Soluble support material(s) question
 
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chmax
(@chmax)
Reputable Member
Soluble support material(s) question

 I 'd like to start soluble materials for the contact layer of support structures and having a hard time sorting out what soluble filament(s) to use with what. I use PLA, PETG, PCBlend, and ASA (there is also a roll of ABS still sitting in the shelf but rarely used).

May I kindly ask those that have experience with this to share it here? Thanks in advance. 

Best Answer by hyiger:

 

Posted by: @chmax

 I 'd like to start soluble materials for the contact layer of support structures and having a hard time sorting out what soluble filament(s) to use with what. I use PLA, PETG, PCBlend, and ASA (there is also a roll of ABS still sitting in the shelf but rarely used).

May I kindly ask those that have experience with this to share it here? Thanks in advance. 

For PETG and PLA you can use the opposite as a support material or an interface layer. Example if printing PLA you can use PETG as the support/interface layer and vis versa. They don't stick to each other so can treat both as a "soluble supports". If you need a soluble internal supports then something like PVA will work since it can be dissolved in water. 

For ASA and PC Blend, HIPS is the best support material for break-away supports and interface. HIPS can also be dissolved with d-limonene but can damage ASA if you try to soak the part. For PC parts I just dunk the part in d-limonene to dissolve the HIPS, for ASA I peel it off by hand. 

Posted : 02/05/2026 9:08 pm
hyiger
(@hyiger)
Famed Member
RE:

 

Posted by: @chmax

 I 'd like to start soluble materials for the contact layer of support structures and having a hard time sorting out what soluble filament(s) to use with what. I use PLA, PETG, PCBlend, and ASA (there is also a roll of ABS still sitting in the shelf but rarely used).

May I kindly ask those that have experience with this to share it here? Thanks in advance. 

For PETG and PLA you can use the opposite as a support material or an interface layer. Example if printing PLA you can use PETG as the support/interface layer and vis versa. They don't stick to each other so can treat both as a "soluble supports". If you need a soluble internal supports then something like PVA will work since it can be dissolved in water. 

For ASA and PC Blend, HIPS is the best support material for break-away supports and interface. HIPS can also be dissolved with d-limonene but can damage ASA if you try to soak the part. For PC parts I just dunk the part in d-limonene to dissolve the HIPS, for ASA I peel it off by hand. 

This post was modified 16 hours ago by hyiger
Posted : 02/05/2026 9:46 pm
_KaszpiR_
(@_kaszpir_)
Noble Member
RE: Soluble support material(s) question

If you go to https://help.prusa3d.com/filament-material-guide ans select Dissolvable and Support Material.tjen you can expand two sections and there should be dedicated articles for given material with more details.

See my GitHub and printables.com for some 3d stuff that you may like.

Posted : 02/05/2026 9:57 pm
chmax
(@chmax)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Soluble support material(s) question

 

Posted by: @hyiger 

For ASA and PC Blend, HIPS is the best support material for break-away supports and interface. HIPS can also be dissolved with d-limonene but can damage ASA if you try to soak the part. For PC parts I just dunk the part in d-limonene to dissolve the HIPS, for ASA I peel it off by hand. 

Many thanks! Any brand recommendations for HIPS?

Posted : 03/05/2026 12:30 am
chmax
(@chmax)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE:

Thanks. Alas, the info in the table and the linked article do not really cover much beyond using pla and petg as target materials. A new column for all materials indicating the best soluble interface would be a much more useful option...

Posted by: @_kaszpir_

If you go to https://help.prusa3d.com/filament-material-guide ans select Dissolvable and Support Material.tjen you can expand two sections and there should be dedicated articles for given material with more details.

 

This post was modified 13 hours ago by chmax
Posted : 03/05/2026 12:37 am
hyiger
(@hyiger)
Famed Member
RE: Soluble support material(s) question

 

Posted by: @chmax
Many thanks! Any brand recommendations for HIPS?

Shouldn't really matter. I have a roll of Gizmo Dorks HIPS but any brand will work. 

Posted : 03/05/2026 12:44 am
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