eSUN HIPS Filament

eSUN HIPS is a High Impact Polystyrene filament for FDM/FFF 3D printing. It can be used both as a standalone engineering plastic and as a dissolvable support material for complex models. The key feature of HIPS is its solubility in limonene, which makes it useful for printing supports in models with complex geometry, internal cavities, overhangs and hard-to-reach areas.

In printing behavior, HIPS is close to ABS: it requires high nozzle temperature, a heated bed, no active part cooling and preferably an enclosed chamber. With correct settings, eSUN HIPS produces strong, impact-resistant parts with good heat resistance and stable geometry. As a support material, HIPS is especially useful on dual-extruder and multi-nozzle 3D printers, where the main material is printed with one nozzle and the supports are printed with HIPS, which is later dissolved in limonene.

What is HIPS

HIPS stands for High Impact Polystyrene. It is a plastic with good rigidity, impact toughness and heat resistance. In 3D printing, HIPS is valued for two main reasons: it prints well in an ABS-like temperature range and it dissolves in limonene, making it convenient for dissolvable supports.

If a model has deep internal channels, complex overhangs, enclosed cavities or areas where normal supports cannot be removed cleanly by hand or tools, HIPS can solve the problem. After printing, the model is placed into limonene, the HIPS gradually dissolves, and the main part remains without rough marks from mechanical support removal. Limonene is a solvent, so it should be used in a ventilated area with gloves and eye protection.

✅ Key advantages of eSUN HIPS

• Limonene solubility: HIPS can be used as a dissolvable support material for complex models.
• Good compatibility with ABS-like printing: the material prints at high temperatures and works well in enclosed chambers.
• Impact resistance: HIPS is suitable not only for supports but also for strong technical parts.
• Heat resistance: the material withstands higher temperatures than standard PLA.
• Smooth contact surface: with proper support settings, the model surface after dissolving can be cleaner.
• Suitable for complex geometry: useful for internal channels, deep cavities and enclosed areas.
• Black and White colors: choose black or white HIPS depending on the task, visual style or model type.
• 1.75 mm diameter: compatible with most modern FDM/FFF 3D printers.

Available eSUN HIPS colors

The eSUN HIPS category includes two basic technical colors: black and white. Both are suitable for supports and functional parts, but they are used differently in visual applications.

📐 Technical specifications

📊 Physical and mechanical properties

⚙️ Recommended Printing Parameters

eSUN HIPS printing recommendations

• Print HIPS in an enclosed chamber or at least protect the model from drafts.
• Use a 100–115 ℃ heated bed to reduce warping and corner lifting.
• Turn off part cooling or keep the fan at 0%, especially for large parts.
• Do not print HIPS in a cold room: rapid temperature changes may cause warping and cracking.
• For large models, use a brim, raft or additional bed adhesion.
• When printing HIPS as support, set the support-model distance to 0.
• Print the first contact layer more slowly to improve bonding with the main model.
• Use a dual-extruder or multi-nozzle printer for complex support applications.
• Dissolve HIPS in limonene only in a ventilated area.
• Do not pour limonene and dissolved plastic into drains; dispose of the solvent according to local rules.

HIPS as a dissolvable support material

The main advantage of HIPS is that it can be used as dissolvable support. This is especially useful when normal supports cannot be removed by hand or tools without damaging the part. HIPS supports are printed together with the main model and then dissolved in limonene.

When using HIPS as a support material, temperature compatibility is important. HIPS is best suited for materials printed in a high-temperature range, such as ABS and some technical plastics. For PLA, other support materials are usually used because PLA prints at much lower temperatures.

Best applications for eSUN HIPS

• 🧩 Dissolvable supports for ABS, PETG and other materials with a suitable temperature range.
• ⚙️ Complex models with internal channels, enclosed cavities and hard-to-reach areas.
• 🏗️ Engineering prototypes, housings, technical parts and mockups.
• 🧪 Test models for checking design and assembly.
• 🔩 Parts requiring rigidity, impact resistance and higher heat resistance than PLA.
• 🎨 Models for post-processing, sanding, painting or assembly.
• 🛠️ Auxiliary parts, templates, holders and technical blanks.
• 📦 Housing prototypes and products with ABS-like print settings.

HIPS vs ABS vs PVA vs PLA

3D printer compatibility

eSUN HIPS is compatible with FDM/FFF 3D printers using 1.75 mm filament, supporting a 230–270 ℃ nozzle temperature range and a 100–115 ℃ heated bed. For stable printing, an enclosed chamber or a printer housing that keeps heat around the model is recommended.

The material can be printed on Bambu Lab, Creality, Prusa, Anycubic, Elegoo, Sovol, QIDI, Flashforge and other FDM/FFF 3D printers if the printer supports the required temperature, heated bed and draft protection. For using HIPS as dissolvable support, a dual-extruder or multi-nozzle printer is recommended.

Dissolving HIPS in limonene

After printing, HIPS supports can be dissolved in limonene. The model is placed into a container with solvent and left until the supports soften or dissolve. Dissolving time depends on HIPS volume, support density, temperature, solvent circulation and model geometry.

• Work with limonene only in a well-ventilated area.
• Use gloves and eye protection.
• Do not use food containers for solvent.
• Do not heat the solvent with an open flame.
• After dissolving, rinse and dry the model according to the main material requirements.
• Do not pour used limonene into drains.

📄 File Download: technical files and certificates

• MSDS/SDS — material safety data sheet.
• TDS — technical data sheet.
• REACH — SVHC report.
• RoHS — restricted substances report.

Safety and storage

HIPS is not classified as a hazardous chemical under GHS, but standard safety measures should be followed during printing and post-processing. Print in a well-ventilated area and avoid overheating, open flames, sparks and hot surfaces. When heated or burned, plastic may release unpleasant and potentially harmful decomposition products.

Store the spool in a cool, dry place away from heat sources, open flames and strong oxidizing agents. After opening, it is better to keep the material in a bag or container with desiccant. Store limonene separately, tightly closed, away from children, food products, fire and direct sunlight.

FAQ

Why buy eSUN HIPS

eSUN HIPS is a practical material for users who print complex models, technical parts and dissolvable supports. It combines impact resistance, heat resistance, ABS-like printing behavior and solubility in limonene. HIPS is especially useful on dual-extruder 3D printers, where a clean surface after support removal and complex geometry are required.