3D Printer Nozzles – Materials, Differences and Selection Guide (2025)
3D printer nozzles
The nozzle of a 3D printer is the last part of the printer that touches the extruded plastic as it leaves the hotend, therefore the nozzle has a great impact on the quality of the print. The properties of the nozzle material such as thermal conductivity, temperature resistance, abrasion resistance and most importantly price significantly affect the choice of nozzle.
In this guide, we will cover common nozzle materials on the market and their pros and cons. We hope you learned something new about 3D printer nozzle materials.
Most common nozzle materials
By far the most common nozzle materials on the market are the following, Brass , Copper , Stainless Steel and Hardened Steel . Each of these has its own pros and cons that determine their uses.
Brass
Brass is the most common material in 3D printer nozzles, as it combines low cost with good thermal conductivity. For this reason, most 3D printers come from the factory with a brass nozzle. Although a brass nozzle is the most cost-effective option, it is not always the best solution for a nozzle. Brass nozzles have the worst wear resistance on the list, and the applicable temperature range is limited to <300°C. Therefore, brass nozzles cannot be used to print consumable filaments, such as fiber-reinforced filaments, some white filaments, and glow-in-the-dark filaments.
Copper
Copper offers the best thermal conductivity for the nozzle, meaning a higher possible filament melting rate (eng: Flow rate) with the same nozzle geometry. A copper nozzle can withstand high temperatures >500°C and is well suited for filaments that require large pore spaces. Copper nozzles are almost always plated with nickel, which improves the nozzle's wear resistance and reduces plastic adhesion to the nozzle. However, a copper nozzle is not resistant to abrasion enough to be used with fiber-reinforced filaments. A copper nozzle is more expensive than many other nozzles, depending on the brand, by about twenty.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is an excellent choice when you want to combine reasonable durability with a low price. It does not conduct heat as well as brass or copper, but it has the advantage of better wear resistance and a wider operating temperature range. Stainless steel nozzles also have good corrosion resistance and are compatible with most consumer filaments, including low-abrasive materials such as wood fiber and metal filaments. They are especially recommended if you frequently print specialty materials, but not consistently use high-abrasive fiber filaments.
Hardened steel
Hardened steel is a nozzle material that has been heat-treated to a very high hardness, often exceeding 60 HRC. This makes it exceptionally durable for abrasive and fiber-reinforced filaments, such as carbon fiber or glass fiber-filled plastics. The hardness of hardened steel makes it a much more durable option than brass, copper, or regular stainless steel. On the other hand, its lower thermal conductivity means that the nozzle often requires a slightly higher printing temperature to achieve the best results. This material is an excellent choice for users who want a nozzle that can withstand thousands of hours of printing without visible wear. In addition, a hardened steel nozzle is practically required for printing fiber-reinforced filaments.
TLDR
Choosing the right 3D printer nozzle depends on what materials you plan to use and how often you print. Brass nozzles are best suited for basic use and budget printers, while Hardened Steel nozzles offer top-notch durability for demanding professional use.
Knowing the properties of different 3D printer nozzle materials will help you choose the best option for your application. The right nozzle type will improve print quality, reduce maintenance, and save you money in the long run.