The Invisible Ally of Complex Prints
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) holds a unique place in the 3D printing filament ecosystem, playing a dual role as a structural material and as a soluble support. Initially developed as a primary material with high impact resistance, it found its true calling as the ideal companion in dual extrusion systems. Its ability to dissolve in limonene makes it the elegant solution for geometries that challenge traditional support methods.
What makes HIPS special is its chemical compatibility with limonene, a solvent derived from citrus that disintegrates the material without affecting most other filaments. This feature allows for the creation of intricate support structures that can be completely removed without leaving marks or requiring manual tools. For designers working with organic shapes or internal cavities, it represents the difference between the impossible and the printable.
Technical Properties of HIPS
- Complete solubility in limonene without damaging other materials like ABS
- High impact resistance and rigidity when used as a primary material
- Excellent layer adhesion and bed adhesion
- Printing temperature similar to ABS between 230°C and 250°C
The Art of Soluble Supports
Using HIPS as a support material requires mastering dual extrusion print settings and understanding the particularities of the material interface. The key to success lies in perfectly calibrating the distance between the two nozzles and adjusting the print speed to ensure optimal adhesion between the primary material and the supports. When set up correctly, the result is parts with impeccable surfaces in areas that would normally be damaged by conventional supports.
HIPS redefines what's possible in 3D printing by eliminating the geometric limitations of traditional supports
The dissolution process transforms the post-printing experience into a almost magical ritual where the support structures simply disappear. Submerging the part in a limonene bath for several hours allows the HIPS to dissolve completely, revealing the final geometry in all its splendor. This method is particularly valuable for internal channels, extreme overhang structures, and assemblies that require tight tolerances.
Applications Where HIPS is Indispensable
- Parts with complex internal geometries and inaccessible channels
- Medical and dental prototypes requiring perfect surfaces
- Aerospace components with internal support structures
- 3D printed jewelry with fine details and intricate cavities
The versatility of HIPS keeps it as a reference material in professional environments where surface quality and geometric complexity are priorities. Although it requires investment in dual extrusion equipment and solvent handling, its ability to produce otherwise impossible results fully justifies the learning curve. 🧪
Using HIPS is like having a magical assistant that builds invisible scaffolds: it does all the dirty work and then disappears without a trace. ✨
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