About Polystyreen (PS)
All About Polystyreen (PS)HIPS, also known as high impact polystyrene, PS, or Vikreen, is a very strong and rigid thermoplastic material. The sheet material barely absorbs moisture, has good impact resistance, and is approved for food contact. The surface is smooth, excellent for thermoforming, and suitable for printing with graphic techniques such as screen printing.
For these reasons it is a popular material among designers, creators, and the graphic industry. Polystyrene is available as a sheet in various colors: white matte/matte in thicknesses from 0.5 to 3 mm and black matte/matte in 2 mm are available from stock as standard. Other colors, thicknesses, and sizes are available upon request.
The material can be processed by Plano Plastics as desired. We are happy to use our knowledge to think along with you and ultimately achieve a perfect end result.
Specifications
| Material | High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PS, Vikreen |
| Surface | Matte/glossy, smooth and hard |
| Thicknesses | 0.5 – 3 mm |
| Colors | White and black, others upon request |
| Food contact | Approved |
| Moisture absorption | Practically none |
| Editable | Sawing, milling, punching, hot bending, printing |
| Specific gravity | 1.06 kg/m²/mm |
Properties
- Sturdy and strong
- Smooth and hard surface
- Easy to thermoform
- Easy to process and print
- Food safe
- Specific weight 1.06 kg/m²/mm
- Poor chemical resistance
- Suitable for indoor use only
Applications
- Displays and presentation materials
- Screen printing and graphic applications
- Thermoforming and model making
- Food contact materials
- Interior and retail design
- Outdoor applications in direct sunlight
- Contact with solvents and chemicals
Downloads
Alternatives for this product
Frequently asked questions about this material
Is HIPS suitable for outdoor use?
No, HIPS is not UV-stabilized and will discolor and become brittle in direct sunlight. For outdoor applications, we recommend PVC, PET-G, or acrylic.
Can I print on HIPS?
Yes, excellent. The smooth matte surface adheres ink very well and is suitable for screen printing and digital printing. Therefore, HIPS is popular in the graphic arts industry.
Is HIPS food safe?
Yes, HIPS is approved for food contact and is widely used for packaging and displays in the food industry.
Can HIPS be thermoformed?
Yes, HIPS is excellent for thermoforming and is therefore widely used for covers, trays, and model making.
Which colors and thicknesses are available?
White mat/mat ranging from 0.5 to 3 mm and black mat/mat in 2 mm are available from stock as standard. Non-standard colors, thicknesses, and sizes are available upon request.
Is HIPS resistant to chemicals?
No, HIPS has poor resistance to solvents and many chemicals. For chemically demanding environments, PE (polyethylene) is a better alternative.
