Description

HIPS Filament 1KG — Dissolvable Support Material for ABS & ASA

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a tough, lightweight thermoplastic best known as a dissolvable support material. It prints much like ABS, with a temperature range that overlaps ABS at the upper end, so it works well as support on dual-material printers. Once the print is done, soak it in D-Limonene and the HIPS supports dissolve, leaving the ABS or ASA model behind with no support marks, no scarring, and no scraping or sanding.

You can also print HIPS on its own for lightweight, impact-resistant parts.

Why Use HIPS as Support Material?

Tearing supports off a model leaves rough patches, and some internal supports can’t be reached at all. HIPS solves this. Print the model in ABS or ASA and the supports in HIPS, then dissolve the supports in D-Limonene. Complex overhangs, internal cavities, and fine detail that would be impossible to clean up by hand come out clean.

Works With Dual-Material Printers

HIPS needs a printer that can run two materials in one print. That means dual-nozzle printers, toolchangers, and multi-material systems that can handle ABS-temperature filament. Most common setups for printing ABS with soluble supports are:

Dual-nozzle printers
Multi-toolhead toolchangers
Enclosed printers with a multi-material system rated for ABS temperatures

Check your printer’s temperature range and material compatibility before pairing HIPS with ABS or ASA.

Dissolves in D-Limonene, Not Acetone

HIPS dissolves in D-Limonene, a citrus-derived solvent. Acetone dissolves ABS, so don’t use it with ABS and HIPS combinations. D-Limonene leaves ABS and ASA untouched. HIPS does not dissolve in water.

How to Dissolve HIPS

Submerge the finished print in D-Limonene in a sealed container. Agitate occasionally, and refresh the solvent if it becomes saturated. Once the supports have dissolved, rinse the print and let it dry. Dissolving time depends on the size and thickness of the supports, so allow several hours for larger prints.

Use in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. D-Limonene is flammable, so keep it away from heat and ignition sources.

Printing HIPS on Its Own

HIPS prints like ABS with less warping and shrinkage, and it’s lighter. It makes a good option for lightweight cosplay and wearable parts, protective enclosures, and prototypes that need some impact resistance without the print difficulty of ABS.

Print Settings

Nozzle temperature: 190–240°C (around 220°C is a good starting point)
Bed temperature: 90–110°C (100°C is a good starting point)
Print speed: 40–60 mm/s
Part cooling fan: low — 0–20%
Enclosure: recommended
Build surface: PEI, glass with adhesive, or similar
Diameter: 1.75 mm

Every printer runs a little differently, so start from the middle of these ranges and adjust. When pairing HIPS with ABS or ASA as support, print toward the upper end of the range so the two materials bond well at the interface.

Storage & Drying

HIPS absorbs moisture from the air. Wet filament causes bubbling, stringing, and rough surfaces, and wet HIPS support material won’t print or dissolve cleanly. Store it with desiccant in an airtight container. If it has been exposed to humid air, dry it at around 60°C for several hours before printing.

Ventilation

Like ABS, HIPS can give off fumes at print temperatures. Print in a well-ventilated area or an enclosed, filtered printer.

Great For

Dissolvable supports for ABS and ASA models
Complex overhangs and internal cavities that can’t be cleaned by hand
Prints where support scarring isn’t acceptable
Lightweight, impact-resistant functional parts
Cosplay props and wearables
Enclosures and protective housings