What is a nozzle?

The nozzle is the small metal tip at the end of the 3D printer. The melted filament comes through the nozzle during 3D printing. Compare it to the tip of a glue gun, the filament gets heated up and comes out through the nozzle. At the exact spot where the printer wants it.

What size nozzle?

A nozzle has an opening, and that opening has a size. The most common size for 3D printers is 0.4mm. This is a standard that often comes with your 3D printer.

A smaller nozzle, like 0.2mm, prints finer but takes quite a bit longer. A larger nozzle, like 0.6mm or 0.8mm, prints a lot faster but you get less detail. For most people a 0.4mm nozzle is the best choice. It just works well.

What is a nozzle made of?

The cheapest nozzles are often made of brass, which works fine for common filaments like PLA and PETG. Are you using abrasive filament, like a filament with wood particles in it? Then your brass nozzle will wear down a lot faster. In that case a hardened steel or sintered nozzle is a better choice.

When do you replace a nozzle?

A nozzle lasts a very long time with normal use. But it's time for a new one when:

• Your print suddenly has more problems
• The filament isn't coming out properly
• The opening of the nozzle is larger or irregular

A new nozzle is cheap, usually a few euros. It's actually the easiest part to replace. Replace your nozzle when the printer is hot, otherwise the filament has cooled and hardened inside the nozzle and you won't be able to get it out.