Users of weld-based metal 3D printers sometimes complain of shield gas loss affecting the quality of their prints. A nozzle that fits the weld gun holder could keep the shield gas more local and improve print quality. A nozzle for this purpose must address certain issues:

1. Material. The material must hold up in a welding environment.
2. Size. The nozzle must be designed to fit a certain size after all processing steps.
3. Shape. The shape of nozzle dictates how the gas flows through the weld area.

3D printing is used in this project either as a medium for the nozzle itself or as the medium of the mold the nozzle is cast in. In the case of a mold, the mold must also be prepared to receive the nozzle material.