High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) – The Ultimate Material in 3D Printing

Introduction

High-Impact Polystyrene, abbreviated HIPS, is a highly durable thermoplastic polymer created by the polymerization of polybutadiene to polystyrene. It is especially popular in the field of 3D printing, both as a printing material and as a support material. In this article, we dive deep into the world of HIPS and highlight its properties, the advantages of using it in 3D printing, and how to process it correctly.

Properties of HIPS

HIPS is characterized by a number of remarkable properties that set it apart from other plastics:

• Excellent impact resistance and hardness: As the name "High-Impact" suggests, HIPS has exceptionally high impact resistance. This property makes it ideal for applications that need to be robust and durable.
• Solubility in limonene: One of the outstanding properties of HIPS is its solubility in limonene. This makes it particularly valuable as a support material, as it can be easily removed after printing.
• Aesthetic advantages: HIPS has a bright white color that is not only functional but also aesthetically appealing when used as a visible component.

Processing of HIPS in 3D Printing

Print preparation and settings

Due to its similarities to ABS, the processing steps for HIPS are largely comparable. Here are the essential aspects:

• Prevent warping: HIPS is prone to warping, especially in large-format print projects. A heated print bed (at least 100 °C) and an enclosed build chamber are essential to minimize this problem.
• Use dual extrusion printers: When using HIPS as a support material, we recommend using a 3D printer with a dual extruder, such as the Makerbot Replicator 2. This allows simultaneous printing of main and support materials, which facilitates the removal of the support after printing.

Post-processing of HIPS

HIPS can be post-processed in many ways after printing, especially when printed as a support material. Dissolution in limonene is a preferred method:

• Safety precautions with limonene: Limonene is a chemical that should be handled with care. Wear protective gloves and avoid direct contact with the eyes. Store limonene in a cool, dry place to ensure the best handling.
• Optimization of dissolution: For larger print projects, we recommend manually removing bulky support parts before dissolving the remaining HIPS in limonene. This saves both time and material costs, as limonene is relatively expensive (about 30€/liter).
• Ensure ventilation: During dissolution, the smell of limonene should be inhaled as little as possible to avoid headaches and other health impairments.

Applications and Uses of HIPS

HIPS is used in numerous areas, both as a standalone printing material and as a support material:

1. Support material for complex 3D prints

Thanks to its solubility in limonene, HIPS is the ideal support material for complex geometries in 3D printing, especially when using ABS as the main material.

2. Use as main material

Besides its role as a support material, HIPS can also be used as a main material, especially in applications where high impact resistance and stability are required, such as in model making or prototype development.

3. Aesthetic applications

Due to its bright white color and smooth surface, HIPS is also suitable for applications where the final product requires an appealing appearance.

Conclusion

HIPS is a versatile and powerful material in the field of 3D printing. With its high impact resistance, solubility in limonene, and aesthetic appeal, it offers numerous application possibilities. However, proper handling and processing are crucial to achieve the best results. Use the advantages of HIPS to take your 3D printing projects to the next level.