1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White is a high‑performance, easy‑to‑print High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) filament from FormFutura. It is engineered to serve two primary roles: an outstanding soluble support material for complex dual‑extrusion prints with ABS, and a beautiful stand‑alone material for creating lightweight, durable models with an exceptionally smooth matte white finish.
Whether you are a beginner exploring functional materials or an advanced user seeking reliable support structures, EasyFil HIPS offers a unique combination of impact resistance, thermal stability, and chemical inertness that sets it apart from standard HIPS filaments.
What Makes 1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White Unique?
EasyFil HIPS is not ordinary HIPS. It has been specially formulated to be slightly softer and more flexible than regular HIPS filaments, which significantly enhances its impact resistance and reduces the risk of cracking during handling. This material is chemically inert, possesses outstanding hygienic properties, and delivers a very smooth printing experience with fine details and an extremely matte surface finish.
- Excellent Thermal Stability: EasyFil HIPS maintains dimensional accuracy even under varying temperature conditions.
- High Impact Resistance: Withstands shocks and stresses better than PLA, making it suitable for functional prototypes.
- Lightweight: Printed parts are lighter than those made with many other engineering materials.
- UL 94HB Flame Retardancy: Engineered to meet basic flammability standards for added safety.
Key Applications of 1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White
1. Soluble Support Material for Complex ABS Prints
The standout feature of HIPS is its solubility in limonene, a natural citrus‑based solvent. When paired with a dual‑extruder 3D printer, EasyFil HIPS can be used to print support structures for ABS models. After printing, the entire part is submerged in a limonene bath, and the HIPS supports dissolve completely within approximately 8 to 24 hours, leaving behind a clean, flawless surface with no residue, even in hard‑to‑reach overhangs. Because HIPS prints at similar temperatures (around 220–260°C) to ABS, it is the most compatible dissolvable support material for ABS.
2. High‑Quality Stand‑Alone Printing
When not used as a support, 1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White excels as a primary material. It produces models with an extremely smooth, bright white, matte surface finish that looks and feels premium. Its light weight and high impact resistance make it an excellent choice for:
- Lightweight structural parts
- Functional prototypes that require durability
- Protective packaging and containers
- Models requiring painting or post‑processing (it can be sanded, primed, painted, and even smoothed with acetone vapour)
Recommended Print Settings for 1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White
To achieve optimal results with EasyFil HIPS, follow these general guidelines. Note that slight adjustments may be required depending on your specific printer and environment.
Post‑Processing: Sanding, Painting, and Smoothing
EasyFil HIPS offers excellent post‑processing versatility:
- Sanding and Painting: The material can be easily sanded, primed, and painted with acrylic paints, allowing for high‑quality surface finishes.
- Acetone Vapour Smoothing: For a truly smooth and shiny surface, printed parts can be treated with acetone vapour, similar to ABS.
- Adhesive Bonding: EasyFil HIPS can be glued using a variety of adhesives, including styrene glues, epoxy‑based adhesives, superglues, and contact adhesives.
Material Comparison: HIPS vs. PLA and ABS
The table below helps you understand where EasyFil HIPS fits in relation to two other popular filaments.
| Property | PLA | HIPS | ABS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Printing | Very easy (low warp) | Moderate (some warp) | Challenging (high warp) |
| Strength | High (brittle) | Moderate (flexible/impact‑resistant) | High |
| Impact Resistance | Low (shatters) | High | High |
| Heat Resistance | Low (50–60°C) | Moderate (~70–80°C) | High (~100°C) |
| Solubility | Insoluble | Soluble in Limonene | Insoluble |
| Odor | Sweet, pleasant | Very low | Unpleasant (styrene fumes) |
| UV Resistance | Poor | Good | Moderate |
| Typical Use | Aesthetic models, prototypes | Support material for ABS, functional parts | Functional parts, automotive |
Sourcing and Availability of 1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White
- Diameter: 1.75mm ± 0.05mm.
- Spool Weight: Available in 0.75 kg (750 g) coils.
- Colour: Extremely bright white, with an extremely smooth matte finish.
- Compliance: RoHS and REACH compliant.
- Origin: Manufactured in the Netherlands.
FAQ: 1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White
Q1: Is 1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White compatible with all 3D printers?
A: Yes. It is compatible with all common desktop 3D printers that can reach 220–260°C and have a heated bed capable of 80–110°C. It is also compatible with Bambu Lab AMS systems.
Q2: How long does it take for HIPS supports to dissolve in limonene?
A: Typically, fully submerged HIPS supports dissolve within 8 to 24 hours. The exact time depends on the volume of support material and the temperature of the limonene bath.
Q3: Can I use EasyFil HIPS White as a primary material for mechanical parts?
A: Yes. While it is famous as a support material, EasyFil HIPS is a durable, impact‑resistant, and lightweight material that performs well for functional parts and prototypes.
Q4: Does EasyFil HIPS White require an enclosure?
A: While not strictly required, an enclosure helps prevent warping on larger prints. The material has very limited warping compared to ABS, but a consistent ambient temperature is beneficial.
Q5: Is limonene safe to use for dissolving HIPS?
A: Limonene is a natural citrus‑based solvent found in lemon peel. It is generally safe but should be used in a well‑ventilated area. It has a pleasant citrus smell and does not attack ABS, making it ideal for post‑processing composite prints.
Q6: Can I paint or glue EasyFil HIPS White after printing?
A: Absolutely. EasyFil HIPS can be sanded, primed, and painted with acrylic paints. It also bonds well with a variety of adhesives, including superglues and epoxy.
Conclusion: The White‑Glove Solution for Complex 3D Printing
1.75mm EasyFil HIPS White is more than just a filament—it is a dual‑purpose engineering material. For makers and professionals working with ABS, it is the gold standard for soluble supports, enabling complex geometries and flawless overhangs. For those seeking a standalone material, it delivers beautiful, lightweight, and durable matte white parts with excellent impact resistance. With its improved flexibility, high thermal stability, and ease of printing, EasyFil HIPS bridges the gap between standard PLA and challenging ABS.
Ready to elevate your 3D printing projects? Contact our engineering team for technical support or to explore our full range of high‑performance filaments.
