HIPS has two distinct uses that often get conflated: as a soluble support material for ABS in dual-extrusion setups, and as a standalone structural material. Understanding which use case you need changes what matters about it.
HIPS as Soluble Support for ABS
This is the primary reason most people buy HIPS. It dissolves in d-limonene (a citrus-derived solvent), which doesn’t attack ABS. The workflow: print ABS part + HIPS support, then submerge in d-limonene for 2–6 hours. The supports dissolve completely, leaving clean surfaces that no mechanical removal could achieve.
For this to work, HIPS must print at compatible temperatures with ABS — typically 230–240°C nozzle, 100–110°C bed. Print temperature matching between support and part material prevents the support from delaminating from the part during printing. Set your dual extruder to print both materials at the same bed temperature.
D-limonene requires ventilation — the citrus smell is strong and sustained inhalation irritates respiratory passages. Dissolve in a well-ventilated space. Dispose of saturated d-limonene per local chemical disposal regulations; don’t pour it down the drain.
HIPS as Standalone Material
HIPS is lighter than ABS (density 1.04 vs 1.04 — nearly identical, actually), easy to sand and paint, and accepts standard polystyrene model paints, putties, and fillers. This makes it useful for prop-making, hobby parts, and display models where post-processing to a smooth finish matters. Its ~95°C heat resistance is comparable to ABS. Styrene fumes are the same issue as ABS — ventilation required.
Where HIPS Underperforms
Outdoor applications: HIPS has poor UV resistance, similar to ABS. Use ASA instead. High-stress mechanical parts: HIPS is brittle under impact compared to ABS — “High Impact” in the name refers to the impact-modification of base polystyrene, not comparison to engineering materials. Anything requiring the part to flex: HIPS has low elongation at break.
Temperature
Nozzle: 230–240°C. HIPS prints cleanly at ABS temperatures. Above 245°C you may see increased stringing without improved adhesion.
Bed: 100–110°C, same as ABS. The enclosure requirement is real — HIPS delaminates without chamber temperature control just like ABS.
Enclosure and Ventilation
Enclosure required. HIPS emits styrene during printing — same health considerations as ABS. Print with ventilation: open window, exhaust fan, or enclosure with activated carbon filter.
Bed Adhesion
HIPS bonds similarly to ABS. PEI at 100–110°C works. An ABS-acetone slurry applied to glass also provides strong adhesion. Brim recommended on any part with corners.