What is the primary function of the nozzle in an FDM printer?

The primary function of the nozzle in an FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer is to melt and extrude the thermoplastic filament. During the printing process, the filament is fed into the heated nozzle where it is melted to a semi-liquid state. This allows the material to be precisely extruded onto the build platform in a layer-by-layer fashion, which is essential for creating the desired three-dimensional object.

The design and temperature of the nozzle are critical because they determine how effectively the filament can be melted and extruded. If the filament doesn't reach the correct temperature, it may not flow properly, leading to issues like poor layer adhesion or blockages. Therefore, the melting and extrusion process is central to the functionality of FDM printing, and understanding this component is key for anyone working with or studying 3D printing technologies.

While cooling, print resolution, and color changes can be important aspects of a print job, they do not directly pertain to the fundamental role of the nozzle itself.