Nichrome
Description
Nichrome Wire also known as Nickel Chromium Wire is a type of resistive heating element used in just about any electric heating device such as an Extruder. RepRap uses Nichrome 80 which is composed of 80% Nickel and 20% Chromium.
Insulated Nichrome wire is generally preferable to prevent a short circuit but uninsulated wire should work as long as extra measures are taken to insulate the wires from each other. Kapton Tape or alternatively Teflon Tape is utilized for extra insulation.