HIPS Premium

What is HIPS?

A lightweight, impact-resistant filament suitable as a model material and dissolvable support material.

HIPS stands for High Impact Polystyrene. The material is an impact-resistant variant of polystyrene and is known for its low weight, matte appearance, and good workability. HIPS can be sanded, painted, and glued, making it suitable for prototypes, scale models, and functional parts.

On printers with two material channels, HIPS can also be used as support material for ABS. The HIPS support can be removed after printing with a suitable solvent, such as d-limonene.

Benefits of HIPS

Lightweight
Good impact resistance
Matte and uniform surface
Easy to sand and paint
Suitable for functional parts
Can be used as support material for ABS

Suitable applications

Enclosures and protective covers
Scale models and mock-ups
Functional prototypes
Decorative parts
Lightweight structures
Dissolvable support structures for ABS

HIPS is prone to shrinkage HIPS can warp as it cools. Therefore, preferably use an enclosed print chamber, a heated print bed, and as little fan cooling as possible.

Recommended print settings for HIPS

Start with the values below, then adjust one setting at a time.

Setting	Recommended value	Explanation
Nozzle temperature	230–250 °C	Start at around 240 °C and adjust the temperature based on print speed, layer adhesion, and surface quality.
Print bed	90–110 °C	A heated print bed helps prevent corners from coming loose during printing.
First layer	15–30 mm/s	A slow first layer gives the material enough time to adhere properly to the print bed.
Other layers	40–120 mm/s	The maximum speed depends on the printer, hotend, model size, and desired quality.
First-layer fan	0%	Keep the fan off during the first layer to improve adhesion.
Fan for other layers	0–10%	Use as little cooling as possible. Limited cooling may only be needed for small details and bridges.
Print chamber	Enclosed and warm	A stable temperature around the model reduces warping and cracking between print layers.
Nozzle	From 0.4 mm	A standard brass nozzle is suitable for regular, unfilled HIPS.

Good starting point Set the nozzle to approximately 240 °C, the print bed to 100 °C, and turn off fan cooling. Preheat the enclosed printer for a few minutes before starting the print.

When should you choose HIPS?

HIPS is suitable when a part needs to be lightweight, impact-resistant, and easy to post-process.

HIPS as a model material

For lightweight functional parts
For prototypes that will be sanded
For models that will be painted
For parts with a matte appearance
For housings and covers
For large models with a relatively low weight

HIPS as a support material

For complex ABS models
For internal channels and cavities
For hard-to-reach supports
For a small support gap
For models that must not be damaged
For dual-extrusion or multi-material systems

HIPS or ABS? Both materials have similar printing temperatures. ABS is often chosen for strong technical parts, while HIPS is appealing because of its lower weight, matte appearance, and easy post-processing.

Preparing the printer

A stable temperature and reliable bed adhesion are especially important with HIPS.

Clean the print bed Remove dust, grease, and old adhesive residue. Use a cleaning method suitable for your build plate.

Check the build plate Use a print surface suitable for high bed temperatures and HIPS. If necessary, apply a suitable adhesion layer.

Close the print chamber Keep doors, lids, and panels closed during printing and prevent cold air currents.

Preheat the printer Heat the print bed and allow the temperature in the enclosed print chamber to stabilize first.

Calibrate the first layer Check the bed leveling and adjust the Z-offset precisely.

Check the nozzle Make sure the nozzle is clean and that the filament is extruded evenly and without resistance.

Select an HIPS profile Use the standard or Generic HIPS profile as a starting point and adjust the settings as needed.

How to achieve a good first layer

A good first layer reduces the chance of the HIPS print coming loose or warping during printing.

You can recognize a good first layer by:

The print lines connect neatly to one another
The filament adheres across the entire surface
The lines are pressed flat evenly
No gaps form between the lines
The corners remain flat on the build plate

Check the following when adhesion is poor:

Whether the print bed is clean and free of grease
Whether the Z-offset is set correctly
Whether the print bed is sufficiently warm
Whether the first layer is printed slowly
Whether the fan is turned off during the first layer
Whether cold air is flowing past the printer

Use a brim for larger models A brim of approximately 5 to 15 mm increases the contact area and reduces the chance of the corners lifting.

