How long does a brass nozzle last?

A brass nozzle printing standard PLA or PETG lasts approximately 400-600 hours. With abrasive filaments like carbon fibre or glow-in-the-dark, it can wear out in as little as 50-100 hours. Check for under-extrusion as a wear indicator.

When should I switch to a hardened steel nozzle?

Switch to hardened steel if you regularly print abrasive filaments (carbon fibre, glass fibre, glow-in-the-dark, wood or metal fill). Hardened steel lasts 5-10x longer with abrasives but conducts heat slightly less efficiently.

How do I know if my nozzle is worn?

Signs of nozzle wear include: under-extrusion, inconsistent extrusion width, poor first layer despite correct Z-offset, stringing that was not present before, and visible enlargement of the nozzle opening when inspected.

Do ruby-tipped nozzles last forever?

Ruby nozzles last extremely long (5000-15000+ hours) even with abrasive filaments, but they are expensive. They are cost-effective for heavy users of abrasive materials. The ruby tip can chip if the nozzle hits the bed.

3DPrintCalcs

Nozzle Wear Calculator — Estimate Nozzle Lifespan

Estimate nozzle lifespan based on material type and print hours.

Print Hours Used

Total hours on this nozzle

Nozzle Cost

Nozzle Material

Main Filament Used

How We Calculate This

Nozzle Wear Estimation

Estimated life = Base nozzle life x Filament abrasiveness factor
Remaining life = Estimated life - Print hours used
Cost per hour = Nozzle cost / Estimated life

Brass nozzles wear fastest with abrasive filaments due to their softness. Hardened steel and ruby-tipped nozzles resist abrasion much better. The abrasiveness factor reduces the expected lifespan based on how much the filament wears the nozzle bore.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify settings with test prints before committing to final prints.