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All about Hips filaments

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

What is HIPS filament?

High Impact Polystyrene, or HIPS filament, is polystyrene in which extra additives have been incorporated. HIPS filament is often used as base filament or support material. Because of this, it is mainly used with printers with a dual extruder. HIPS filament is soluble in limonene, so you can easily remove the support material from the print.

Main properties of HIPS filament:

  • Suitable as a support and base material
  • Print temperature 220°C - 240°C
  • Print bed temperature 90°C - 110°C
  • Soluble in limonene
  • Food safe
  • Easy to paint and edit
HIPS filament op spoel
                                                
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You can compare HIPS filament with ABS filament in terms of properties. Both filaments need the same printing temperature and a heated bed to ensure that your 3D print does not warp. If you have a 3D printer with two extruders or a dual-feed system, you can use HIPS filament to support your ABS or PLA 3D print. This allows you to realize 3D projects that would not be possible with an FDM/FFF printer.

 

Polystyrene is a widely used thermoplastic, known from disposable cups and CD covers, among other things. Due to the extra additions to this material, HIPS filament is stronger than standard polystyrene.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of HIPS filament?                                                      

Advantages HIPS filament Disadvantages HIPS filament
Strong Heated bed required
Lighweight  There is a strong plastic smell during printing, which makes good ventilation important
Fairly flexible
Food safe
Soluble in limonene
Water-resistant

Tips for printing with HIPS filament:

  • The exact print temperature for HIPS filament is determined by the type of hot end you use, the print speed and the desired appearance. Therefore, print a small test object when using it for the first time, so that you can determine the correct print temperature.

  • To print with HIPS filament as a support material, your 3D printer must be able to print with two materials at the same time.

  • Preferably combine HIPS with ABS. The limonene with which you can dissolve HIPS can damage other filaments. However, ABS is resistant to this, because it is only soluble in acetone. In addition, the printing temperature of both materials is almost the same, which makes printing with these two materials easier.

  • With Kapton tape you create an ideal printing surface for your HIPS filament 3D projects. 
  • Order a HIPS filament sample package to get acquainted with this filament.

HIPS filament in many colours: 

You can easily order HIPS filament with diameters of 1.75mm and 2.85mm online at 123-3D.co.uk!

 
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