Why HIPS is NOT an Ideal Breakaway Support for High-Temperature 3D Printing
When it comes to industrial FDM 3D printing, choosing the right support material is just as important as selecting the right build material. Many desktop 3D printers use HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) as a breakaway support for materials like ABS and ASA, but in high-performance industrial machines—such as Stratasys Fortus systems—HIPS fails due to its low heat resistance.
In Fortus systems, ABS-M30 and ASA require a build chamber temperature of 90-100°C to ensure proper layer adhesion and minimize warping. Unfortunately, HIPS begins to soften at just 85°C, making it unstable and unreliable in these high-temperature conditions.
To address this challenge, NEXT 3DP has developed high-temperature breakaway support materials that remain rigid and easily removable, even in elevated chamber temperatures.
Why HIPS Fails in High-Temperature 3D Printing
1. HIPS Softens in Fortus Build Chamber Temperatures
HIPS Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): ~85°C
Fortus Chamber Temperature for ABS & ASA: 90-100°C
HIPS is not engineered for prolonged exposure to high heat. In industrial printers, it begins to soften, warp, or even melt, which causes:
Support structures to lose shape – Sagging and deformation during printing
Poor overhang support – Features may collapse or shift
Difficult removal – HIPS may bond to the part instead of breaking away cleanly
💡 Key Takeaway: HIPS is fine for low-temperature desktop printers, but in a Fortus system, it cannot withstand the heat.
2. HIPS Cannot Handle Long Print Jobs
Stratasys Fortus systems are designed for large, industrial-grade prints, which can take hours or even days to complete. Unfortunately, HIPS:
Loses stability over long durations
Becomes brittle and prone to crumbling
Fails to maintain proper support integrity throughout the print job
💡 Key Takeaway: Industrial prints require supports that last through long, high-temp builds—HIPS is too unreliable.
NEXT 3DP’s High-Temperature Breakaway Support: The Alternative to HIPS
Recognizing these issues, NEXT 3DP has developed high-temperature breakaway supports that:
✅ Remain rigid at high chamber temperatures
✅ Break away cleanly without fusing to the part
✅ Provide reliable support for large, industrial prints
NEXT 3DP Breakaway Supports: Built for High-Temperature Printing
💡 What Makes NEXT 3DP Breakaway Support Better Than HIPS?
✅ Designed for high-temp chambers – No softening, no warping
✅ Stable for long-duration prints – Won’t collapse or fail mid-print
✅ Breaks away cleanly – No bonding, no excessive post-processing
Why Not HIPS?
Fails at 90-100°C
Unreliable in long prints
Conclusion: Choose the Right Support for High-Temperature 3D Printing
If you’re using a Fortus production system, you need a support material that can withstand high chamber temperatures and long print jobs. HIPS is not the right choice—it softens, deforms, and bonds to the part, making removal difficult and reducing part quality.
Instead, NEXT 3DP’s high-temperature breakaway support materials provide:
✅ Superior thermal stability
✅ Reliable structural integrity
✅ Easy, clean breakaway removal
Don’t let poor support material ruin your prints. Upgrade to NEXT 3DP’s high-temperature breakaway supports for better print quality and easier post-processing.
💬 Have you struggled with HIPS in a high-temperature chamber? Share your experience in the comments! ⬇️
