What is HIPS filament?
HIPS stands for High Impact Polystyrene, which is a mix of polystyrene plastic and polybutadiene rubber. The result is a polymer that is both strong but flexible. In many cases, HIPS filament is compared to ABS filament in terms of properties, but HIPS filament is indeed a lot stronger than ABS filament, something the name already suggests. For the rest, HIPS filament is easy to process, it is easy to glue and it is FDA safe, so it can be used in food.
HIPS filament properties
- Can be processed at ABS filament temperatures
- Stiff
- Matte material
- Wear-resistant
- Non-toxic and easily soluble in limonene
- Just as strong as ABS filament, as easy to print as PLA filament
- No casing is required for your 3D printer
3D printing with HIPS filament
In the 3D printing world, HIPS filament is often used as a support material for ABS 3D printing. This is because HIPS filament is limonene soluble, so you can avoid other support structures. Furthermore, both materials are processed at virtually the same temperatures, making it easy to print via an IDEX 3D printer or via a double print head. Of course, all these advantages also have a disadvantage and that is that both HIPS filament and ABS filament emit toxic substances when 3D printing them. It is therefore advisable to have a closed 3D printer that is well ventilated.
Tips for 3D printing with HIPS filament
HIPS filament is often printed between 220 and 250 degrees Celsius. A heated bed is necessary and a heated print room is also recommended. The temperature of the bed is best between 80 and 110 degrees. Otherwise, HIPS can warp at improper temperatures, so use the same precautions when printing as with ABS filament.
Buy eSun HIPS filament
eSun is known for the well-known PLA+ filament (clickHEREto buy eSun PLA+ filament) and ABS+ filament (clickHEREto buy eSun ABS+ filament) but HIPS filament is also part of the range. Due to the blend they produce, it is known as a filament that is easy to process and perfectly soluble as a support material for ABS filament. Also available at Filamentz, for only €19.99/kg. As a tip, keep your fan speed low, don't print too fast and have a good ambient temperature during printing, then success is almost guaranteed! ClickHEREto find HIPS in our webshop.
