— FDM · MATERIAL
HIPS
ABS-like, dissolves in limonene. Soluble support workhorse.
High-impact polystyrene. Mechanically similar to a softer ABS, but its key trick is dissolving in d-limonene — making it the ideal soluble support material for ABS dual-extrusion prints. Standalone parts are strong and lightweight.
— Specs
The numbers your slicer cares about.
Density
1.04 g/cm³
Nozzle temp
230–245°C
Bed temp
95–110°C
Price
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— Use cases
When HIPS is the right call.
Best for
- Soluble supports for ABS prints (dual-extruder setups)
- Lightweight enclosures, model planes, prop interiors
- Casting patterns that dissolve out of moulds
- Hollow models with internal supports that vanish on a limonene bath
Avoid for
- Single-extruder beginners — its main value is soluble support
- Outdoor parts (UV-degrades faster than ABS)
- Anything submerged in citrus-based solvents
- High-flex applications
— Honest assessment
Pros & cons, no marketing.
Pros
- Dissolves cleanly in d-limonene — perfect ABS support
- Lightweight (similar density to ABS, slightly stiffer)
- Easier to print than ABS — less warp, lower bed temps work
- Sands and paints like ABS for standalone parts
Cons
- Releases styrene fumes (same family as ABS) — ventilate
- Not water-resistant — softens in prolonged moisture
- Limonene baths are slow (12–24h for thick supports)
- Limited vendor selection vs PLA / PETG
— Print tips
What we'd tell a friend printing this.
- 1Dual-extruder rigs: pair HIPS support with ABS body for clean dissolve
- 2Enclosure helps — same warp behaviour as soft ABS
- 3Limonene bath: room temp 12h or 40°C 4h with agitation
- 4Print bed 100°C with PEI or glue stick (HIPS over-adheres to bare glass)
— Compare
Also worth considering.
— Try this material