Prusa Core One Magnetic Top Cover with Integrated Vent Handle

As soon as my Core One arrived, it was clear that the easiest way to perform many maintenance tasks is to remove the top panel, but removing and replacing the plastic pop rivets is cumbersome.  The solution used for this model is to create a magnetically attached frame for the top panel that is easy to lift off, with just enough magnet strength to hold it in place.  

The front of the frame has 2 finger tabs for lifting the top.  The sliding handle for the top air vent was an after-thought; there is a plain front piece (without the slider) in the “Extras” folder  if you only want to have the finger tabs.

If the frame is to be used on a Core One+, the following slide is required to allow automatic vent positioning.  It is a drop-in replacement for the slide included with this model.  The Core One+ slide handle is found here: Prusa Core One+ Magnetic Top Cover Vent Slide and Handle.

2025-03-29 Update: Per request, added the model in STEP format in case someone wants to modify it for alternate magnet sizes.

2026-01-18 Update: Added link to a slide handle for this frame so that it can be used on a Core One+ with automatic vent operation.

Design Features:

• No supports required 

• The 8 primary frame pieces (4 corners and 4 straight) are labeled on the bottom surface, and keyed so that they can only be assembled one way.

• 2 finger tabs to facilitate removing the top panel.

• Integrated sliding handle to open and close the top air vent.

• Magnets can be easily removed by using a 2.5mm hex wrench to push them out.

• Screw holes are sized for self-tapping by the M3x10mm machine screws.

Parts Required:

• 8 x M3x10mm Button Head Cap or Socket Head Cap Screws.  I used these screws from Amazon: uxcell-M3x10mm-Socket-Button-Screws 

• 8 x 5x5mm Round Magnets.  I used these magnets from Amazon: 5x5mm Refrigerator Magnets

• Printed Parts:

  • 4 corner pieces (Front-Left, Front-Right, Back-Left, and Back-Right)

  • Back piece

  • Front piece

  • Side pieces (2 required)

  • Finger Tabs (2 required)

  • Vent Slide

  • Slide Cover

Printing Notes:

• Print with 0.2mm layer height, structural, 15% infill.

• Supports are not required for any of the parts.

• PETG will work fine since none of the parts are under stress, and should not warp, even with a chamber temperature of 55C.

• Please DO NOT use the .bgcode file that has been provided (always slice your own files for your specific printer, filament, environment, etc.).  The files were only included to provide a reference for approximate print time.

Assembly Instructions (refer to photos):

• During assembly of the frame, do not fully tighten the screws.  Leave a 0.5mm gap under the screw heads to allow some movement for part alignment, then after all 8 screws have been inserted fully tighten the screws.

• Note that tolerances for the 2 finger tabs and the slide cover are intentionally tight.

• Ensure that the corner pieces are in their proper locations.  The corner pieces have holes on the bottom surface to center the frame on the 4 screw heads that hold the Core One enclosure together, and those screws are not centered diagonally.

Step 1:  Insert the magnets.  Press 2 magnets into the bottom surface of each straight piece of the frame (front, back, and 2 side pieces); no glue is necessary.  The easiest way to insert the magnets is to attach a magnet to a flat surface on the printer frame, line up the magnet hole on the bottom of the printed piece, and press the piece against the printer frame until the magnet is flush; pliers can also be used.

Step 2:  Assemble vent slide.  If using the plain front piece (no vent slide), skip this step and continue with Step 3.  Place the slide into the front piece as shown in the picture.  Place the slide cover on top, and press down on the ends of the cover until it clicks into place.  Operate the slide a few times to make sure it is assembled correctly and moves smoothly.  If you need to remove the cover in the future, lift slightly in the center of the cover; this will reduce tension on the locking tabs at the ends of the cover.

Step 3:  Attach frame pieces to the top panel.  Begin assembly at the back of the top panel, and continue around to the front.  Line up the Back-Left and Back-Right corner pieces on the bottom surface of the top panel, then add the straight Back piece to the corner pieces and attach it to the top panel using 2 M3x10mm screws from the top side.  Do not fully tighten the screws at this time.

Step 4:  Line up the Front-Left corner piece, then add one of the straight Side piece and attach it to the top panel using 2 M3x10mm screws from the top side.  Do not fully tighten the screws at this time.

Step 5:  Line up the Front-Right corner piece, then add the second straight Side piece and attach it to the top panel using 2 M3x10mm screws from the top side.  Do not fully tighten the screws at this time.

Step 6:  Place the 2 finger tabs onto the posts of the Front piece, then add the front piece assembly to the rest of the frame.  When placing the front piece, ensure that the vent screw nut is inserted into the hole on the slide, then attach the front piece to the top panel using 2 M3x10mm screws from the top side.

Step 7:  After all pieces are lined up properly, tighten all 8 screws until they are snug.  Do not over-tighten the screws; they only need to hold the parts in place (no need to over stress the top panel).