Rigid Substrates: PST/HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

 

High Impact Polystyrene (HIS) is a low cost, tough plastic that is easy to thermoform and fabricate.

 

HIS can be used for point-of-purchase displays and indoor signs where ease of fabrication is essential.

HIPS is often specified for low strength structural applications when impact resistance, machine-ability, and low cost are required. It is frequently used for machining pre-production prototypes since it has excellent dimensional stability and is easy to fabricate, paint and glue.

 

High Impact Polystyrene is Often Used For:

  • Printed graphics
  • Thermoformed machine housings and parts
  • Models and prototypes
  • Shelves
  • Kiosks
  • Fixtures

Performance Characteristics:

  • High impact strength
  • Good machinability
  • Easy to glue, paint, and print
  • Outstanding thermoforming characteristics

Some key features:
      • Can be silk screened, die cut, thermoformed.
      • Inexpensive.
      • Can be folded into shapes and silkscreened.
      • Absorbs very little moisture.
      • Odourless and Tasteless
      • Impact Resistant.
      • Not suitable for use outside. 

 

Applications of HIPS:
      • Appliances (HIPS is extensively used in the refrigeration industry)
      • Packaging (food, electrical equipment)
      • Indoor signage and advertising
      • Machining of prototypes
      • Thermoforming
      • POP display