Why an enclosed print chamber is important

HIPS shrinks as it cools. An enclosed print chamber keeps the temperature around the model more stable.

Benefits of an enclosed printer

Fewer temperature differences
Lower risk of warping
Better adhesion between layers
Lower risk of cracks in tall models
More reliable printing of large parts

Avoid during printing:

Opening doors and panels
An open window next to the printer
Air conditioning directed at the printer
Strong temperature fluctuations
Removing a hot print immediately

Let the part cool down gradually Do not open the print chamber immediately after printing is complete. Allow the part and build plate to cool gradually to reduce warping and deformation.

HIPS as a support material for ABS

HIPS and ABS have similar printing temperatures and can therefore be processed together on suitable printers.

Benefits of HIPS support

Suitable for complex ABS parts
Support possible in internal cavities
Less mechanical post-processing required
Small distance from the model possible
Lower risk of damage during removal
Suitable for support interfaces

Check before use

Whether the printer supports multiple materials
Whether both materials adhere well to each other
The nozzle offset of both extruders
The purge and prime settings
The standby temperature of the unused nozzle
Whether the solvent is suitable and safe to use

Setting	Starting value	Explanation
Model material	ABS	ABS and HIPS have similar processing temperatures.
Support interface	HIPS	Use HIPS for the layers that make direct contact with the ABS model.
Other support	ABS or HIPS	Use fully HIPS support only when truly necessary.
Z support distance	Minimum	Because the support can be dissolved, the contact distance can be set smaller than for breakaway support.
Prime tower	Recommended	Helps stabilize the material flow after a material change.

Use HIPS only where needed For many models, printing only the HIPS support interface is sufficient. The rest of the support structure can then be made from ABS. This saves material and shortens the dissolution time.

Removing HIPS support

HIPS is not water-soluble. A suitable d-limonene-based solvent is generally used to dissolve HIPS.

Remove large pieces of support Carefully break away easily accessible parts. This reduces the amount of material that needs to be dissolved.

Use a suitable container Choose a chemically resistant, sealable container suitable for the solvent being used.

Submerge the part Make sure the HIPS support is sufficiently in contact with the solvent.

Check the part regularly The required time depends on the amount of HIPS, the geometry, and the solvent concentration.

Remove loose residue Carefully remove softened HIPS without damaging the ABS model.

Clean and allow to dry Always follow the solvent supplier's instructions for cleaning and drying.

Work safely with solvents Use d-limonene or another solvent only according to the supplier's instructions. Ensure good ventilation, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and keep the solvent away from heat and ignition sources.

Useful slicer settings

These settings have a significant impact on the part's strength, dimensions, print time, and reliability.

Part	Starting value	Effect
Layer height	0.20 mm	A good balance between quality, layer adhesion, and print speed with a 0.4 mm nozzle.
Wall lines	3–5	More wall lines make functional parts stronger and more robust.
Top and bottom layers	4–6	Creates closed and stronger top and bottom surfaces.
Infill	15–30%	Suitable for most models, enclosures, and functional parts.
Infill for heavily loaded parts	30–50%	Use more infill when the part is subjected to greater mechanical loads.
Brim	5–15 mm	Improves bed adhesion and reduces the chance of corners lifting.
Fan	0–10%	Use as little cooling as possible. Limited cooling may be needed only for bridges and small details.
Print speed	40–120 mm/s	Start slowly and increase the speed only after the material flow and layer adhesion are reliable.

More wall lines often provide greater strength For functional parts, additional wall lines often provide more effective strength than a very high infill percentage.

Adjusting the nozzle temperature

The best HIPS temperature depends on the print speed, nozzle, hotend, and desired layer adhesion.

