PCTG vs HIPS
How PCTG and HIPS compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PCTG is easier to print, tougher, better outdoors and more flexible; HIPS is more heat resistant.
- PCTG typically prints about 10 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- HIPS typically prints about 20 °C hotter on the bed.
- HIPS is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 62 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 26 PCTG filaments in 151 colours, and 15 HIPS filaments in 46 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PCTG | HIPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation |
| PCTG | HIPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol | High-impact polystyrene |
| Filaments listed | 26 | 15 |
| Brands | 13 | 12 |
| Colours | 151 | 46 |
| Nozzle temperature | 230–260 °C | 220–250 °C |
| Bed temperature | 70–90 °C | 90–110 °C |
| Density | 1.23 g/cm³ | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 338 m | about 400 m |
| Max drying temperature | – | – |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
6 brands make both PCTG and HIPS.