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