- High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) Review: Must-Have Affordable Support Material
- What is High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)?
- Why Choose HIPS as Your Support Material?
- 1. Cost-Effectiveness
- 2. Easy Removal with Limonene
- 3. Good Mechanical Properties
- 4. Compatibility with ABS and ASA
- Printing with High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
- Applications Beyond Support Structures
- Potential Downsides of HIPS
- Conclusion
High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) Review: Must-Have Affordable Support Material
High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) has become an essential component in the 3D printing community, widely recognized as a must-have affordable support material. Its unique properties make it an excellent partner for a variety of filament types, especially for complex prints that require intricate support structures. This review dives deep into the characteristics, advantages, and practical applications of HIPS, helping you understand why it stands out as a preferred choice among hobbyists and professionals alike.
What is High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)?
High-Impact Polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer known for its toughness, rigidity, and versatility. Unlike regular polystyrene, HIPS is modified by the addition of rubber particles, which significantly improve its impact resistance, making it less brittle and more durable. This polymer is widely used in packaging, disposable cutlery, toys, and most importantly, as a support material in 3D printing.
One of the most advantageous features of HIPS is its solubility in limonene, a natural solvent derived from citrus peels. This property allows HIPS supports to be easily dissolved away after printing, especially when paired with ABS or other compatible filaments, providing clean and smooth finishes on complex models.
Why Choose HIPS as Your Support Material?
When it comes to 3D printing, choosing the right support material is crucial to the quality and post-processing time of your prints. HIPS offers several benefits that make it an attractive choice:
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to many specialty support filaments such as PVA, HIPS is relatively inexpensive and widely available. Its lower cost means you don’t have to worry too much about material waste during experimental prints or prototypes, making it a practical choice for both beginners and experienced users.
2. Easy Removal with Limonene
HIPS supports can be dissolved in limonene, which is environmentally friendly and less harsh than other industrial solvents. Unlike break-away supports that require careful mechanical removal, limonene can gently dissolve the support structures, preserving delicate details and reducing post-processing labor significantly.
3. Good Mechanical Properties
Due to its high impact resistance, HIPS is not only useful as a support filament but can also be employed in functional parts. When used as supports, it maintains structural integrity during printing, preventing debris or warps in overhangs or complex geometries.
4. Compatibility with ABS and ASA
HIPS works exceptionally well with ABS and ASA filaments, commonly used for durable and heat-resistant parts. Since it prints at similar temperature ranges and has compatible adhesion properties, it’s the go-to support material for these filaments, allowing multi-material prints without warping or detaching.
Printing with High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
To get the best results with HIPS, certain printing parameters and practices should be observed:
– Temperature Settings: Optimal extrusion temperature ranges between 230°C to 250°C. Bed temperature should be set around 100°C to ensure good adhesion without warping.
– Bed Adhesion: Like ABS, HIPS adheres well to a heated glass bed or PEI sheet. Using a glue stick or ABS slurry can improve first-layer adhesion if necessary.
– Print Speed: Moderate print speeds, typically between 40-60 mm/s, help maintain precision and surface quality.
– Solvent Use: After printing, the object with its HIPS supports should be soaked in limonene. Duration depends on support thickness but generally ranges from minutes to a few hours.
Many users find that incorporating a dual-extruder 3D printer significantly enhances workflow with HIPS, allowing simultaneous printing of model and support materials without manual swapping.
Applications Beyond Support Structures
Though primarily famous as a support material, HIPS has standalone applications in 3D printing and beyond. It can be printed as a lightweight, yet rigid component for prototypes or artistic models. Its surface easily accepts paints and coatings, making post-processing and finishing straightforward.
Moreover, industries often utilize HIPS in manufacturing promotional items, architectural models, and prototypes due to its affordability and ease of handling.
Potential Downsides of HIPS
While HIPS offers many benefits, it has a few limitations you must consider:
– Environmental Concerns: Although limonene is environmentally friendly, HIPS itself is derived from petroleum-based sources and is not biodegradable.
– Storage Sensitivity: Like ABS, HIPS can absorb moisture from the air, which may cause print defects. Proper storage in sealed containers or with desiccants is recommended.
– Less Popular with Beginners: Limited by the need for solvent post-processing, beginners unfamiliar with limonene handling may find PVA easier to use initially.
Conclusion
High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) earns its reputation as a must-have affordable support material thanks to its balance of cost, performance, and ease of removal. Whether you are printing complicated ABS parts or seeking a reliable dual-extruder setup, HIPS provides an efficient way to produce clean, detailed prints without costly or cumbersome cleanup steps. As with any material, understanding its best practices and limitations will maximize your 3D printing success, making HIPS a valuable addition to your filament collection.