HIPS filament properties
Data taken from 5 datasheets from manufacturers in Spain, Europe, the United States and China, reviewed on October 26, 2026. The shaded bar marks the median of the declared values and each colored tick is a different datasheet. The scales are the same across the whole library, so you can compare materials at a glance.
HIPS temperature and print settings
| Setting | Typical value | Range in datasheets |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 230–248 °C | 230–250 °C |
| Bed | 85–102 °C | 80–110 °C |
| Print speed | 35–75 mm/s | 30–100 mm/s |
HIPS vs ABS, PVA, and PLA: comparison
Medians from each material's datasheets. Click a material to see its full range.
Meters of HIPS per spool
Calculated with the median density from the datasheets (1.04 g/cm³). Real spools can vary by a few meters because of diameter tolerance.
What is HIPS filament
HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) is polystyrene modified with rubber to make it less brittle. It is a lightweight plastic with a matte finish, easy to sand and paint, widely used in packaging, models and housings. The 5 datasheets analyzed print it with the nozzle at 230–248 °C and the bed at 85–102 °C, conditions very similar to those of ABS.
Its median density is 1.04 g/cm³, one of the lowest in the library, so a 1 kg spool of 1.75 mm gives about 400 meters.
HIPS as a limonene-soluble support
HIPS dissolves in d-limonene, a solvent extracted from citrus peel, while ABS does not. That makes it the natural support material for ABS parts printed with a dual extruder: they print at similar temperatures and, when finished, the part is submerged in limonene until the support disappears. The process is slower than with PVA in water, and limonene must be handled with gloves and ventilation.
With other materials, HIPS also works as a support that you break away by hand, because it bonds poorly to them.
HIPS as a material for parts
Besides support, HIPS is used on its own for models, packaging prototypes and large lightweight parts. It warps somewhat less than ABS when printing, its matte surface hides the layers and it takes paint well. Its median tensile strength (25 MPa) is lower than that of ABS, so it is not the material for parts under stress.
Frequently asked questions about HIPS filament
What dissolves HIPS?
d-limonene. Water doesn't affect it, unlike PVA.
What is the difference between HIPS and ABS?
They print in a similar way, but HIPS is lighter, more matte and less strong, and it dissolves in limonene. ABS is tougher and withstands more stress.