Hi, i am new to reprap ans i am thinking about building my own. I was wondering why almost every one is using brass for the hot end nozzle and barrel? steel or alloy are much easier to find and cheaper! any thougts?
Thanks for giving your opinion!

Brass is easier to work with.

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Bob Morrison
Wörth am Rhein, Germany
"Luke, use the source!"
BLOG - PHOTOS - Thingiverse

... and brass conducts heat quite a bit better than steel.

If you want cheap materials, give aluminium a try. Should work, but the nozzle might not survive contacts with the build platform.

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Generation 7 Electronics	Teacup Firmware	RepRap DIY

Thermal conductivity is important. Copper would be one of the "best" choices when it comes to common metals with high thermal conductivity, but it is very soft and is prone to oxidation as a bare metal. Therefore brass is used; it is alloy an of copper and zinc that is known for it's anti-corrosion properties, low friction properties, and strength. The brass used probably is high brass with a copper content of about 65%. Higher copper content is good since copper has roughly 4 times better thermal conductivity than zinc, but the zinc helps keep the hot end strong, clean, and free flowing.