PET vs HIPS
How PET and HIPS compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PET is stiffer and better outdoors; HIPS is more heat resistant.
- PET and HIPS print at about the same temperature at the nozzle.
- HIPS typically prints about 20 °C hotter on the bed.
- HIPS is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 90 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 17 PET filaments in 79 colours, and 15 HIPS filaments in 46 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PET | HIPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | ||
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation |
| PET | HIPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polyethylene terephthalate | High-impact polystyrene |
| Filaments listed | 17 | 15 |
| Brands | 13 | 12 |
| Colours | 79 | 46 |
| Nozzle temperature | 220–250 °C | 220–250 °C |
| Bed temperature | 70–90 °C | 90–110 °C |
| Density | 1.34 g/cm³ | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 310 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
3 brands make both PET and HIPS.