The answer is yes, you can use a hardened nozzle for PLA, but it is not necessary. A hardened nozzle is more durable and resistant to abrasion than a standard brass nozzle, but PLA is not an abrasive material. Therefore, using a hardened nozzle for PLA will not make a significant difference in print quality or nozzle lifespan. However, if you also print with abrasive materials, such as carbon fiber, glow-in-the-dark, or metal-filled filaments, then a hardened nozzle is a good investment.
A hardened nozzle is a type of nozzle that is made from a harder material than brass, such as steel, stainless steel, or tungsten carbide. These materials have higher hardness and wear resistance, which means they can withstand the friction and heat generated by extruding abrasive filaments. A hardened nozzle can last longer and maintain its shape better than a brass nozzle, which can wear out and deform over time.
Why Use a Hardened Nozzle for PLA?
PLA, or polylactic acid, is one of the most popular and easy-to-print materials for 3D printing. It is a biodegradable thermoplastic that has good strength, stiffness, and printability. PLA does not require a heated bed or an enclosure, and it has a low printing temperature of around 200°C. PLA is also not abrasive, which means it does not contain any particles or additives that can scratch or erode the nozzle.
Therefore, using a hardened nozzle for PLA is not necessary, as PLA will not damage or wear out a brass nozzle. A brass nozzle has good thermal conductivity and low cost, which makes it suitable for PLA printing. However, there are some situations where using a hardened nozzle for PLA can be beneficial, such as:
If you print with different materials, some of which are abrasive, and you do not want to change the nozzle frequently. A hardened nozzle can handle both abrasive and non-abrasive materials, while a brass nozzle can only handle non-abrasive materials. Changing the nozzle can be time-consuming and tedious, and it can also affect the calibration and alignment of the printer. Therefore, using a hardened nozzle can save you time and hassle, especially if you print with different materials often.
If you print with high-speed or high-temperature settings, which can increase the wear and tear on the nozzle. A hardened nozzle can withstand higher temperatures and pressures than a brass nozzle, which can improve the print quality and speed. However, PLA does not require high-speed or high-temperature settings, so this is not a common scenario for PLA printing.
If you want to print with a larger nozzle size, such as 0.6mm or 0.8mm, which can increase the print speed and layer height. A larger nozzle size can also reduce the risk of clogging and jamming, as the filament has more room to flow through the nozzle. A hardened nozzle can handle larger nozzle sizes better than a brass nozzle, as it can maintain its shape and diameter more accurately. However, a larger nozzle size can also reduce the print resolution and detail, so this is a trade-off that you have to consider.
If you decide to use a hardened nozzle for PLA, there are some factors that you have to consider, such as:
The material of the nozzle. There are different types of hardened nozzles, such as steel, stainless steel, or tungsten carbide. Each material has its own pros and cons, such as cost, durability, thermal conductivity, and compatibility. For example, steel nozzles are cheaper and more durable than brass nozzles, but they have lower thermal conductivity and can rust over time. Stainless steel nozzles are more expensive and less durable than steel nozzles, but they have higher thermal conductivity and do not rust. Tungsten carbide nozzles are the most expensive and durable nozzles, but they have lower thermal conductivity and can be incompatible with some hotends.
The size of the nozzle. The size of the nozzle determines the diameter of the extruded filament, which affects the print quality, speed, and resolution. The most common nozzle size is 0.4mm, which is suitable for most PLA prints. However, you can also use larger or smaller nozzle sizes, depending on your preferences and needs. For example, you can use a larger nozzle size, such as 0.6mm or 0.8mm, to increase the print speed and layer height, but this will also reduce the print resolution and detail. You can use a smaller nozzle size, such as 0.2mm or 0.3mm, to increase the print resolution and detail, but this will also reduce the print speed and layer height.
The compatibility of the nozzle. The nozzle has to be compatible with your printer’s hotend and extruder, as well as the filament that you are using. The nozzle has to fit the thread size and length of the hotend, and it has to match the filament diameter and type. For example, if you have a 1.75mm filament and a 0.4mm nozzle, you have to make sure that the nozzle can accommodate the 1.75mm filament and that it is compatible with the PLA material. You also have to make sure that the nozzle does not interfere with the cooling fan, the heat break, or the thermistor of the hotend.
In conclusion, you can use a hardened nozzle for PLA, but it is not necessary. A hardened nozzle is more durable and resistant to abrasion than a brass nozzle, but PLA is not an abrasive material. Therefore, using a hardened nozzle for PLA will not make a significant difference in print quality or nozzle lifespan. However, if you also print with abrasive materials, such as carbon fiber, glow-in-the-dark, or metal-filled filaments, then a hardened nozzle is a good investment.
We hope this article has answered your question and helped you understand the pros and cons of using a hardened nozzle for PLA. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below. Happy printing!
