**Kanthal A1** is the standard. High resistance, doesn't oxidise, stays straight when hot.
**Nichrome 80** also works, slightly lower max temp, slightly cheaper.
**Stainless** — only for very low-temp applications (EPP, foam tape). Lower resistance means you need higher current for the same temperature → bigger PSU.
Diameter: 0.3mm is the all-rounder. 0.2mm for fine detail (breaks more easily). 0.5mm for big rough cuts in cheap EPS.
**Nichrome 80** also works, slightly lower max temp, slightly cheaper.
**Stainless** — only for very low-temp applications (EPP, foam tape). Lower resistance means you need higher current for the same temperature → bigger PSU.
Diameter: 0.3mm is the all-rounder. 0.2mm for fine detail (breaks more easily). 0.5mm for big rough cuts in cheap EPS.