HIPS settings for the Prusa MK4
Possible with tweaks
These are tuned starting settings for printing HIPS on the Prusa MK4. The Prusa MK4 has a direct-drive extruder and an all-metal hotend, so we set the hotend to 235°C and the bed to 100°C. HIPS is a break-away or limonene-dissolvable support best paired with ABS in an enclosure.
235°C
Hotend
100°C
Bed
63 mm/s
Speed
0%
Part fan
Recommended HIPS profile
| Hotend temperature | 235°C (tower 225–245°C) |
| Bed temperature | 100°C |
| Print speed | 63 mm/s |
| Retraction | 1 mm (direct drive) |
| Part cooling fan | 0% |
| Bed adhesion | Pairs with ABS; dissolves in limonene. |
| Nozzle | Brass 0.4 mm is fine |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
⚠️ HIPS warps without an enclosure and the Prusa MK4 is open-frame. Block drafts, raise the bed temp, and add a brim; for tall parts an enclosure is strongly recommended.
💡 Best uses for HIPS: dissolvable supports for ABS.
FAQ
- What temperature should I print HIPS on the Prusa MK4?
- Start at 235°C for the hotend and 100°C for the bed, then run a temperature tower across 225–245°C to dial in your exact filament brand.
- What print speed works for HIPS on this printer?
- Around 63 mm/s is a safe starting point on the Prusa MK4. This printer can go faster once the profile is tuned, but start conservative for clean walls.
- What retraction should I use?
- Use about 1 mm of retraction (direct drive needs very little). If you see stringing with HIPS, raise retraction speed before distance and dry the filament.
- Do I need an enclosure for HIPS on the Prusa MK4?
- Yes — HIPS really wants an enclosure and the Prusa MK4 is open, so expect warping on large parts without one.