Discover HIPS, a versatile thermoplastic widely used in FDM 3D printing for its ease of use, high impact
resistance, and ability to dissolve in limonene. Ideal as a support material or for lightweight, functional
prototypes.
Material Name:
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
Description:
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a durable, lightweight thermoplastic commonly used in FDM 3D printing.
Its unique property is its solubility in limonene, making it an excellent support material for
dual-extrusion printers when paired with ABS. HIPS offers good impact resistance, moderate strength, and ease of
post-processing. This material is especially suitable for functional prototypes, lightweight structures,
and models requiring support removal without manual effort. However, it requires careful printing
conditions due to its susceptibility to warping and poor UV resistance.
Material Type:
High Impact Polystyrene
Price:
Available color:
White
Black
Natural
Process compatibility:
FDM compatible
Special Properties:
High Impact Resistance
Dissolvable in Limonene
Lightweight and Durable
Good Surface Finish
Limitations:
Susceptible to Warping
Poor UV Resistance
Limited Heat Resistance
Requires Controlled Printing
Environment
Material rating
Key HIPS properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D printing needs.
Strength3 of 5
Flexibility3 of 5
Detail Resolution4 of
5
Surface Smoothness4 of
5
Heat Resistance2 of 5
Chemical Resistance3 of
5
Ease of Printing3 of 5
Cost Efficiency4 of 5
Applications
HIPS is ideal for lightweight parts, functional prototypes, and as a dissolvable support
material in dual-extrusion 3D printing. Its solubility in limonene allows for easy removal of supports
without damaging the main model, making it suitable for intricate designs and overhangs.
Product Design and Development Applications
Functional prototypes
Test parts
Fit and assembly models
Consumer Good Applications
Lightweight casings
Toys and figurines
Packaging Industry Applications
Prototype packaging models
Disposable packaging items
Education and Research Applications
Classroom projects
Research prototypes
Additional Applications
Support Structures
Lightweight Components
Prototypes Requiring Smooth Surfaces
Mechanical Properties
HIPS offers moderate strength and impact resistance, making it suitable for lightweight and functional
parts.
Property
Value, metric
Tensile Strength
Approximately 26 MPa
Tensile Modulus
Approximately 2,000 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)
50%
Flexural Strength
Approximately 40 MPa
Flexural Modulus
Approximately 1,800 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength
Approximately 100 J/m
Shore Hardness
Shore D 75
Characteristics
HIPS is best printed in a controlled environment due to its tendency to warp. A heated
bed is essential, and an enclosed printer is recommended for optimal results.
Type
Value
Lead Time
2-4 business days
Wall Thickness
Minimum 1.2 mm
Tolerance
±0.15%, minimum ±0.1 mm
Max Part Size
Up to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height
0.1 mm to 0.3 mm
Thermal Properties
HIPS has moderate heat resistance but is not suitable for high-temperature applications.
Property
Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
Approximately 85°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Approximately 80 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)
50
Max Service Temperature
Up to 70°C before significant deformation may occur
Electrical Properties
HIPS is a non-conductive material, suitable for applications requiring electrical
insulation.
Property
Value, metric
ESD Safety
Not ESD safe
Conductivity
Non-conductive
NOTE: The provided
values are approximate and can vary
based on the specific HIPS formulation and
manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data
sheet for precise information.
Find your queries
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
General
Printing
Post-procesing
Troubleshooting
Advanced
What is HIPS, and why is it used in 3D printing?
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a durable and lightweight thermoplastic widely used in FDM 3D
printing. It is unique because it can dissolve in limonene, making it a popular choice as a support
material for dual-extrusion printers. It's also a reliable standalone material for creating
prototypes and lightweight parts, thanks to its good impact resistance and ease of
post-processing.
Is HIPS suitable for functional prototypes?
Yes, HIPS is an excellent choice for functional prototypes. Its high impact resistance and
lightweight nature make it suitable for models that need to endure testing or minor handling. While
it may not offer the heat resistance or strength of engineering plastics like ABS, it works well in
applications where mechanical stress is moderate..
How does HIPS compare to PLA and ABS?
HIPS offers better impact resistance than PLA but is not as rigid. Compared to ABS, HIPS has
slightly lower heat resistance but is easier to dissolve in limonene, making it advantageous for
creating complex geometries with support material. HIPS also produces smoother surfaces than ABS but
lacks PLA's biodegradability.
Can HIPS be used as a standalone material?
Yes, HIPS can be used as a standalone material, especially for prototypes, casings, and
lightweight functional parts. It is often chosen for its smooth surface finish and good impact
resistance. However, its poor UV resistance limits its use for outdoor applications or prolonged
exposure to sunlight.
Is HIPS environmentally friendly?
While HIPS is recyclable, it is not biodegradable like PLA. Proper disposal or recycling is
essential to minimize its environmental impact. Recycling HIPS can help reduce waste, but this
requires access to appropriate facilities.
What are the ideal print settings for HIPS?
HIPS prints best at a nozzle temperature of 230-250°C and a heated bed temperature of 90-110°C.
