HIPS: density, print temperature and when to choose it

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) prints almost like ABS — the same temperatures, the same enclosure — but dissolves in d-limonene, which is why its main role in 3D printing is as a dissolvable support for ABS models with geometry ordinary supports can't reach.

Key properties

When to use it

• Dissolvable supports for ABS models with internal cavities/overhangs that can't be reached after printing.
• Lightweight rigid parts where impact strength beyond what HIPS itself provides isn't critical.
• Prototypes where easy machining matters (sands and glues more easily than ABS).

When to pick something else

• You need a soluble support for a PLA model — HIPS dissolves in limonene, not water; for PLA, PVA is usually more convenient.
• Printing without a second extruder/AMS for multi-material printing with ABS — printing plain HIPS for its own sake is rarely worthwhile; ABS or PETG is the usual choice.
• No access to limonene and ventilation for its fumes — dissolution takes hours and requires a ventilated space.

Pros and cons

Pros: dissolves in limonene without damaging the ABS part; prints with the same settings as ABS — no profile change needed when switching extruders; lightweight (lower density than most engineering plastics).

Cons: requires an enclosure and a 90°C+ bed, like ABS; releases styrene while printing — ventilation needed; dissolving in limonene is not a fast process (hours), and limonene has a smell.

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How it affects your print cost

If HIPS is used as a support, its consumption is usually small relative to the main part — but budget for TWO materials (ABS/PETG + HIPS) and post-processing time (dissolution), not just filament volume. As a standalone print material HIPS is rarely chosen, and its print cost is comparable to ABS.