EconoFil™ HIPS Filament - White- 1.75mm - 1KG

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a durable and lightweight filament commonly used in 3D printing as both a standalone material and a dissolvable support for ABS prints. HIPS prints with a smooth matte finish and offers excellent impact resistance, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.

Why Choose HIPS?

• Dissolvable Support Material: HIPS dissolves in Limonene, making it an ideal support material for ABS prints. Simply submerge your print in Limonene, and the HIPS supports will dissolve, leaving behind a clean and detailed ABS model.
• Durable & Impact-Resistant: Stronger than standard polystyrene, HIPS is lightweight yet tough, capable of withstanding impacts without cracking.
• Easy to Print: Prints smoothly with low warping and excellent adhesion, making it suitable for most FDM 3D printers.

Applications:

• Support Material for ABS: Easily removable with Limonene
• Prototyping & Functional Parts: Strong yet lightweight
• Model Making & Architectural Designs: Matte surface for a professional look
• Enclosures & Containers: Resistant to moisture and chemicals

Additional Features:

• Low Warping & Shrinkage: Ensures reliable prints
• Lightweight & Sturdy: Ideal for structural applications
• Matte Surface Finish: Aesthetically pleasing for final models
• Easy Post-Processing: Can be sanded, painted, and glued easily

Storage & Care:

To maintain optimal print quality, store HIPS filament in a dry, sealed bag with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption. Each spool includes a resealable bag to keep your filament protected when not in use.

• Nozzle temperature: 220-240 °C
• Bed temperature: 90-110 °C
• Shrinkage and warping: Minimal to normal
• Soluble: Yes, in limonene
• Safety warning: Produces toxic fumes during 3D printing

If using limonene with HIPS:

Limonene is a great solvent for HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) filament, making it ideal for removing support structures or even smoothing the surface of your 3D prints. Here's a breakdown of how to use limonene with HIPS filament:

1. Safety First!

• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Limonene is a natural solvent, but it can still produce fumes that may be irritating.
• Gloves: Wear chemical-resistant gloves to protect your skin.
• Eye protection: Consider wearing safety glasses, especially if you're working with a large amount of limonene or if you're concerned about splashes.

2. Preparing Your Print

• Print with HIPS supports: When designing your 3D model, make sure to include HIPS support structures if needed. Ensure your main print is made from a material that is not soluble in limonene, such as ABS or PETG.
• Cool down: Allow your print to cool down completely after printing.

3. The Limonene Bath

• Container: Choose a glass or metal container that is large enough to fully submerge your print. Avoid using plastic containers, as limonene can react with some plastics.
• Limonene: Pour enough limonene into the container to completely cover the HIPS support structures.
• Submerge: Carefully place your 3D print into the limonene bath, ensuring that all the HIPS supports are submerged.

4. Waiting Game

• Dissolving time: The time it takes for the HIPS to dissolve completely will depend on the size and thickness of the supports, as well as the concentration of the limonene. It can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight.
• Check regularly: Check your print periodically to monitor the progress of the HIPS dissolving. You may need to gently agitate the container or use a brush to help loosen the supports.

5. Removal and Cleanup

• Remove print: Once the HIPS supports have dissolved, carefully remove your print from the limonene bath.
• Rinse: Rinse your print thoroughly with water to remove any remaining limonene. You can also use a mild soap if needed.
• Dry: Allow your print to dry completely.
• Dispose of limonene: Dispose of the used limonene properly according to local regulations.

Tips and Considerations

• Purity of limonene: For best results, use pure d-limonene.
• Temperature: Warming the limonene bath slightly can speed up the dissolving process. However, be careful not to overheat it, as limonene is flammable.
• Agitation: Gently agitating the limonene bath or using a brush to loosen the supports can help speed up the process.
• Recycling limonene: You can reuse limonene multiple times, but it will become less effective as it becomes saturated with HIPS.
• Smoothing: You can also use limonene to smooth the surface of your HIPS prints. Briefly dip the print in the limonene bath and then allow it to dry completely.

Important Notes:

• Always test limonene on a small, inconspicuous area of your print first to ensure it doesn't damage the main material.
• Limonene can affect some pigments, so it's always a good idea to test it on a small sample before using it on your final print.
• Be patient! Dissolving HIPS supports can take time, so don't rush the process.

By following these steps, you can effectively use limonene to remove HIPS support structures from your 3D prints, leaving you with a clean and finished product.