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HIPS filament

High-impact polystyrene

HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) is mainly used as a dissolvable support for ABS. It prints at similar temperatures, and dissolves in limonene while ABS does not, so complex ABS parts come out clean. It can also be printed on its own as a light, easy-to-sand material.

15 HIPS filaments from 12 brands, in 46 colours.

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At a glance

Our rating
Ease of printing
Toughness
Stiffness
Heat resistance
Outdoor and UV
Flexibility
  • Needs an enclosure
  • Needs ventilation

Typical settings

Median values across all HIPS filaments. Always check the maker's recommendations for a specific filament.

Nozzle
220–250 °C
Bed
90–110 °C
Density
1.04 g/cm³
Max drying temperature
Not listed

Diameters: 1.75 mm (46 colours), 2.85 mm (7 colours)

Colours

Popular HIPS filaments

Browse all 15

Top HIPS brands

About HIPS

Properties

  • Light and fairly tough, with a matte finish.
  • Dissolves in limonene, a citrus-based solvent.
  • Easy to sand, paint and glue.
  • Prints at temperatures similar to ABS and shrinks in a similar way.

Good for

  • Soluble supports for ABS and ASA prints
  • Light models and prototypes that will be sanded and painted
  • Parts where low weight matters more than strength

Less suited to

  • Supports for PLA or PETG (PVA or BVOH suit those better)
  • Parts that need high strength or outdoor durability

Printing tips

  • Nozzle around 220–250 °C and bed around 90–110 °C.
  • Print in an enclosure, as for ABS, to avoid warping.
  • Dissolve supports in limonene; it is slow but leaves no marks. Wear gloves and work in a ventilated space.
  • Ventilate while printing, as polystyrene gives off styrene fumes.

HIPS questions

What is HIPS filament used for?

Mainly as a dissolvable support for ABS and ASA prints. It can also print light models that will be sanded and painted.

Can HIPS be used as a support for PLA?

Not well. HIPS prints much hotter than PLA. For PLA, use PVA, which dissolves in water. See PVA vs HIPS.

What dissolves HIPS?

Limonene, a solvent made from citrus peel. Leave the print to soak, ideally in a sealed container, and give it time. Wear gloves and work in a ventilated space.

Does HIPS need an enclosure?

Yes, for most prints. It shrinks as it cools, like ABS, and warps without warm, still air.

Can I print whole parts in HIPS?

Yes. It is light and easy to finish, though not as strong or weather resistant as ABS or ASA.