Red Dot Award for its design, combining form and function. It uses 10mm Y-axis rods, an X-axis linear rail, and three Z-axis lead screws — Prusa’s most constrained Z-axis system yet.
Recessed sides reduce chamber volume for faster heating and improve access. The right-side recess includes a built-in spool holder for easy filament loading.
The left-side pocket provides customizable tool storage with magnetic mounting points. The front door opens from either side and locks at 90° or 180° for flexible access.
The top panel features a manual ventilation grill for adjustable airflow during printing.
The Prusa CORE One uses Prusament PC-CF for key printed parts, offering greater durability than PETG in heated environments. Its CoreXY system features 0.9° stepper motors for finer motion resolution than standard 1.8° motors.
All components can be fully disassembled with standard tools — no glue or permanent fixtures — making maintenance and upgrades easy.
The front RGB light shows printer status at a glance — especially helpful in multi-printer setups. This and other design choices reinforce the CORE One’s reliability and serviceability.
What comes included in the box with Prusa Core One?
Assembled Version Package Contents:
• 1x Prusa CORE One Assembled 3D Printer
• 1x Smooth PEI Print Sheet
• 1x 1kg Spool of Prusament PLA Prusa Galaxy Black
• 1x USB Drive with Sample Prints (G-codes)
• 1x 3D Printing Handbook
• 1x Pack of Alcohol-Saturated Wipes
• 1x Acupuncture Needle (for nozzle cleaning)
• 1x Power Cable (Region-specific)
• 1x Set of Rubber Feet
• 1x Package of Spare Plastic Rivets
Kit Version Package Contents:
• 1x Prusa CORE One 3D Printer Kit
• 1x Smooth PEI Print Sheet
• 2x 25g Prusament Sample Packs
• 1x USB Drive with Sample Prints (G-codes)
• 1x 3D Printing Handbook
• 1x Pack of Alcohol-Saturated Wipes
• 1x Acupuncture Needle (for nozzle cleaning)
• 1x Prusa Lubricant for Bearings
• 1x Power Cable (Region-specific)
• 1x Toolset (Uni-wrench, 13-16 Wrench, Nose Pliers, Allen and Torx Keys)
• 1x Package of Spare Plastic Rivets
The Prusa CORE One is available fully assembled or as a self-assembly kit. The assembled version needs minimal setup — just attach the feet and LCD. The kit includes tools and detailed instructions. Both versions come ready to print, with Prusament PLA and preloaded G-code for quick first prints.
Please Note: Package contents are determined by the manufacturer and may change without notice. To confirm the current items included with this product, please contact a Top3DShop sales representative before placing your order.
What upgrades and accessories are available for the Prusa Core One?
The Prusa CORE One supports modular official accessories that expand its capabilities while preserving its open-source design.
| Accessory |
Function |
Price (USD) |
| Buddy Camera |
USB-C camera for magnetic mounting; enables remote monitoring via PrusaConnect |
$40+ |
| Advanced Filtration |
HEPA + carbon filter reduces fumes and odors from materials like ABS/ASA |
$70+ |
| GPIO Hackerboard |
Adds programmable I/O for external device control via G-code |
$20+ |
| Hardened Steel Nozzle |
Wear-resistant nozzle (0.25–0.8mm); supports abrasive filaments |
$50+ |
| MMU3 |
Multi-material unit for up to 5 filaments with one nozzle (coming soon) |
$300+ |
| Accelerometer |
Calibrates input shaping for speed/quality tuning |
$20+ |
The Prusa CORE One supports all Prusa print sheets — Smooth PEI, Textured, Satin, and PA Nylon — offering optimal adhesion without Z-offset changes. Extra Prusament spools ensure consistent results using pre-configured PrusaSlicer profiles.
The Prusa CORE One supports customization with magnetic mounting points on its metal enclosure. The left-side recess fits storage add-ons, and the top panel accepts aftermarket filters. Users share mods like dry boxes, tool holders, and camera mounts on Printables.com.
Credit: @ScottWolfs on Printables.com
Prusa offers replacement parts — bearings, belts, motors, electronics — for easy repairs. The Linear Rail Lubrication Set with Microlube GL 261 maintains X-axis performance. All components are sold individually, supporting long-term repairability over planned obsolescence.
Prusa’s Multi-Material Unit 3 (MMU3) attaches to the CORE One and enables automatic loading, purging, and cutting of up to five filaments in a single print — no user intervention needed.
The redesigned selector uses a compact planetary gearbox for faster, more reliable material changes. An upgraded sensor pauses prints on filament run-out or tangles.
Firmware integration with PrusaSlicer enables wipe towers, purge control, and color-by-layer tools to minimize waste during color changes. For example, a globe print used the MMU3 to manage multiple colors in a single pass.
Purge Tower Example on the right side:
What maintenance is required for the Prusa Core One?
Before Every Print
- Clean debris from the printer and under the heatbed using a brush, vacuum, or broom.
- Hotend cleaning: Heat nozzle to 250°C for 3–5 minutes, clean with a brass brush.
- Print sheet cleaning: Smooth Sheet: Acetone (sparingly), Textured Sheet: 90% IPA, PA Nylon Sheet: Water + dish soap
Every 200 Hours
- X-axis linear rail: Wipe clean and lubricate with Prusa's rail lubrication set.
- Y-axis rods & bearings: Clean with paper towels; apply Prusa Lubricant.
- Belt check: Print a circle — adjust if not perfectly round.
- Fan cleaning: Use compressed air and tweezers to remove dust or plastic threads.
- Nextruder: Clean gear grooves via side access with compressed air, clean filament sensor path with tweezers or air.
- Panel cleaning: Use alcohol-free cleaner or soapy water.
Every 600–800 Hours
Check connectors on:
- xBuddy board
- Loveboard
- Heatbed
- PSU
- xLCD
Link to full manual: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/regular-printer-maintenance-core-one_829710
The Prusa CORE One's modular, glue-free design allows full disassembly with standard tools. Prusa stocks all replacement parts and continues firmware support — even the 7-year-old MK3 received updates in 2024.
What support and warranty come with the Prusa Core One?
The Prusa CORE One includes a 2-year warranty for consumers in the EU, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland; all others, including businesses, get 1 year. Coverage applies to assembled units and kits, covering defects and early failures. Warranty claims require an invoice, serial number, and issue documentation.
Prusa offers 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, even after the warranty ends. Technical help remains available for the printer's lifetime. Consumables like nozzles, sheets, and belts aren’t covered. Optional 1- or 2-year warranty extensions can be added at purchase.
Prusa offers 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, even after the warranty ends. Technical help remains available for the printer's lifetime. Consumables like nozzles, sheets, and belts aren’t covered. Optional 1- or 2-year warranty extensions can be added at purchase.
Prusa offers extensive online support, including maintenance guides, video tutorials, and firmware instructions. The Prusa forum connects users with staff and community experts for troubleshooting and tips, providing ongoing support well beyond purchase.
Full warranty terms: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/warranty_2288
How much does the Prusa Core One cost?
The fully assembled Prusa CORE One is available at $1,399.00. The self-assembly Core One kit costs about 21% less and includes the same components with detailed instructions. Prusa MK4 owners can opt for a conversion kit at roughly 62% less than a new assembled unit, converting their bedslinger to the same Core XY design and enclosure. All versions include the steel exoskeleton, active chamber control, CoreXY system, and award-winning Nextruder.
