When it comes to 3D printing, the nozzle material plays a crucial role in print quality, durability, and compatibility with different filaments. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common nozzle types:
1. Brass Nozzles
✅ Best for standard filaments like PLA, ABS, and PETG
✅ Low cost, high thermal conductivity
❌ Wears out quickly with abrasive filaments (e.g., carbon/glass fiber, glow-in-the-dark) due to softer metal
Nozzle: V6 Nozzle / Creality MK8 Brass Nozzle, Creality MK8 CR6SE Brass Nozzle, Creality CR10 Nozzle
2. Plated Copper Nozzles / Plated Brass Nozzle
✅ Higher heat transfer for faster, more consistent extrusion
✅ Corrosion-resistant coating for extended lifespan
❌ Not as hard as steel, so it still wears with abrasives material
Copper Nozzle: V6 Nozzle / MK8 Nozzle / Volcano Nozzle
Plated Brass Nozzle: V6 Nozzle / MK8 Nozzle / Volcano Nozzle
3. Hardened Steel Nozzles
✅ Excellent for abrasive filaments like carbon fiber and glass-filled materials
✅ Much more durable than brass or copper and most cost effective for abrasive materials
❌ Lower heat transfer, so requires higher temperatures
Nozzle: V6 Nozzle / MK8 Nozzle / Volcano Nozzle / CR10 Nozzle / TZ Nozzle
4. Hardened Steel Tip + Copper Nozzles
✅ Best of both worlds—high heat transfer from copper, durability from steel
✅ Great for both standard and abrasive filaments
❌ 2 part nozzle assembly, cold pull and force push is not recommended when clearing partial clogging, to reduce the chance of insert coming loose.
Nozzle: Triangle Labs ZS Range(MK8/V6/Volcano/K1 Style Volcano) / Micro Swiss M2 (available in V6/MK8/Volcano/Flowtech)
5. Full Tungsten Nozzles
✅ Extremely wear-resistant and maintains precision over time
✅ High thermal conductivity compare to hardened steel
❌ Lower thermal conductivity compare to hardened steel tip and copper options
Nozzle: West 3D Undertaker / NanoFlow
6. Diamond Tip Nozzles
✅ Ultra-durable with highest wear resistance
✅ Maintains nozzle diameter and print quality for a long time
❌ Premium pricing
Nozzle: DiamondBack Flowtech Nozzle, DiamondBack Revo Nozzle
Which Nozzle Should You Choose?
- For standard printing → Plated Copper
- On a budget and no abrasive use → Brass Nozzle
- For frequent abrasive use → Hardened Steel Tip + Copper
- For high-end, long-term durability → Tungsten or Diamond Tip