Brass Tip—Brass-tipped nozzles are the most common nozzles used for nonabrasive filaments such as ABS, PLA, and nylon. Since they transfer heat quickly, they produce clean prints and are unlikely to clog. However, brass is soft, so it will wear out quickly when used with abrasive materials.

Nickel-Plated Copper Tip—Copper-tipped nozzles transfer heat better than brass-tipped nozzles, making them best for PEEK, Ultem PEI, and other materials that require high heat to print. Nickel-plated nozzles have a slippery surface, which creates less friction, so filaments flow smoothly. The slippery surface also prevents plastic from sticking to the nozzle.

Opening Diameter—For opening diameter, consider whether you need precision or speed. The smaller the nozzle opening, the smoother the finish and the finer the detail, making these nozzles best for small and intricate parts. The larger the nozzle opening, the faster they print and less likely they are to clog, which is good for abrasive materials and large, strong parts. The most common opening to balance precision and speed is 0.4 mm.