An enclosed printer is recommended to maintain a stable environment, reducing warping. Print speeds
between 30-60 mm/s work well, and adding adhesive layers like glue stick or specialized bed coatings
improves adhesion.
Can HIPS be printed without a heated bed?
A heated bed is crucial for HIPS due to its tendency to warp during cooling. Without a heated
bed, achieving proper first-layer adhesion becomes challenging, leading to failed prints. For small
prints, a high-adhesion build surface may suffice, but a heated bed is strongly recommended.
How can I prevent warping when printing HIPS?
To prevent warping, use an enclosed printer to control ambient temperature and reduce drafts.
Ensure the heated bed is set to the recommended temperature (90-110°C), and use adhesives like glue
stick or blue painter's tape to secure the print. Proper bed leveling is also essential for a strong
first layer.
Is HIPS compatible with dual-extrusion printers?
Yes, HIPS is widely used in dual-extrusion setups, especially as a dissolvable support material
for ABS. Its solubility in limonene allows you to create complex designs and easily remove supports
without damaging the primary print.
What is the recommended print speed for HIPS?
The recommended print speed for HIPS ranges between 30-60 mm/s. Printing too quickly may
compromise layer adhesion and print quality, while slower speeds ensure smoother surfaces and better
mechanical properties.
How do I dissolve HIPS supports?
HIPS supports can be easily dissolved in limonene, a citrus-based solvent. Place the part in a
container of limonene and let it soak until the supports are fully dissolved. Depending on the
part's complexity, this can take several hours. Rinse the model afterward to remove any limonene
residue, ensuring a clean and smooth surface..
Can HIPS prints be sanded or painted?
Yes, HIPS prints can be sanded to achieve a smoother finish and painted using acrylic or spray
paints. Before painting, it's recommended to apply a primer for better adhesion and durability.
Sanding should be done with fine-grit sandpaper to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
How do I join HIPS parts?
HIPS parts can be joined using super glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive) or plastic welding
techniques. For a stronger bond, you can also use acetone or limonene to create a chemical weld by
slightly melting the surfaces before pressing them together.
Can I drill or machine HIPS parts?
Yes, HIPS parts can be drilled or machined carefully. Due to its moderate strength and slight
brittleness, it's essential to use low-speed tools and avoid excessive pressure, which may cause
cracks or deformation.
Does HIPS require additional curing?
HIPS does not require additional curing for standalone prints. However, if used as a support
material in dual-extrusion setups, the main model may benefit from post-curing to enhance strength,
depending on the material used alongside HIPS.
Why is my HIPS print warping?
Warping occurs when the print cools unevenly, causing internal stresses. This can be mitigated
by using a heated bed, maintaining an enclosed print chamber, and applying adhesives to improve
first-layer adhesion. Lowering the cooling fan speed also helps reduce rapid temperature
changes..
What causes poor layer adhesion in HIPS prints?
Poor layer adhesion often results from low nozzle temperatures or excessive cooling. Increasing
the print temperature within the recommended range (230-250°C) and reducing cooling fan speed can
improve bonding between layers.
Why is my HIPS filament snapping or becoming brittle?
HIPS is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, making the filament brittle.
Store HIPS filament in an airtight container with desiccants to prevent moisture absorption. Using a
filament dryer can also restore its printability.
How do I fix under-extrusion when printing with HIPS?
Under-extrusion can occur due to a clogged nozzle, incorrect filament diameter settings, or poor
filament feed. Clean the nozzle, ensure the printer settings match the filament specifications, and
verify that the extruder is calibrated correctly..
What causes excessive stringing in HIPS prints?
Stringing occurs when molten filament oozes during non-printing moves. Adjusting retraction
settings, lowering the print temperature slightly, and ensuring proper filament storage can minimize
stringing.
Can HIPS be used for outdoor applications?
HIPS is not ideal for outdoor use due to its poor UV resistance, which can cause discoloration,
brittleness, and degradation over time. For outdoor applications, consider UV-resistant materials
like ASA or PETG
Is HIPS suitable for food-related items?
HIPS is not food-safe unless explicitly certified as such. Standard HIPS may contain additives
that are not suitable for food contact. If you require food-safe materials, use specially formulated
and certified food-grade filaments.
Can HIPS be recycled?
Yes, HIPS is recyclable. Many facilities accept HIPS as part of their plastic recycling
programs. However, recycling HIPS at home requires specialized equipment to process and reuse it
effectively.
Are there HIPS composites available?
HIPS composites reinforced with materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber are available,
offering enhanced strength, stiffness, and temperature resistance. These composites are suited for
more demanding applications.
How does HIPS handle high-stress applications?
HIPS is moderately strong and impact-resistant but may deform under high mechanical stress or
temperature. For applications requiring higher strength or heat resistance, consider alternatives
like ABS, Nylon, or PETG.
Explore Related 3D Printing Materials
HIPS works best as a dissolvable support material alongside ABS in dual-extrusion FDM printers. Explore other FDM materials:
sushant@iamrapid.com
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