A Comprehensive Guide to HIPS Filament

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on HIPS filament! If you’re new to 3D printing or looking to explore new materials, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore the main features and benefits of HIPS filament, as well as its applications in various industries. We will also provide you with tips and tricks for successful printing with HIPS, ensuring that you achieve the best results possible.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D printer enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to make the most out of HIPS filament. So, let’s dive in and discover the world of HIPS filament together!

What is HIPS Plastic?

HIPS, which stands for High Impact Polystyrene, is a versatile and cost-effective plastic material that is commonly used in 3D printing. It is a low-cost plastic that is easy to machine and fabricate, making it a popular choice for various applications. HIPS is a modified form of polystyrene, a naturally transparent thermoplastic material.

Main Features and Benefits of HIPS Filament

HIPS filament offers a range of impressive features and benefits that make it a popular choice for 3D printing. Here are some of the main features and benefits of HIPS filament:

Good Impact Resistance: HIPS filament is known for its excellent impact resistance, making it a durable and reliable choice for 3D printing projects. This feature ensures that your printed parts can withstand external forces without breaking or cracking.

Solubility in d-Limonene: One of the standout features of HIPS filament is its ability to be dissolved in d-Limonene. This makes it an ideal support material for ABS prints, as it can be easily removed without leaving any marks or residue on the final print.

Cost-Effective and Easy to Print: HIPS filament is a cost-effective option for 3D printing, making it a popular choice for both hobbyists and professionals. It is also easy to print with, allowing for hassle-free and efficient printing processes.

Excellent Aesthetic Qualities: HIPS filament produces prints with a matte surface finish that is pleasant to touch. This aesthetic quality adds a professional and polished look to your 3D printed objects.

Wide Range of Applications: HIPS filament is versatile and can be used in various applications, including prototyping, home appliances, toys, and product packaging. Its dimensional stability and ease of fabrication, painting, and gluing make it a go-to choice for many different projects.

Overall, HIPS filament combines strength, durability, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for 3D printing projects that require impact resistance and reliable support structures. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, HIPS filament offers a range of features and benefits that will enhance your 3D printing experience.

Applications of HIPS Filament

HIPS filament is a versatile material that finds applications in various industries. Its excellent dimensional stability, low cost, and ease of fabrication make it a popular choice for a wide range of projects. Here are some common applications of HIPS filament:

Prototyping: HIPS is commonly used for machining pre-production prototypes. Its dimensional stability allows for accurate and precise prints, making it ideal for testing and evaluating designs.

Support Material: HIPS works exceptionally well as a support material, especially when paired with ABS. It can be easily dissolved in d-Limonene, leaving behind a clean and smooth surface on the main print. This makes it a preferred choice for complex prints that require support structures.

Home Appliances: HIPS is widely used in the fabrication of home appliances due to its durability and impact resistance. It is commonly found in components such as refrigerator interiors, washing machine parts, and vacuum cleaner housings.

Toys: HIPS is a popular material for manufacturing toys due to its low cost and ease of fabrication. It offers good impact resistance, making it suitable for toys that may undergo rough handling.

Product Packaging: HIPS has excellent environmental stress crack resistance, making it suitable for packaging fatty foods such as butter and foam meat trays. Its low cost and aesthetic qualities make it an attractive option for product packaging in various industries.

Electronic Components: HIPS is also used in the fabrication of electronic components such as casings and housings. Its electrical insulating properties and ease of fabrication make it a reliable choice for these applications.

These are just a few examples of the many applications of HIPS filament. Its versatility, affordability, and ease of use make it a valuable material for a wide range of projects in various industries. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, HIPS filament is worth considering for your 3D printing needs.

Tips and Tricks for Printing with HIPS

When it comes to printing with HIPS filament, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some expert recommendations to ensure a successful print:

Optimal Printing Temperatures:To achieve the best results with HIPS filament, it is recommended to set your hot end temperature to 220-250°C. Additionally, maintain a bed temperature of 90-110°C. These temperature settings will ensure proper melting and adhesion of the filament.

