To solve the trade-off between build time and level of detail in fused layer modeling (FLM), there are concepts of variable adjustable nozzles that have non-circular exit geometries by design. However, in this context it is unclear whether the shape of the nozzle exit can affect the FLM process. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of different exit geometries of the nozzle in the FLM process. In order to determine the effects of nozzle shapes, an experimental investigation was carried out. Individual strands were deposited with different nozzle shapes, whose shape was subsequently determined by laser scanning and microscopic images of the strand cross-sections. In addition, the orientation in relation to the deposition direction and five different layer heights were investigated. Circular, triangular, square, and hexagonal nozzles with cross-sectional areas equivalent to a circle of 1 mm, 0.8 mm and 0.6 mm diameter were prepared for these tests. Afterwards, the strand shapes were compared with each other using the created profiles and strand cross-sections.The results show that different geometries of the nozzle exit lead to different shapes of strand cross sections. It can be observed that the deviation from the cross section of the circular nozzle decreases with an increase in the number of corners of the nozzle geometry. Furthermore, the extent of the deviation increases with increasing layer height. In addition to the outlet shape, a different orientation of the same nozzle leads to a deviating strand cross-section.