HIPS | Raven Black 1.75mm

HIPS Raven Black by NFIL3D is a High Impact Polystyrene 3D printer filament designed for engineers, makers, designers and professionals seeking a versatile material for FDM and FFF 3D printing. Its deep Raven Black colour is suitable for engineering prototypes, architectural models, industrial design concepts, creative objects and removable support structures in compatible multi-material printing systems.

HIPS stands for High Impact Polystyrene, a thermoplastic material with rubber modification that provides useful toughness, moderate mechanical properties and practical dimensional stability.

HIPS Raven Black features a nominal 1.75mm filament diameter, manufacturer-advertised ±0.015mm diameter tolerance and specified 1kg net filament weight. NFIL3D also highlights consistent colour, two desiccants for storage and more than 30 years of experience in polymer materials and processing.

Unlike conventional PLA, HIPS has different thermal, mechanical and solvent-response characteristics. It is especially valued for its ability to dissolve in d-limonene, making it a potential support material for appropriately selected 3D printed models.

Why Choose HIPS Raven Black?

HIPS Raven Black offers a useful combination of practical material characteristics and a professional black appearance.

High Impact Polystyrene is often selected for soluble supports, technical demonstration models and prototype components that do not require high structural strength.

Its material characteristics make it different from conventional PLA, ABS and PETG.

The dark Raven Black appearance is suitable for product housings, mechanical mock-ups, architectural models and industrial-style decorative objects.

One of the most important advantages of HIPS is its compatibility with d-limonene-based dissolution processes.

However, solvent compatibility with the main printed object must be checked carefully. Certain model materials, including some ABS and ASA formulations, can also be damaged by d-limonene.

For dependable printing, use suitable nozzle temperatures, a heated bed, good surface adhesion and effective ventilation.

Key Features and Benefits of HIPS Raven Black

1. High Impact Polystyrene Material

HIPS Raven Black is manufactured from the High Impact Polystyrene material category.

HIPS is based on polystyrene modified with rubber components to enhance impact performance relative to unmodified polystyrene.

It offers moderate mechanical properties and can be considered for design prototypes, presentation models and selected non-critical printed components.

The original description states “Higher Strength than Regular PLA.” However, HIPS and PLA have different mechanical profiles.

Tensile strength, impact resistance, stiffness and elongation should be evaluated separately.

Without comparative testing for this specific formulation, HIPS should not be described as universally stronger than regular PLA.

The performance of completed prints also depends on part geometry, wall thickness, infill and print orientation.

2. Deep Raven Black Colour

HIPS Raven Black features an attractive black appearance suitable for technical and creative 3D printing.

The colour works well for equipment mock-ups, miniature mechanical assemblies, geometric sculptures and decorative components.

Raven Black can provide strong visual contrast when combined with white, silver, grey or brightly coloured components.

Designers may use the filament to create concept models with a professional industrial appearance.

NFIL3D highlights consistent colour as one of its product characteristics.

The final shade and surface sheen may vary according to printing temperature, layer height, cooling and lighting.

3. Dissolvable Support Material for Complex Designs

One of the most useful properties of HIPS Raven Black is its potential use as a dissolvable support filament.

HIPS can dissolve in d-limonene, which allows support structures to be removed using an appropriate solvent process.

This can be beneficial for models containing difficult overhangs, cavities or complex internal geometry.

A compatible dual-extrusion or multi-material 3D printer is generally required when HIPS supports and the main model use different materials.

The model material must be checked for solvent compatibility before attempting support dissolution.

HIPS is not water-soluble.

Some ABS and ASA formulations can be damaged by d-limonene, so compatibility should never be assumed.

When handling d-limonene, use appropriate protective equipment, ventilation and chemical safety procedures.

4. Precision 1.75mm Filament Diameter

HIPS Raven Black features a nominal filament diameter of 1.75mm.

NFIL3D advertises a filament diameter tolerance of ±0.015mm.

Controlled filament dimensions are important for consistent extrusion because slicing software calculates material volume based on the selected filament diameter.

Large variations in diameter may contribute to inconsistent extrusion, irregular wall widths or surface defects.

Consistent material feeding can support better repeatability when the printer is correctly calibrated.

The advertised ±0.015mm figure refers to the filament diameter, not guaranteed dimensional accuracy of the finished object.

Final part dimensions also depend on printer calibration, cooling, shrinkage and model design.

5. Printing Speed and Extrusion Performance

HIPS Raven Black is intended for suitably configured FDM and FFF printers using an appropriate HIPS material profile.

The original product description advertises printing speeds between 50mm/s and 750mm/s.

However, the 750mm/s upper speed has not been verified through product-specific performance data.

