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HIPS
Limonene-soluble supports for ABS, light functional parts.
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Material passport
Nozzle220–245 °C
150°300°
Bed90–110 °C
0°120°
Density1.04 g/cm³
Requirements & properties
Enclosure
Encyclopedia
HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) is a light plastic related to ABS. Its main use is dissolvable supports for ABS: HIPS dissolves in limonene (d-limonene) without touching the ABS part. HIPS is also used on its own for light functional parts and mockups.
What it is good for
- Limonene-soluble supports for ABS
- Light functional parts and mockups
- Items that need machining
- Dual-material printing ABS + HIPS
Where NOT to use it
- Supports for PLA/PETG — limonene will not dissolve them cleanly
- Printing without an enclosure — HIPS warps like ABS
- Loaded parts — HIPS is lighter and weaker than ABS
- Unventilated rooms
How to print
- Nozzle temperature: 220–245 °C
- Bed temperature: 90–110 °C
- Cooling: 0–20%
- Enclosure recommended: HIPS warps like ABS
- Adhesion: glue stick, brim
- Speed: 40–60 mm/s
Limonene is a flammable solvent with a strong smell. Dissolve HIPS supports in a ventilated area, in a closed container, away from flames.
Drying and storage
HIPS is moderately hygroscopic, like ABS. Moisture causes bubbling and a worse surface.
- Drying: 60–70 °C for 4–6 hours
- Storage: dry box with silica gel
- Signs of moisture: bubbling, hissing, rough surface
Pros and cons
- Limonene-soluble — perfect pair for ABS
- Lightweight
- Impact-resistant for its weight
- Easy to machine
- Warps, needs an enclosure
- Fumes while printing and during limonene dissolving
- Weaker than ABS
- Limonene is flammable and smelly
FAQ
HIPS is cheaper, less hygroscopic, and matches ABS print temperatures perfectly. The catch: it dissolves in limonene (a flammable, smelly solvent), not water. PVA dissolves in water but is expensive, fussy, and unsuitable for ABS.