Systems for varying orifice cross-section for 3D printing are provided. Aspects of the invention include an actuator operable to control an actuator rod, a plurality of nozzles connected to the actuator rod, the plurality of nozzles comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle, wherein the first nozzle comprises a first cross-section, wherein the second nozzle comprises a second cross-section, and a controller configured to operate the actuator rod to maneuver the first nozzle under a printer head, wherein the printer head extrudes a filament that passes through the first cross-section of the first nozzle.