Actual speed depends on the printer’s motion system, acceleration, hotend volumetric flow, nozzle diameter, layer height and geometry.

For reliable results, begin with moderate printing speeds and increase gradually after calibration.

A claimed maximum speed is not a guarantee of good print quality at that speed.

6. Moderate Mechanical Properties and Lightweight Design

HIPS Raven Black offers the characteristics of High Impact Polystyrene for appropriate model-making and prototyping applications.

HIPS is relatively lightweight and provides moderate rigidity and impact resistance.

These characteristics can make it useful for non-critical housings, design prototypes and display components.

The exact performance of NFIL3D’s formulation has not been established through product-specific mechanical data.

Printed components should be evaluated before use in demanding applications.

HIPS should not automatically replace a stronger engineering filament when high loads, continuous wear or elevated temperatures are expected.

7. Moisture Management with Two Desiccants

HIPS Raven Black is described as including two desiccants.

These are intended to help reduce humidity exposure when the filament is stored in sealed packaging.

The original product claim “No Moisture” should not be interpreted as permanent protection from humidity.

Although HIPS is generally less moisture-sensitive than some highly hygroscopic materials, suitable dry storage remains important.

After opening the spool, keep unused filament in an airtight container or sealed protective bag with suitable desiccant.

If printing problems develop after extended storage, follow the manufacturer’s handling and drying recommendations.

8. Full 1kg Net Filament Weight

Each spool of HIPS Raven Black is specified to contain 1kg net weight of usable filament.

The empty spool and external packaging are excluded from the stated net weight.

This makes it easier to plan material consumption for technical models and support structures.

Cura, PrusaSlicer and other compatible slicers can estimate filament requirements before printing.

Actual consumption depends on model geometry, wall thickness, support density, infill and selected slicing settings.

9. Consistent Raven Black Colour

NFIL3D highlights consistent colour formulation as a feature of its filament products.

Colour consistency is useful when creating several matching printed components for a prototype or presentation model.

HIPS Raven Black can be used for matching mechanical mock-ups, decorative objects, miniature structures and non-critical product housings.

Keeping similar printing temperatures and surface settings can also help reduce differences in visual appearance.

For colour-critical projects, compare actual printed samples before beginning batch production.

10. Backed by 30+ Years of Polymer Experience

NFIL3D highlights more than 30 years of experience in polymer raw materials, additives and processing.

This background supports its filament formulation and manufacturing approach.

Its HIPS product range offers multiple colour options for suitable prototyping, soluble-support and creative printing applications.

Applications of HIPS Raven Black

Soluble Support Structures

HIPS Raven Black can be used as dissolvable support material in compatible multi-material printing workflows.

Temporary supports can help produce complex features, difficult overhangs and internal cavities.

Always test compatibility between the model material, HIPS and the selected solvent.

Engineering Prototypes and Mechanical Models

HIPS Raven Black can be considered for conceptual mechanical components, fit-testing models and non-critical demonstration parts.

Its deep black colour can give technical prototypes a professional appearance.

Product Housings and Equipment Mock-Ups

Create appearance prototypes of electronic housings, equipment covers and industrial product concepts.

Functional mechanical, electrical and thermal requirements must be assessed separately.

Architectural Models and Industrial Miniatures

HIPS Raven Black is suitable for miniature buildings, industrial structures, scale models and product presentation pieces.

The black finish is useful for industrial-style designs and contrasting assemblies.

Robotics and Automation Concepts

Produce robot housing mock-ups, mechanical demonstration components and non-critical conceptual mounts.

Finished parts exposed to repeated mechanical loads should be tested appropriately.

Workshop Organizers and Accessories

Use the filament for suitable organizer prototypes, positioning aids, holder concepts and other non-critical accessories.

Creative Sculptures and Customized Models

HIPS Raven Black can be used for geometric sculptures, decorative models, personalized accessories and customized display objects.

Educational and STEM Projects

Create technical demonstration models, design samples and engineering teaching aids.

HIPS printing and solvent processing should be performed with appropriate supervision and ventilation.

HIPS Raven Black Technical Specifications

Recommended Printing Settings for HIPS Raven Black

For dependable printing with HIPS Raven Black, begin with an appropriate HIPS slicing profile and verify the printer’s material compatibility.

Nozzle Temperature

Use the product-specific nozzle temperature recommended by NFIL3D.

For general reference, Prusa recommends approximately 225–255°C for its HIPS formulation.

This is a reference range from another HIPS material, not a verified operating specification for this NFIL3D product.

The printer must have a temperature-rated hotend.

Heated Bed Temperature

A compatible heated bed is recommended.

Prusa’s HIPS reference guidance lists approximately 100–110°C for its material.