Temperature may be too low

Poor adhesion between the layers
Rough or matte extrusion
The extruder clicks or skips steps
The part breaks between the layers
The material comes out of the nozzle inconsistently

Temperature may be too high

A lot of stringing or thin threads
Sagging overhangs and bridges
Details merge together
Material leaks from the nozzle during travel moves
The surface becomes unnecessarily glossy or soft

Adjust one setting at a time Change the nozzle temperature in increments of approximately 5 °C. This makes it easier to assess which change improves the print result.

Troubleshooting common HIPS problems

Click a problem to view the possible causes and solutions.

The corners of the print lift up

Clean and degrease the print bed thoroughly.
Use a brim of approximately 5 to 15 mm.
Increase the print bed temperature.
Turn the fan off or set it very low.
Use an enclosed and preheated print chamber.
Prevent cold drafts around the printer.

Cracks form between the layers

Increase the nozzle temperature by 5–10 °C.
Lower the print speed.
Turn off the fan.
Increase the temperature in the print chamber.
Keep doors and panels closed during printing.
Let the print cool slowly after printing.

The print does not adhere to the print bed

Clean the print bed and remove grease.
Check the bed leveling and Z-offset.
Lower the first-layer speed.
Use a bed temperature of approximately 90–110 °C.
Use a suitable adhesion layer for HIPS.
Turn off the fan during the first layer.

The extruder clicks or skips steps

Check whether the nozzle is partially clogged.
Slightly increase the nozzle temperature.
Lower the print speed or volumetric speed.
Check the tension of the extruder gear.
Check that the filament unwinds freely from the spool.

Many strings form between parts

First check that the filament is dry.
Lower the nozzle temperature in 5 °C increments.
Calibrate the retraction settings.
If necessary, increase the travel speed.
Limit unnecessary movements across open spaces.

The surface is rough or contains small holes

Check whether the filament has absorbed moisture.
Dry the filament if necessary.
Calibrate the flow or extrusion multiplier.
Lower the print speed.
Check the nozzle for contamination.

Overhangs and bridges sag

Lower the speed of bridges and overhangs.
Slightly lower the nozzle temperature.
Use limited cooling temporarily only for bridges.
Use support for heavy overhangs.
If necessary, reduce the layer height.

The part deforms while cooling

Let the print cool in the closed printer.
Do not open the print chamber immediately after printing.
Remove the part only after the print bed has cooled.
Avoid large temperature differences.
For large parts, adjust the design or orientation.

HIPS does not adhere well to ABS

Check the temperature of both materials.
Reduce the distance between the support and the model.
Use more support interface layers.
Lower the support interface print speed.
Check the nozzle offset of both extruders.
Use as little cooling as possible.

The two materials mix together

Use a prime tower or purge tower.
Increase the purge volume after a material change.
Check the retraction and wipe settings.
Check whether the unused nozzle is leaking.
Lower the standby temperature of the unused nozzle.

The HIPS support dissolves slowly

Remove large pieces of support manually first.
Use HIPS only for the support interface.
Check that the solution used is suitable for HIPS.
Move the solvent carefully according to the instructions.
Replace the solution when it is saturated or heavily contaminated.

Post-processing HIPS

HIPS can be sanded, primed, painted, and glued easily.

Mechanical post-processing

Remove support carefully
Start with coarser sandpaper
Work gradually toward a finer grit
Use low pressure to prevent heat buildup
Remove sanding dust before painting

Painting and gluing

Clean the surface and remove dust
Use a primer suitable for plastic
Test paint or adhesive on a scrap piece first
Apply several thin coats
Allow each layer to dry sufficiently

Print a test piece first Not every primer, paint, or adhesive reacts the same way with HIPS. Therefore, first test the selected product on a small printed part.

Storing and drying HIPS

HIPS can absorb moisture from the air. Moist filament can reduce extrusion and surface quality.

Storing HIPS properly

Store the spool in a sealed bag or drybox
Use sufficient active desiccant
Store the filament in a dry place
Do not leave the spool open unnecessarily long
Close the packaging immediately after use

Signs of moist HIPS

Crackling or popping sounds
Small holes in the print surface
Rough or inconsistent extrusion
More stringing than normal
Reduced interlayer adhesion

Use a suitable filament dryer Dry HIPS according to the current technical data sheet. Check that both the filament dryer and the spool are suitable for the set temperature.

