In order to overcome the limitations and problems that earlier apparatus and methods have experienced, a 3D printing head is disclosed having a nozzle, wherein the nozzle has: a material extrusion portion, and at least one protective gas injection portion co-acting with the material extraction portion. A related apparatus for 3D printing an article, in particular a food article, is also proposed. A related method of 3D printing an article, in particular a food article is also proposed.
