What is the role of the extrusion nozzle in FDM?

The extrusion nozzle plays a crucial role in the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process by depositing melted thermoplastic material onto the print bed or previously laid layers of filament. During the printing process, the filament is fed into the heated nozzle, where it is melted at high temperatures. Once the material reaches a suitable viscosity, the nozzle extrudes the melted filament in a precise manner, allowing it to construct the object layer by layer.

This precise deposition is essential for building the desired geometry of the printed part while maintaining good layer adhesion and structural integrity. The design and functionality of the extrusion nozzle are specifically tailored to ensure that the material flows smoothly and uniformly, which is integral to achieving high-quality prints.

In contrast, the other options illustrate functions that do not align with the primary purpose of the extrusion nozzle. Cooling the material is typically handled by part cooling fans, not the nozzle itself. Storing filament is a function of the spool holder or filament storage system, and the scanning of printed objects is generally performed by a separate device, such as a 3D scanner, rather than by the 3D printer’s nozzle. Thus, the primary and correct function of the nozzle is indeed to deposit melted thermoplastic, enabling the layer-by-layer