3DXTech 3DXMAX HIPS High-Impact Polystyrene — Low-Gloss Parts & Break-Away ABS Support
High-Impact Polystyrene — Low-Gloss Parts & Break-Away ABS Support
A USA-made HIPS that does double duty: a low-gloss, nearly-layer-line-free standalone material, and the classic break-away support for ABS. Made from 100% virgin high-impact polystyrene, it prints easily, barely absorbs moisture (no dry box needed), and takes very little setup to get right. Run it as your model material, or on the second nozzle to support ABS parts and snap away cleanly afterward. Full specifications →
Choose diameter and reel size above. Need a print profile or help pairing HIPS support with your ABS model? Call (248) 707-2950.
USA-made HIPS, with a real datasheet behind it.
3DXTech compounds 3DXMAX HIPS in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 100% virgin high-impact polystyrene, with a published technical data sheet and lot traceability — consistent print behaviour, spool after spool. Rev1 Technologies is your authorized 3DXTech reseller and US support partner, Auburn Hills, Michigan.
A standalone material and an ABS support — both.
HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) is one of the most versatile everyday filaments. As a standalone material it prints with a distinctive low-gloss, nearly invisible layer-line finish, stays dimensionally honest, and — unusually for a printable plastic — barely absorbs moisture, so you can leave it out of the dry box. As a support material it’s the classic partner for ABS: printed from the second nozzle of a dual-extruder machine, it holds overhangs through the build and then breaks away by hand, with the option of a limonene bath for complex internal geometry. 3DXMAX HIPS gives you both roles in a genuine USA-made spool that takes very little setup to dial in.
18% elongation — it bends before it breaks.
High-impact polystyrene brings toughness that brittle supports lack.
With 18% elongation at break and a 40 MPa tensile strength, HIPS tolerates handling and post-processing — useful whether it’s the finished part or a support you’re snapping off. Its low density (1.04 g/cc) also makes it one of the lighter filaments, so large parts stay handleable.
The numbers behind the spool.
All figures from the 3DXTech 3DXMAX HIPS technical data sheet (TDS Rev 3.0) — see the full TDS for test methods and standards.
Break strength on printed specimens (ISO 527) — solid for a general-purpose material.
Real ductility (ISO 527) — parts and supports bend and handle rather than shattering.
With a 1,600 MPa flexural modulus (ISO 178) for everyday stiffness.
A useful thermal window (DSC) with 80 °C heat deflection at 0.45 MPa (ISO 75).
One of the lightest filaments (ISO 1183) — more length per kilogram, lighter parts.
HIPS barely absorbs moisture — no dry box required for reliable prints.
Prints like ABS — a little friendlier.
HIPS runs in the ABS temperature neighbourhood and appreciates an enclosure on large parts. Confirm exact ranges against the TDS.
Unfilled — any standard brass nozzle works, no hardened nozzle needed.
A heated bed with adhesive keeps first layers down — ABS-style bed prep works well.
An enclosure helps control warp on big prints, as with ABS.
As an ABS support, run HIPS from the second nozzle of a dual-extruder or IDEX printer.
HIPS supports break away by hand, or dissolve in limonene for complex internal geometry.
Low moisture uptake means simple storage — keep it clean and it prints reliably.
Model material or support — your call.
The two roles HIPS is built for, plus where it shines in each.
Check the reel fits your printer.
Standard spool dimensions — confirm it fits your printer.
3DXTech ships 3DXMAX HIPS on consistent, standard reels.
Before you buy, check the outer diameter, width, and center bore against your printer’s spool holder — especially for the 4 kg reel, which is larger than a 1 kg spool. Open the full 3DXTech reel infographic for exact dimensions.
View reel dimensions →HIPS vs. other supports and low-gloss materials.
Where HIPS sits against the alternatives — confirm exact figures against each TDS.
| 3DXMAX HIPS | PVA support | Neat ABS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support removal | Break away / limonene | Dissolve in water | — |
| Moisture uptake | Low — no dry box | Very high (hygroscopic) | Moderate |
| Doubles as model material | Yes — low-gloss finish | No | Yes |
| Pairs with | ABS model material | PLA / PETG models | HIPS support |
| Best for | ABS supports + low-gloss parts | Complex internal channels (low-temp) | Durable model parts |
Qualitative comparison; confirm exact properties against each TDS. Availability and pricing vary by option and date.
3DXTech 3DXMAX HIPS Technical Data
RESOURCES
Datasheets & Print Support
Everything you need to qualify and print 3DXMAX HIPS.
WHY REV1 TECH
Authorized 3DXTech Reseller. Materials Specialists.
Rev1 Technologies is an authorized 3DXTech reseller in Auburn Hills, MI, supplying genuine USA-made filament with real print support.
We help you pick the right material, pair support with model, and keep production running.
FAQ
3DXTech 3DXMAX HIPS — Common Questions
Is HIPS a support material or a model material?
Both. It’s the classic break-away support for ABS on dual-extruder printers, and it also prints as a standalone low-gloss material with nearly invisible layer lines.
How do I remove HIPS support?
Break it away by hand for most geometry, or dissolve it in limonene for complex internal channels where hand removal isn’t practical.
Does it need a dry box?
No — HIPS barely absorbs moisture, which is one of its advantages. Keep it clean and it prints reliably without special drying.
What temperatures does it print at?
HIPS runs in the ABS neighbourhood with a heated bed, and benefits from an enclosure on large parts. See the TDS and dial in for your printer.
Do I need a special nozzle?
No — it’s unfilled, so a standard brass nozzle works. No hardened nozzle required.
What sizes and diameters are available?
1.75 mm and 2.85 mm, each in 1 kg and 4 kg reels, in Natural. Pick the diameter and reel size in the buy-box.
What model material pairs with it?
ABS — the classic HIPS-support pairing. Rev1 stocks 3DXMAX ABS as the model material; order both and print supported ABS parts.
Is it made in the USA?
Yes — 3DXTech compounds 3DXMAX HIPS in its Grand Rapids, Michigan facility from 100% virgin high-impact polystyrene, with a published technical data sheet.
Can Rev1 help me set it up?
Yes. Tell us your printer and whether you want a model or support material and our team confirms fit and quotes the right reel. Call (248) 707-2950.