Material properties of TM3D HIPS

The information below provides a general overview of the material.

Material	High Impact Polystyrene, abbreviated HIPS
Filament diameter	1.75 mm or 2.85 mm, depending on the selected version
Key properties	Lightweight, impact-resistant, matte, and easy to post-process
Recommended nozzle temperature	Approximately 230–250 °C
Recommended print bed temperature	Approximately 90–110 °C
Recommended fan	0–10%
Enclosed print chamber	Strongly recommended
Suitable nozzle	Standard brass nozzle for normal, unfilled HIPS
Support combination	Can be used as support material for ABS with suitable printers
Applications	Prototypes, enclosures, scale models, lightweight functional parts, and dissolvable support structures

The exact properties and recommended settings may vary by color, product variant, printer, and test method. For technical applications, always consult the current technical data sheet.

Safe printing with HIPS

Ensure a safe and well-ventilated workspace when printing with HIPS.

Ensure adequate ventilation or suitable air extraction.
Preferably do not place the printer in a living or sleeping area.
Do not touch the hot nozzle or heated print bed.
Do not leave a printer running unattended unnecessarily.
Keep the printer away from flammable materials.
Do not automatically use printed parts for food contact, medical applications, or safety-critical applications.
Refer to the safety data sheet for additional product information.

Ventilation remains important An enclosed print chamber improves print quality, but does not replace proper ventilation or air extraction in the room where the printer is located.

Pay extra attention to solvents When dissolving HIPS, always follow the safety data sheet and the solvent supplier’s instructions. Dispose of used liquids and material residues according to applicable regulations.

Frequently asked questions about HIPS

Can I print TM3D HIPS with a standard HIPS profile?

Yes. Choose your printer's standard or Generic HIPS profile as a starting point. Then check that the nozzle temperature, bed temperature, and cooling match the recommended settings for TM3D HIPS.

Do I need an enclosed printer for HIPS?

An enclosed printer is strongly recommended. A stable temperature around the model reduces warping and lowers the risk of cracking between print layers.

Can HIPS be used as a standard model material?

Yes. HIPS can be used for prototypes, models, enclosures, and lightweight functional parts. The material has a matte appearance and is easy to sand and paint.

Can HIPS be used as a support material?

Yes. HIPS can be used as a support material for ABS with suitable multi-material systems. The materials have similar printing temperatures, and the HIPS support can be removed afterward with a suitable solvent.

Is HIPS soluble in water?

No. HIPS is not water-soluble. A suitable d-limonene-based solvent is generally used for dissolving it. Always follow the supplier's safety instructions.

What is the difference between HIPS and ABS?

HIPS and ABS have similar printing temperatures. HIPS is often lighter, has a matte appearance, and is easy to finish. ABS is often chosen when mechanical strength and temperature resistance are more important.

Why is my HIPS print warping?

Warping is caused by shrinkage and temperature differences. Use a heated print bed, an enclosed and preheated print chamber, a suitable adhesion layer, and a brim for larger models.

Should the fan be on or off with HIPS?

Preferably turn normal fan cooling off or set it very low. Excessive cooling can cause poor layer adhesion, warping, and cracking. Limited cooling may only be needed temporarily for bridges.

Which nozzle can I use?

For standard, unfilled HIPS, a standard 0.4 mm brass nozzle is a good choice. Filled or abrasive variants may require a wear-resistant nozzle.

Can HIPS be used outdoors?

HIPS can be used for temporary outdoor applications, but it is not the best choice for long-term exposure to sunlight and weather. ASA is generally more suitable for permanent outdoor use.

Why does the filament crackle during printing?

Crackling and small bubbles usually indicate moisture in the filament. Dry the spool according to the current technical data sheet and then store it in an airtight container.

The most important HIPS settings