Bed Adhesion:To improve bed adhesion, consider using a mixture of ABS and acetone to create an ABS slurry. Apply this mixture to your build surface before printing. This will help the HIPS filament adhere to the bed and prevent warping or lifting during the print.

Build Surface:HIPS filament can be printed on various build surfaces, including Kapton tape, PET sheets, and glass plates. Experiment with different surfaces to find the one that works best for your specific printer and filament combination.

Print Speed:The recommended print speed for HIPS filament falls within the range of 35-60 mm/s. However, keep in mind that the optimal speed may vary depending on the filament brand and ambient conditions. Adjust the print speed accordingly to achieve the desired print quality.

Printer Enclosure:While not required, using a printer enclosure can help maintain a stable printing environment, especially for larger prints. This can help prevent temperature fluctuations and improve overall print quality.

By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure a smooth and successful printing experience with HIPS filament. Remember to experiment and adjust settings as needed to achieve the best results for your specific printer and project.

Best HIPS Filament Brands

When it comes to choosing the right HIPS filament for your 3D printing needs, it’s important to consider the different brands available on the market. Each brand offers its own unique features and qualities that can affect the quality of your prints. In this section, we will compare some of the top HIPS filament brands to help you make an informed decision.

1. The Gizmo HIPS Filament described has a 1.75mm diameter and comes in a 1kg spool. It boasts precise filament roundness with a variance of +/- 0.07mm and filament diameter tolerance of +/- 0.05mm, ensuring consistent flow and quality in prints. The recommended printing temperature for this filament ranges from 210 to 230°C, which may vary depending on the 3D printer model. This filament is versatile and compatible with a wide array of 3D printers, including those from RepRap, Makerbot, Afinia, and Solidoodle, as long as they support standard spool based filament feeding systems.

2. This BUMAT high-performance filament is manufactured from the highest quality materials to ensure superior printing results. It’s environmentally friendly, made from bio-degradable materials, aligning with eco-conscious printing practices. The filament is designed for all FFF/FDM 3D printers that use PLA material. It has the unique feature of being thermochromic – changing color with temperature variations. When the temperature rises above 33°C, the lines turn yellow; when it drops below 33°C, they turn orange. The intensity of the color lightens as the temperature increases. This filament is particularly well-suited for creating objects that need to visually indicate changes in environmental temperature.

3. The filament described has a diameter of 1.75 mm and comes in a spool weighing 2.2 pounds (approximately 1 kilogram). It is compatible with a range of Flashforge 3D printers, specifically the Creator Max, Creator Pro, Creator 3, Guider 2, and Guider 2S models. This standard size and weight make it a versatile choice for users of these Flashforge 3D printers.

4. This 3D printing filament is designed with premium quality, specifically engineered HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) material to minimize jamming, ensuring reliable printing. It is packaged in an extra-dry condition, within a vacuum-sealed, resealable ziploc bag that includes silica gel to protect the filament from humidity and dust, thus preserving its quality and performance. The filament is soluble in D Limonene, making it ideal for creating lightweight parts that require easy post-processing as the supports can be dissolved away effortlessly. It’s also broadly compatible with most open material 3D printers, providing versatility for users with different 3D printing setups.

It’s important to note that the performance and compatibility of HIPS filament can vary depending on your specific 3D printer model. It’s recommended to check with your printer manufacturer or consult user reviews to ensure compatibility with the chosen brand.

In conclusion, when comparing HIPS filament brands, it’s crucial to consider factors such as print temperature, bed temperature, cooling fans, diameter accuracy, roundness accuracy, moisture content, density, and melt mass-flow rate. By choosing the right brand for your specific needs, you can ensure high-quality prints and a smooth printing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HIPS filament offers a combination of strength, durability, and ease of use that makes it an excellent choice for 3D printing projects. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, HIPS filament provides the versatility and reliability needed to bring your ideas to life. So, dive into the world of HIPS filament and unlock the endless possibilities of 3D printing!