HIPS Filament
The classic ABS companion. HIPS is a light, rigid plastic that doubles as a dissolvable support material — it prints at ABS temperatures and washes away in limonene, leaving clean ABS parts with fully supported internal geometry.
What is HIPS filament?
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a lightweight, rigid, impact-modified styrene plastic. In 3D printing it plays two roles: a dissolvable support material for ABS, and a low-cost model material for light, machinable, paintable parts.
Its key trick is solubility in d-limonene (a citrus solvent) that leaves ABS untouched — so a dual-extrusion ABS+HIPS print can have HIPS supports dissolved away, revealing clean overhangs and enclosed cavities. HIPS prints at ABS-like temperatures and, like ABS, benefits from an enclosure to avoid warping.
HIPS vs PVA vs breakaway support — how to choose
All three support overhangs; the difference is the removal method:
Use HIPS specifically when the model material is ABS; use PVA for PLA/PETG parts.
Printing HIPS successfully
- Nozzle ~230–245 °C, bed 90–110 °C — essentially ABS settings.
- Use an enclosure to prevent warping, just like ABS.
- Dual-extrusion for support — print ABS as the model, HIPS as support, then dissolve in limonene.
- Handle limonene safely — ventilate and use appropriate gloves during dissolving.
- Ventilate — HIPS emits styrene fumes while printing.
HIPS brands stocked at Rev1
Rev1 Technologies stocks HIPS from multiple brands, all shipped from Auburn Hills, Michigan with real phone support. Use the brand filter below to narrow the range, or call (248) 707-2950 for spec, bulk, and color-match help.