There are a few types of nozzle materials used in 3D printing currently:
- Brass Nozzle
- Stainless Steel Nozzle
- Hardened Steel Nozzle
- Tungsten Carbide Nozzle
- Ruby-Tipped Nozzle
Brass Nozzles are initial material of nozzle in 3D printers,unitl now it's still the most widly used.Almost all types of filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPE, TPU, and Nylon can be printed properly by brass nozzle.
As long as you stick with non-abrasive filaments, Brass Nozzles are great.But When it comes to abrasive materials,it can't handle them extensively,especially highly abrasive filament like carbon Fiber.
2. Stainless Steel Nozzle
Stainless Steel nozzle is One of the nozzles that can handle abrasive filaments,but they can only last for a short period.
Make sure your nozzle material is lead-free so it doesn’t contaminate the 3D prints,which Stainless Steel nozzles can attest to.it is widely used for products involving food and objects contact with skin.
3.Hardened Steel Nozzle
The best aspect about a Hardened Steel nozzle is its durability, it can last longer time as compared to Brass and Stainless Steel Nozzles.
Hardened Steel nozzles work well with abrasive filaments such as NylonX, Brass-filled, Carbon Fiber, Steel-filled, Ceramic-filled,Iron-filled, Wood-filled and Glow-in-Dark filaments,but they need higher temperature with lower thermol conductvity and it's not lead-free.
4. Tungsten carbide nozzle
Tungsten carbide,not tungsten,is a compound metal material produced by raw carbonized tungsten powder and cobalt powder by powder metallurgy,it's generated under vacumn sintering temperature 1480-1550℃ .
Here're some of its advatanges:
- ultra wear resistance: The high hardness HRA90 means tungsten carbide nozzles could provide you with consistently great results by a longer time that of any nozzles we go through upside.
- High bending strength and compressive strength: This property can hold the high pressure from filament flow generated by the extruding system.
- High Errosion resistance and high temperature resistance: carbide won't change shape and property under 900℃,which can be used for plenty of time constantly with abrasive filaments.
- Outstanding Thermal conductivity: 110W/mK for K20 grade,which we used for tungsten carbide nozzle now,which helps heat to reach the tip of the nozzle with faster speed and maintain the temperature for the molten filament, From printing PLA to carbon fiber reinforced plastics, this nozzle can handle anything.
- Coefficient of thermal expansion: 4.7 (10-6 K), it enhances the printer speed without compromising the print quality and fewer issues from drag.
If you are interested,please click here for more information about tungsten carbide nozzle: https://ostoncarbide.com/products/04mm-diameter-tungsten-carbide-3d-printer-m6-v6-extruder-nozzle-with-stock-in-warehouse
5.Ruby-Tipped Nozzle
It'a a brass nozzle tipped with a ruby stone.
Brass body provides good thermal conductivity and ruby tip helps to increase the service life, it's also a material that can work nicely with abrasive filaments offering amazing precision. This nozzle is considered as one of the best options as they can withstand constant abrasion,the only thing that makes it less popular is its high price.
