Ultrafuse HIPS vs TPU

Compare Ultrafuse HIPS and TPU filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.

Ultrafuse HIPS vs TPU: Ultrafuse HIPS is known for impact-tolerant, while TPU is known for excellent layer adhesion. Both have no enclosure requirements; Ultrafuse HIPS is less moisture-sensitive; Ultrafuse HIPS prints at higher nozzle temperatures (250°C vs 200-240°C). Choose Ultrafuse HIPS for impact-tolerant, or TPU for excellent layer adhesion.

Key differences at a glance

Property
Ultrafuse HIPS
TPU
Nozzle temp
250°C
200-240°C
Bed temp
100°C
30-60°C
Enclosure needed
No
No
Ease of printing
Easy
Easy
Moisture sensitivity
low
high

Ultrafuse HIPS

-

Impact-tolerant, low density, good for wearables/props

TPU

S

Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Excellent layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; highly durable

Detailed Comparison

Property
Ultrafuse HIPS
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier null
Tier S
Family
HIPS
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
250°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
100°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
not needed
not needed
Cooling
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
low
high

Green marks the generally easier or more forgiving option in that row, based on tier, enclosure needs, and moisture sensitivity. It is not always the better choice for a specific job, so weigh it against what your project actually needs.

Strengths Comparison

Ultrafuse HIPS Strengths

  • Impact-tolerant, low density, good for wearables/props
  • Often used as soluble support for ASA/ABS (limonene)

TPU Strengths

  • Excellent layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; highly durable
  • Great for combat robots, tactical/rough-use parts
  • Rubber-like parts (gaskets, grips, bumpers, wheels)

Considerations

Ultrafuse HIPS Caveats

  • Often positioned as support material, but usable standalone

TPU Caveats

  • Slow printing; retraction can cause jams (especially in Bowden setups)
  • Stringing is common
  • Very moisture sensitive; wet TPU prints poorly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Ultrafuse HIPS and TPU?
Ultrafuse HIPS prints at 250°C nozzle / 100°C bed (No enclosure, low moisture sensitivity). TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed (No enclosure, high moisture sensitivity).
Is Ultrafuse HIPS or TPU stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Ultrafuse HIPS is suited to impact-tolerant, while TPU is suited to excellent layer adhesion.
Which prints at a higher temperature, Ultrafuse HIPS or TPU?
Ultrafuse HIPS prints at a higher temperature (250°C nozzle vs 200-240°C for TPU).
Is Ultrafuse HIPS or TPU better for beginners?
Ultrafuse HIPS is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is low, vs no enclosure and high moisture for TPU.
Should I use Ultrafuse HIPS or TPU for flexible parts?
For flexible parts, TPU is usually the better fit (Excellent layer adhesion). Choose Ultrafuse HIPS instead when impact-tolerant.

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