HIPS Filament: 3D Printing Material and Soluble Support
HIPS stands for High Impact Polystyrene. In FDM printing it can be used either as a build material or as a soluble support material.
Unlike PVA and BVOH, HIPS is not water soluble. It is commonly associated with d-limonene as a solvent, which places it in a different support category.
Quick overview
| Property | HIPS |
|---|---|
| Printability | medium |
| Typical nozzle range | about 225–255 °C |
| Typical bed range | about 100–110 °C |
| Water soluble | no |
| Soluble with | typically d-limonene, depending on process |
| Mechanical behavior | broadly similar to ABS |
| Weight | relatively low |
| Dimensional stability | good |
| Common use | support and large lightweight parts |
HIPS as a build material
HIPS can be useful for large lightweight models, housings, prototypes and parts intended for sanding or post-processing.
HIPS as support
It can provide removable support in difficult cavities, but it adds solvent handling and compatibility considerations.
HIPS vs PVA/BVOH
PVA and BVOH dissolve in water and are extremely moisture sensitive. HIPS uses a solvent-based removal process and generally runs at higher printing temperatures.
Read more: water-soluble filament guide (PVA/BVOH).
Solvent safety
d-limonene is not harmless. Follow the product safety data sheet, wear gloves, ventilate the room and dispose of used solvent according to local rules, never down the drain.
Related content
Frequently asked questions
Is HIPS water soluble?
No. It is commonly dissolved or softened using d-limonene or other suitable solvents.
Can HIPS be used as a normal filament?
Yes. It is also a lightweight build material for models, housings and prototypes.
Is HIPS similar to ABS?
It has similar printing characteristics, but it remains a different polymer and is often selected for support applications.
Does HIPS need a heated bed?
Usually yes. Many profiles use approximately 100–110 °C.
Is HIPS better than PVA?
Not in general. They belong to different soluble-support strategies.