Thermal conductivity against densityHigher and further left: spreads more heat for its weightThermal expansion against thermal conductivityLower and further right: warps less when heated
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BASF Forward AM (BASF 3D Printing Solutions) Ultrafuse HiPS, TDS v2.2 (13.11.2019), printed specimens, XY 'Flat'. Specimen print settings are not stated; recommended processing on the sheet: nozzle 240-260 °C, bed 100-120 °C, 40-80 mm/s. Product is discontinued (Forward AM product page) but the TDS is still served by Forward AM.
Plastic HDPE
LyondellBasell Hostalen 23050 B high density polyethylene, typical ISO values
1
Hostalen 23050 B Product DataLyondellBasellPlastic HDPE · Yield strength: typical, tensile stress at yield 23 °C, 50 mm/min ISO 527Plastic HDPE · Young's modulus (stiffness): typical, tensile modulus 23 °C ISO 527Plastic HDPE · Density: typical, ISO 1183
Typical Engineering Properties of High Density PolyethyleneINEOS Olefins & Polymers USAarchived copyPlastic HDPE · Poisson's ratio: base material: high-density polyethylene family (INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, Typical Engineering Properties of HDPE)Plastic HDPE · Thermal conductivity: base material: high-density polyethylene family (INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, Typical Engineering Properties of HDPE)Plastic HDPE · Thermal expansion: base material: high-density polyethylene family (INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, Typical Engineering Properties of HDPE)Plastic HDPE · Specific heat: base material: high-density polyethylene family (INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, Typical Engineering Properties of HDPE)
Each number points to the document that states it, with the exact basis. Values without a number are computed from the sourced ones. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.
FDM HIPS is 3D printed: its properties depend on build direction and print settings; these are typical values.
Questions
Mechanical
Is FDM HIPS stronger than Plastic HDPE?
Plastic HDPE is stronger: its yield strength is 24 MPa against tensile strength 18.4 MPa for FDM HIPS (30%).
Which is lighter, FDM HIPS or Plastic HDPE?
Plastic HDPE is lighter: 950 kg/m³ against 1,023 kg/m³ for FDM HIPS.
Which is stiffer, FDM HIPS or Plastic HDPE?
FDM HIPS is stiffer: Young's modulus 1.59 GPa against 0.9 GPa for Plastic HDPE, so the same part in FDM HIPS deflects less under the same load.
Which is lighter for the same job, FDM HIPS or Plastic HDPE?
For the same stiffness or strength: FDM HIPS is lighter for a stiff rod or tie (tension), stiff beam (bending), stiff panel or plate; Plastic HDPE is lighter for a strong rod or tie, strong beam, strong panel or plate.
Part that must be
FDM HIPS
Plastic HDPE
Stiff rod or tie (tension)
lighter
1.64x heavier
Stiff beam (bending)
lighter
23% heavier
Stiff panel or plate
lighter
12% heavier
Strong rod or tie
40% heavier
lighter
Strong beam
29% heavier
lighter
Strong panel or plate
23% heavier
lighter
For the same stiffness or strength, mass scales with density over stiffness (or strength) raised to a power set by how the part is loaded: 1 for a rod in tension, 1/2 for a beam in bending, 1/3 for a panel (the standard material-selection indices).
Thermal
Which conducts heat better, FDM HIPS or Plastic HDPE?
Plastic HDPE conducts heat better: 0.445 W/m·K against 0.17 W/m·K for FDM HIPS.
Which expands less with temperature?
FDM HIPS expands less: 80 µm/m·K against 120 µm/m·K for Plastic HDPE.