The correct bed temperature for NFIL3D HIPS may vary according to the formulation, surface and printer.

Printing Speed

HIPS Raven Black should initially be printed at a moderate speed supported by the machine.

A starting calibration range around 40–60mm/s may be useful for many conventional FDM printers.

This is only a starting suggestion, not a verified manufacturer speed specification.

Increase speed after confirming extrusion quality, bed adhesion and consistent material flow.

Do not assume that 750mm/s printing is achievable without appropriate testing.

Printer Enclosure

Stable printing conditions are recommended.

An enclosure can help reduce rapid cooling and improve consistency when producing larger parts.

Layer Height

A 0.20mm layer height is a useful starting point with a standard 0.4mm nozzle.

Adjust according to the model’s detail and surface-quality requirements.

Cooling Fan

Use cooling settings appropriate for the selected HIPS formulation and model geometry.

Excessive cooling may reduce interlayer bonding or contribute to dimensional problems.

Bed Adhesion

Use a HIPS-compatible print surface and appropriate adhesion preparation.

A brim may improve adhesion for large models or parts with a small build-plate contact area.

Multi-Material Printing

For soluble supports, calibrate nozzle alignment, material transitions and the support interface.

Verify solvent compatibility with the model filament before beginning a complex print.

Ventilation and Emission Control

HIPS is a polystyrene-based thermoplastic.

Heating it may release airborne particles and volatile organic compounds.

Use effective ventilation and appropriate emission-control equipment.

Avoid printing in poorly ventilated occupied rooms.

Filament Storage

Keep unused material inside sealed, dry packaging with suitable desiccant.

For independent technical guidance, see the Prusa HIPS Material Guide.

Tips for Better HIPS Raven Black Prints

Before printing a large model, begin with a small calibration test.

Make sure the hotend and heated bed support the selected HIPS temperature profile.

Keep the build plate clean and use an appropriate adhesion method.

Maintain stable ambient temperatures and avoid direct cold drafts.

Start with moderate print speeds and monitor extrusion consistency.

For large flat-bottomed models, consider using a brim.

If printed corners lift, review first-layer settings, bed preparation and cooling conditions.

For soluble-support applications, test the model material’s resistance to d-limonene before full-scale printing.

Use suitable protective equipment and ventilation when handling solvents.

Keep HIPS filament in dry storage between printing sessions.

For an even Raven Black appearance, maintain consistent temperatures and outer-wall settings.

Evaluate completed parts before using them for mechanically demanding applications.

Frequently Asked Questions About HIPS Raven Black

What is HIPS Raven Black?

HIPS Raven Black is NFIL3D’s High Impact Polystyrene 3D printing filament in Raven Black colour, designed for compatible 1.75mm FDM and FFF printers.

What does HIPS stand for?

HIPS stands for High Impact Polystyrene.

Is HIPS Raven Black stronger than PLA?

There is no universal strength comparison. HIPS and PLA have different mechanical characteristics, and exact comparisons require relevant test data.

Can HIPS Raven Black be used for soluble supports?

Yes. It can be used as removable support material in compatible multi-material printing systems, provided the model material and solvent-removal process are suitable.

Does HIPS Raven Black dissolve in water?

No. HIPS is not water-soluble. It can dissolve in d-limonene under appropriate conditions.

Can HIPS Raven Black print at 750mm/s?

The supplied manufacturer description advertises that upper speed, but it has not been verified through product-specific testing.

What is the filament diameter?

The nominal diameter is 1.75mm, with an advertised ±0.015mm diameter tolerance.

Does HIPS Raven Black require a heated bed?

A heated bed is recommended for reliable HIPS printing.

Is HIPS Raven Black suitable for functional parts?

It can be evaluated for suitable non-critical applications. Parts exposed to significant loads, wear or heat should be tested appropriately.

How should HIPS Raven Black be stored?

Store unused filament in an airtight container or sealed protective bag with suitable desiccant.

Does the spool contain 1kg of filament?

The product listing specifies 1kg net filament weight, excluding the empty spool and packaging.

Buy HIPS Raven Black at NFIL3D

HIPS Raven Black combines a professional black appearance with the material characteristics of High Impact Polystyrene.

With its nominal 1.75mm diameter, advertised ±0.015mm tolerance, specified 1kg net filament weight and two desiccants, it is a versatile option for appropriately equipped FDM printing systems.

Whether you are developing engineering prototypes, presentation models, architectural structures, creative designs or suitable dissolvable support structures, HIPS offers a specialized material option.

Explore the NFIL3D HIPS Filament Collection for other colours, including Natural White and Snow White.

Visit the NFIL3D Store for additional filaments, 3D printers and printing accessories.