Developing a tungsten nozzle for 3D Printers

[crizzler]

Currently i am working on a tungsten nozzle. I had that idea a couple months ago during the (still ongoing) development of my extruder, because in the plastic industry we use dies made of diamond, tungsten carbide or tungsten steel rather then of standard steel, especially when you want to get precise diameters or when you extrude abrasive materials. Any ideas what else I could improve in case of the design? Right now I just made it for M6 Thread holes... I am open to suggestions!

Nozzle Comparison (updated 28.12 added sapphire):

Material	Thermal Conductivity (higher = better)	Thermal Expansion (lower = better)	Hardness (Mohs) (higher = better)	Cost
Brass	120	18.5	4	low
Tungsten	167	4.5	8	medium
Tungsten Carbide	100	3.0	8.5	medium
Sapphire	42	5.3	9	high
Diamond	2300	1.0	10	high

Diamond is the superior material in this case but it has also a superior price. But I am still looking for a supplier, because I plan to make a diamond nozzle version as well. If there are any question about my project then leave a message in this thread please.

[LAFilament.com]

Currently i am working on a tungsten nozzle. I had that idea a couple months ago during the (still ongoing) development of my extruder, because in the plastic industry we use dies made of diamond, tungsten carbide or tungsten steel rather then of standard steel, especially when you want to get precise diameters or when you extrude abrasive materials. Any ideas what else I could improve in case of the design? Right now I just made it for M6 Thread holes... I am open to suggestions!

Nozzle Comparison:

Material	Thermal Conductivity (higher = better)	Thermal Expansion (lower = better)	Hardness (Mohs) (higher = better)	Cost
Brass	120	18.5	4	low
Tungsten	167	4.5	8	medium
Tungsten Carbide	100	3.0	8.5	medium
Diamond	2300	1.0	10	high

Diamond is the superior material in this case but it has also a superior price. But I am still looking for a supplier, because I plan to make a diamond nozzle version as well. If there are any question about my project then leave a message in this thread please.

Any information on stainless?
PFTE coatings?

Mo
www.LAFilament.com

[crizzler]

yup, here you are:

Material	Thermal Conductivity (higher = better)	Thermal Expansion (lower = better)	Hardness (Mohs) (higher = better)	Cost (compared to brass)
Austenitic Stainless Steels	21	10.4	7.5	medium
Age Hardenable Stainless Steels	13	6.5	8.0	medium
Martensitic Stainless Steels	15	8.2	7.5	medium
Nitrited steel	35	6.5	8.0	medium

If it must be steel i would rather pick nitrated steel (with aluminum oxide coating), the material of my choice for extruder screws.

PTFE coating is possible but then we get a lower temperature limit. High temp. filament like Nylon and Polycarbonite would damage the PTFE coating of the nozzle. And I think ABS would become in case of extreme long prints a problem too... And printing with brass, copper, bronze filament would be also not a a good idea.

Edit: PTFE coating would be anyway obsolete if it is a diamond nozzle. Almost nothing would stick on that

[crizzler]

We have now some free samples of our tungsten premium nozzle available. It is self-funded so there is only a limited amount available so unfortunately not everyone who applies and can apply gets a free sample. Currently you should meet the following requirements:

• - You run a blog about 3D Printing or
• - a youtube channel or
• - a 3D Printer board or
• - you run a professional 3D Print Service
• - you run an online mag about 3D Printers
• - you run a (personal) project or a business in the 3D Printing industry

You can send your informal application by using our contact form or by e-mail

Abstract of the features of our tungsten premium nozzle:

• Best thermal expansion coefficient to conductivity to material price ratio
• Extremely wear-resistant alloy which is generally used for aerospace purposes
• No extreme tempering effect
• Very reliable! No usage of inlays and thus nothing will drop off by heating and cooling
• Unlike Sapphire or Diamond itdoesn't cut your printing glass bed
• Recommended choice for printing with carbon fibre filament

A complete list of all features can be viewed here

[ServiceXp]

What brand is this compatible with?

[crizzler]

What brand is this compatible with?

It is compatible with hotends which have a M6 Thread for nozzles.

[ServiceXp]

Gotcha, thanks

[JohnnyV]

Sounds great! I sent in a request for a sample!

[mikethebomber]

used the contact link on your website for a sample.