3D Printer Nozzle Differences

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 that we stock at DREMC so you know which nozzle you purchase would be best suited for your use case :

1. Brass Nozzles

✅ Best for standard filaments like PLA, ABS, and PETG
✅ Low cost, high thermal conductivity
❌ Wears out quickly with any abrasive filaments (e.g., carbon/glass fiber, glow-in-the-dark) due to softer metal or overtime. 

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 but better wear resistant compare to brass

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
✅ High thermal conductivity compare due to two part nozzle using brass/coppper for higher thermal conductivity.
❌ 2 part nozzle assembly, cold pull and force push is not recommended when clearing partial clogging, to reduce the chance of insert coming loose and the cost. 

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